Basic Information
| Full Name | Samantha Rae Jenkins |
|---|---|
| Age | 18–19 |
| Occupation | Circus performer and theatre actress |
| Affiliation | Midnight Circus |
| Skills | acrobatics, juggling, tightwire walking, mandolin |
| Notable Role | Giselle in The Year I Didn’t Go to School (2015) |
Samantha Rae Jenkins: Rising Performer
Samantha Rae Jenkins (age 18–19 in 2025) began performing with Midnight Circus as a child. She executes acrobatics, juggling, tightwire walking, rola‑bola and mandolin in Chicago parks and starred as Giselle in The Year I Didn’t Go to School at age 10 in 2015.
The Jenkins Circus Legacy
Founded in 1995 by Jeff Jenkins and Julie Greenberg, Midnight Circus brings professional-level acts to underserved neighborhoods. The family initiative has raised over $900,000 for Chicago park improvements through its annual “Circus in the Parks” tours.
Family Members and Roles
| Name | Relationship | Role in Midnight Circus | Other Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samantha Rae Jenkins | Daughter | Acrobat, juggler, tightwire artist | Lead in 2015 Chicago Children’s Theatre production |
| Jeff Jenkins | Father | Ringmaster, co‑founder | Former Ringling clown |
| Julie Greenberg | Mother | Artistic director, aerialist | Film and theater actress |
| Maxwell Jenkins | Son/Brother | Acrobat, juggler, musician | Actor in Lost in Space and Reacher |
Career and Community Impact
- Samantha’s Acts: Performs complex aerial straps routines (2022 Humboldt Park) and band pieces (2021 McKinley Park).
- Maxwell’s Profile: Began circus at age 3; earned Saturn Award nominations and starred in Netflix’s Lost in Space (2018–21) and Amazon’s Reacher (2022).
- Philanthropy: Family circus allocates ticket proceeds to fund playground upgrades and community events.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
The family’s earnings derive from circus ticket sales, touring merchandise, and Maxwell’s screen roles. Exact net worth figures remain private, but Maxwell’s roles in high‑profile series likely represent the largest individual income stream.
FAQ
Who is Samantha Rae Jenkins?
She is an 18–19‑year‑old performer in Midnight Circus known for acrobatics, juggling, tightwire walking and musical accompaniment.
What is Midnight Circus?
Midnight Circus is a Chicago‑based family circus founded in 1995 that raises funds for neighborhood park improvements.
Who are Samantha’s parents?
Her father, Jeff Jenkins, serves as ringmaster and co‑founder; her mother, Julie Greenberg, directs the artistic vision and performs aerial acts.
What acting roles has Maxwell Jenkins held?
Maxwell starred as Will Robinson in Lost in Space (2018–21) and portrayed young Jack Reacher in Reacher (2022).
How much has Midnight Circus raised for Chicago parks?
The circus has generated over $900,000 in park funding since its inception.
References
| Source | Description |
|---|---|
| https://www.chicagotribune.com/2018/08/24/the-entire-family-behind-midnight-circus-in-the-parks-is-in-on-the-act/ | Samantha’s age around 10 in 2018, highlighting her long involvement with Midnight Circus. |
| https://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment-life/article529531.html | Samantha’s involvement in Midnight Circus performing acrobatics and playing the mandolin. |
| https://digitaledition.chicagotribune.com/tribune/article_popover.aspx?guid=e35407fb-779c-4c2f-97ee-c05376b1e39e | Samantha played the lead role of Giselle in *The Year I Didn’t Go to School* at Chicago Children’s Theatre in 2015. |
| https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20170919/north-center/midnight-circus-sam-julie-jeffrey-max-jenkins/ | The Jenkins family raised over $900,000 for park improvements through Midnight Circus. |
| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxwell_Jenkins | Maxwell Jenkins, Samantha’s brother, is an actor known for *Lost in Space* and *Reacher*. |
| https://www.midnightcircus.net/performers-2023 | The 2023 Midnight Circus season featured a new lineup of performers. |
| https://mckinleypark.news/news/2078-midnight-circus-amazes-again-in-mckinley-park | Samantha and Maxwell performed as part of the Midnight Circus band during a show in McKinley Park in 2021. |
| https://www.chicagotribune.com/2022/10/01/midnight-circus-2022-open-air-tour/ | Samantha performed on a ring attached to straps during a show in Humboldt Park in 2022. |
