Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Sam Wills

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 26, 2026

How Sam Wills built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Sam Wills, a New Zealand prop comic and mime artist, is known for his performances as The Boy With Tape On His Face, later Tape Face. He gained recognition through acts like Spitroast and appearances at events like the New Zealand International Comedy Festival and the World Buskers Festival. Wills achieved wider fame as a finalist on the eleventh season of America's Got Talent, solidifying his career as a unique and engaging comedic performer.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

2001: Pulp Comedy Appearance and Award

In 2001, Sam Wills earned his first Pulp Comedy appearance and received the Best New Face award for the season. He was also called ‘Prince of Cringe’ from Truth and TV Extra magazine.

2001: Active in Christchurch Entertainment Scene

Until 2001, Sam Wills was active in the Christchurch entertainment scene. He appeared at balls, private functions and corporate events; running weekly comedy nights and appearing on local television.

2002: Resident Comedian at SkyCity Auckland

In 2002, Sam Wills moved to Auckland to become a resident comedian at the casino in SkyCity Auckland. He had a weekly show there called the NCB Comedy Hour, which blended circus and vaudeville styles.

2003: Support Act for David Strassman's Tour

In 2003, Sam Wills was the support act for David Strassman's tour of New Zealand.

2004: World Buskers' Festival Performance

In 2004, Sam Wills performed at the World Buskers' Festival.

2005: Auckland Festival and World Buskers' Festival Performances

In 2005, Sam Wills performed as the MC of the Late Club at the Auckland Festival (AK05) and for First Night at the Aotea Centre. He also performed at the World Buskers' Festival.

2008: World Buskers' Festival Performance

In 2008, Sam Wills performed at the World Buskers' Festival.

2008: Melbourne Comedy Festival and Move to London

In 2008, Sam Wills took his show The Boy With Tape On His Face to the Melbourne Comedy Festival, where it received critical acclaim. After the festival and later in 2008, he moved to London, appearing as a modern mime and wearing the traditional striped shirt.

August 2011: BBC Comedy Prom Appearance

On August 13, 2011, Sam Wills appeared at the first BBC Comedy Prom at London's Royal Albert Hall, which was broadcast on BBC 2 on August 27, 2011.

December 2011: Royal Variety Performance

On December 5, 2011, Sam Wills performed at the 83rd annual Royal Variety Performance, alongside Tim Minchin and others.

May 2016: America's Got Talent Audition

On May 31, 2016, Sam Wills, shortening his stage name to Tape Face, auditioned on Season 11 of America's Got Talent (AGT) and advanced to the next round.

August 2016: Advancement to AGT Finals

On August 31, 2016, during Week 1 of the AGT quarterfinals, Tape Face advanced to the semifinals. Later, he advanced to the finals by getting the most audience votes in the Dunkin' save.

October 2016: Las Vegas Show with AGT Winner and Runner-up

In October 2016, Tape Face appeared in a three-night concert series at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, with America's Got Talent Season 11 winner Grace VanderWaal and runner-up The Clairvoyants.

2016: YouTube Rewind Appearance

In 2016, Sam Wills made an appearance in YouTube Rewind 2016.

2018: Las Vegas Residency at Harrah's

In 2018, Sam Wills began a residency in Harrah's casino in Las Vegas.

2019: America's Got Talent: Champions Appearance

In 2019, Tape Face appeared on Week 4 of America's Got Talent: Champions on Monday, January 28, where he placed in the top 4 of that night's acts.

2020: La France a un incroyable talent Appearance

In 2020, Sam Wills appeared on the 15th season of La France a un incroyable talent, the "Battle of the Judges," as a member of team Sugar Sammy. He was eliminated in the first round.