Get to know Sam Asghari, Britney Spears' ex-husband
After nearly seven years of being together, pop icon Britney Spears and her husband Sam Asghari have decided to part ways.
The latter announced their separation on Friday, Aug. 18 via his Instagram story. "After 6 years of love and commitment to each other my wife and I have decided to end our journey together," the Iranian-born model wrote.
"We will hold onto the love and respect we have for each other and I wish her the best always," the 29-year-old added. "Asking for privacy seems ridiculous so I will just ask for everyone including media to be kind and thoughtful."
Britney confirmed the divorce on her Instagram page on Aug. 19, saying she was shocked and that she will not be talking about it because it's nobody's business.
"I couldn’t take the pain anymore honestly!!! In some sort of telepathic way, I have been receiving so many messages that melt my heart from friends and I thank you!!! I’ve been playing it strong for way too long and my Instagram may seem perfect but it’s far from reality and I think we all know that," Britney said. "I would love to show my emotions and tears on how I really feel but [for] some reason I’ve always had to hide my weaknesses."
"I will be as strong as I can and do my best !!! And I’m actually doing pretty damn good !!! Anyways have a good day and don’t forget to smile," the multi-awarded singer wrote.
Prior to this, Sam is known to be supportive of Britney, especially during the conservatorship controversy between her parents. They are also known to be open about their relationship on social media, such as posting their date nights and working out sessions together.
Despite all this, some have been wondering: who is this Iranian gym buff that once captured the heart of the “Princess of Pop?”
Sam, or Hesan, was born on March 3, 1994, in Tehran, Iran, and is the youngest and the only boy of the siblings. He moved to the United States when he was 12, and since then, he has worked his whole life building his career.
Growing up in Iran, Sam shared in his interview with GQ magazine that he just learned to speak English a few years after through ESL classes and by watching a Disney classic, Hannah Montana.
At a young age, he was mostly fond of sports so he became part of the football team in his freshman days in high school.
Here's everything else you need to know about the Iranian actor-model.
Journey to being physically and mentally fit
Sam gave up football after failing to secure a scholarship. Since then, Sam studied criminal justice at Los Angeles Pierce College, while at the same time, he worked three jobs to support himself: being a Best Buy clerk, a Gold’s Gym sales representative, and a nightclub bouncer.
Sam is undeniably remarkable for his toned body. But he wasn’t this fit and healthy his whole life. In his interview with Men’s Health magazine in 2018, Sam revealed that he used to stress-eat unhealthy foods at that time
“I was eating Doritos for breakfast, fast food, sugar, candy, no protein, a lot of carbs, and drinking sugary sodas,” he shared. “My nutrition was extremely horrible.
“The stress and the fear of not going anywhere [in life] combined gave me my depression,” he added.
After seeing a football game on TV one fateful night, he said he remembered his past self, which prompted him to change his lifestyle.
The 29-year-old model enrolled himself in Gold’s Smart Nutrition course, where he learned more about nutrition, anatomy, and personal training. His workouts, however, are self-taught by watching YouTube videos.
Currently, he owns an online personal training subscription service called Asghari Fitness, where subscribers can avail themselves of personalized programs, video demonstrations, customized meal plans, and more priced at $9 (P505) per week.
His modeling career
In the same interview, Sam shared he is mostly focused on his career as a trainer. It was not until his sister suggested to try his shot and model for fashion designer Michael Costello.
“I was a very masculine guy — I played football and was in the police academy,” he shared. “At the time, my Sunday best was basketball shorts. My sister said, ‘I will take you to this audition, just come with me,’” Sam added.
It paved the way for him to walk his first-ever runway show in Palm Springs. He also had the chance to get his first commercial at age 22: a Super Bowl ad for Toyota Prius.
Sam also got the chance to be a part of Britney’s music video for Slumber Party in 2016, where they said the two first met.
You may have also seen him in Fifth Harmony’s music video for Work From Home where he played one of the ripped, good-looking construction workers.
His acting career
Sam has also ventured into his acting career. He was part of the 2019 romantic-comedy film Can You Keep a Secret? with stars Tyler Hoechlin and Alexandra Daddario. He also played as “Sexy Santa” in an episode of the 2021 HBO Max series Hacks.
His latest appearance was in the 2022 action-thriller film Hot Seat with Kevin Dillon and Mel Gibson.
“Action is something that I want to do—action, drama, thriller—that’s a genre that I want to really get into,” he previously shared with Variety. “But if you can do comedy, you can do anything.”
He also has an upcoming film Holiday Twist, starring Kelly Stables, Sean Astin, and Neal McDonough, among others.