Sam Morelos stars as Abby in "Summer of 69" Courtesy: Hulu “Summer of 69”

In Summer of 69, now streaming on Hulu, Filipino American actor Sam Morelos stars as Abby — a shy teen gamer slowly learning to take up space in a world that often overlooks girls like her.

This isn’t just a lead role — it’s a landmark. Summer of 69 may be the first major American coming-of-age comedy centered on a Filipina character. For Morelos, 19, the project is both historic and deeply personal.

“I got so many messages from other Filipino artists, or just Filipinos in general. They were like: ‘Thank you. I love it, it’s so cool to see someone who looks like me on-screen.’ Genuinely, it fills my heart with joy,” Morelos shares.

They light up describing the attention to detail on set: “The set designer is also an Asian woman. She put up a Filipino flag in my bedroom, mangoes in the kitchen, and a ‘Live, laugh, lumpia’ sign. It was very intentional. Everyone took care of the culture.”

Morelos, known for That ’90s Show, was stunned to see authentic Filipino representation written into the script. “When there was a casting call for my parents, and my team sent a screenshot… Emy’s (Coligado) character was specifically a Filipina. My jaw was on the floor. I’d never seen that in a casting breakdown.”

Raised in a tight-knit Filipino household in Los Angeles, Morelos found resonance in Abby’s story — especially her social awkwardness.

“I was also an awkward loner in high school,” they admit. “I overcompensated in social settings, then went home and didn’t talk to anyone. I’d rehearse icebreakers. I was so socially awkward.”

Sam and family. Courtesy: Jennifer Esclamado-Morelos

They recently watched the film with classmates at NYU, where they study. “Afterward, they were like: ‘That was just Sam.’ I really learned a lot from Abby — especially that the best version of myself comes when I’m most confident in my skin.”

Director Jillian Bell (Brittany Runs a Marathon) recalls the moment Sam auditioned — from the dressing room of That ’90s Show. “I was like, ‘Who is this?’ Sam had this amazing quality… wise beyond their years but still a kid. It really translated onscreen.”

Morelos is joined by Saturday Night Live alum Chloe Fineman, who plays an eccentric stripper named Santa Monica, and High School Musical’s Matt Cornett, who plays Abby’s crush.

“It was scary at first,” Fineman says. “But also refreshing. In sketch comedy, you’re not allowed to really feel things. This role was heaven.”

Morelos hopes the film sparks conversations about visibility and belonging. In Summer of 69, they’re not just playing a lead — they’re opening a door.