Sam Kratz

Sam Kratz is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Neighbours, played by Richard Grieve. Grieve was unsure about attending the audition for the character when he learned that producers were looking for "a mega-hunk". He borrowed a leather jacket to make himself look more like the character, and he was told that he had the role a week after the audition. He relocated to Melbourne for filming and Neighbours marked his first major television role. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 13 June 1994. The character was created following the departure of the serial's male "pin-up" Brad Willis (Scott Michaelson). He was given immediate links to other characters through his grandmother, Marlene Kratz (Moya O'Sullivan), who asks him to check on her recent house purchase. Grieve described his character as friendly, laid-back, upfront, and a "natural guy". He wanted to be more like Sam, as he did not worry as much as Grieve or have a bad temper.

Sam's passion is his motorbike and he is often seen in leathers. Grieve admitted that scenes of him riding the bike were "camera trickery" as he did not have a licence. Sam is popular with the female characters. He befriends Serendipity Gottlieb (Raelee Hill) and they have a brief relationship. Sam later attracts the attentions of school student Squirrel (Brooke Howden), who develops a crush on him. She announces that she is pregnant with his child, despite them never having sex. The situation occurs at bad time for Sam, who is experiencing a "downward spiral". However, it also brings him and Annalise Hartman (Kimberley Davies) closer, as she believes he is innocent. There was an instant attraction between Sam and Annalise, but writers kept her with Mark Gottlieb (Bruce Samazan), until their wedding day in the 1994 season finale, where Mark broke up with her. Davies thought Sam was the type of man her character would normally go for.

In order to facilitate Davies' departure from the show, writers scripted an affair between Annalise and Sam's friend Stonefish Rebecchi (Anthony Engelman), which he discovers during the 1995 season finale. Grieve admitted to being taken aback by the storyline, but found it to be both challenging and rewarding. Sam and Stonie's friendship is badly impacted by the affair and Sam becomes embittered. Later storylines saw him embark on a career as a model and establish a relationship with Cody Willis (Peta Brady). For his portrayal of Sam, Grieve was nominated for Most Popular Newcomer at the National Television Awards in 1995. Critics also branded him a "heart-throb", a "hunk" and a "rough diamond". At the time, Grieve received the most fan mail out of all the male actors. Grieve quit Neighbours in early 1996 to pursue his career overseas, and his departure aired on 21 June 1996. Grieve reprised his role for the show's 20th anniversary episode in July 2005, and for a guest stint on 13 August 2025 until 4 December 2025.