From Hollywood To Therapy: Ava Sambora’s Complete List Of Movies, TV Shows, And Her Surprising New Career Path

As of late 2025, Ava Sambora, the daughter of Hollywood icon Heather Locklear and Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora, has carved out a unique career path that blends early Hollywood exposure with a deep commitment to mental health. While many know her from her modeling work and early acting roles, her professional focus has shifted dramatically in recent years. This article provides the definitive list of her film and television appearances and reveals the fascinating details of her current, highly specialized career in psychology. The narrative of "nepo babies" often overshadows the genuine career choices of celebrity children, but Ava Sambora has consistently demonstrated a desire to forge her own identity. Her early acting credits came from high-profile projects, yet her pursuit of advanced degrees in psychology marks a deliberate and impressive pivot away from the constant glare of the entertainment industry, offering a fresh perspective on her professional life today.

Ava Sambora: A Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Ava Elizabeth Sambora was born into one of Hollywood's most famous families, giving her early access to the worlds of film, television, and rock music. Her life has been closely watched, but her educational achievements and career focus outside of acting are what truly define her current professional status.

• Full Name: Ava Elizabeth Sambora
• Date of Birth: October 4, 1997
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, USA
• Parents: Heather Locklear (Actress, known for Melrose Place and Dynasty) and Richie Sambora (Musician, former lead guitarist for Bon Jovi)
• Education: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology, Master of Arts (M.A.) in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)
• Primary Professions: Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), Former Actress, Model
• Debut Film Role: This Is 40 (2012)
• Notable Modeling Work: Debut at Los Angeles Fashion Weekend (2010), Campaigns for brands like 1883 Magazine.

The Definitive List of Ava Sambora’s Movies and TV Shows

Ava Sambora's filmography is relatively concise, marked by a few notable appearances that often capitalized on her resemblance to her famous mother, Heather Locklear. Her acting career began in her early teens and spanned about eight years, showcasing her potential in both comedy and drama before she decided to prioritize her academic and therapeutic pursuits.

Feature Films

Her film career is anchored by a high-profile comedy from a renowned director, followed by a more recent venture into the thriller genre.

• This Is 40 (2012)
  Ava made her feature film debut in Judd Apatow's comedy-drama, a spin-off of Knocked Up. She played the role of Wendy, a friend of Sadie (Maude Apatow), the daughter of the main characters. Her performance was a memorable, albeit small, introduction to the big screen, immediately drawing comparisons to her mother's early career. The film provided a strong launchpad, though she did not immediately follow it up with a string of major roles.
• A Dark Foe (2020)
  This independent psychological thriller marks her most recent feature film credit. Ava played the role of Hailey, demonstrating a willingness to explore a darker, more complex genre than her previous work. The film's release in 2020 is one of the last known professional acting credits before her full transition into her psychology career.

Television Appearances and TV Movies

Ava's television work allowed her to gain experience in both sitcoms and made-for-TV dramas, broadening her acting range.

• Good Luck Charlie (TV Series, 2013)
  She appeared in the popular Disney Channel sitcom, which gave her exposure to a younger audience. This role was a significant step in her early career, proving her versatility across different media.
• Fresh Off the Boat (TV Series, 2018)
  A guest appearance in this critically acclaimed ABC sitcom saw her take on a small role as a 'Hooters Girl'. This appearance is one of her later television credits, demonstrating her continued interest in acting alongside her academic pursuits.
• Mommy Be Mine (TV Movie, 2018)
  In this Lifetime-style thriller, Ava played the role of Summer Hughes. TV movies often provide a fast-paced, intense acting experience, and this role allowed her to take on a more substantial dramatic part. This project is a key piece in her filmography, showing her commitment to the craft in the late 2010s.

Short Films and Unreleased Projects

• Room 13 (Short Film, Post-Production)
  One of the most recent entries on her list, this short film is currently listed as being in post-production, where she plays the character Sara. The status of this project suggests that while her focus has shifted, her earlier commitments are still being finalized.

The Surprising Career Pivot: From Red Carpet to Clinical Practice

The most current and compelling information about Ava Sambora is her definitive pivot away from the entertainment world and into a highly specialized field of mental health. This decision highlights a profound dedication to a career that is both personally fulfilling and socially impactful, moving beyond the celebrity-driven path.

The Pursuit of Psychology and MFT

After her initial acting and modeling endeavors, Ava Sambora made a dedicated commitment to higher education. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, with a minor in Women's and Gender Studies. This academic foundation set the stage for her current professional life.

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The most significant milestone came with her Master's degree. Ava completed a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). This is a highly respected and rigorous clinical degree that qualifies her to work with individuals, couples, and families to address a wide range of mental and emotional disorders.

What is a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)?

A Marriage and Family Therapist is a licensed mental health professional who is trained to diagnose and treat mental and emotional issues within the context of family and relationship systems. This field requires extensive clinical hours and a deep understanding of systemic therapy models. Ava's decision to pursue this specific, demanding area of practice underscores her serious commitment to clinical work over the fleeting nature of Hollywood fame.

The Modeling Career Entity

While her current focus is therapy, her early career included a notable modeling career. Ava made her modeling debut at the Los Angeles Fashion Weekend in 2010 at the age of 12. She has since modeled for various publications and campaigns, often praised for her striking resemblance to her mother, Heather Locklear. This aspect of her professional life, alongside her acting, formed the foundation of her public profile before her academic shift.

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Topical Authority and LSI Entity Breakdown

Ava Sambora's story is a fascinating case study in professional evolution. Her initial career was naturally intertwined with her famous parents, Heather Locklear and Richie Sambora, a former member of the iconic rock band Bon Jovi. Her early roles were often connected to Hollywood's established network, such as her debut in the Judd Apatow film This Is 40. However, her decision to pursue a Master's Degree and practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) demonstrates a strong, independent professional identity.

The topical authority of her career now rests on a dual foundation: her early work in the entertainment industry (including TV series like Good Luck Charlie and Fresh Off the Boat) and her current, impactful work in clinical psychology. This shift from the red carpet to the therapy room provides a unique and compelling narrative, proving that the children of celebrities can successfully pivot to highly specialized, non-entertainment fields. Her focus on mental health and family systems is a powerful statement about her personal and professional values in the mid-2020s.

Key Entities and Concepts: Heather Locklear, Richie Sambora, Bon Jovi, Judd Apatow, This Is 40, Good Luck Charlie, Fresh Off the Boat, Mommy Be Mine, A Dark Foe, Room 13, Los Angeles Fashion Weekend, Psychology Degree, Master's Degree, Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), Clinical Practice, Mental Health, Modeling Career, Professional Profile, Hollywood, Nepo Baby Narrative, Family Systems.

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