Sydney Bernice Sweeney is an American actress recognized for her performances in the HBO drama series Euphoria (2019–present) and the debut season of the anthology series The White Lotus (2021).
Her portrayal in these shows garnered her nominations for two Primetime Emmy Awards.
Early life and Education
Sydney Sweeney, born on September 12, 1997, in Spokane, Washington, is the daughter of Lisa and Steven Sweeney. Her mother, a former criminal defense lawyer, and her father, a hospitality professional, raised her alongside her brother in north Idaho. Growing up in a religious family, Sydney attended middle school at Saint George’s School in Spokane, where she excelled in athletics and academics. Her interest in acting sparked when she auditioned to be an extra in a local film, leading her to present a five-year business plan to her parents to pursue acting seriously. She began booking commercial roles in Seattle and Portland before relocating to Los Angeles at the age of 13. Despite her budding acting career, Sydney remained dedicated to her education, becoming valedictorian of her graduating class at Brighton Hall School in Burbank, California. While briefly working at Universal Studios Hollywood and attending UCLA, she continued to pursue her passion for acting.
Career
Sweeney kickstarted her career with guest appearances on popular TV shows like 90210, Criminal Minds, Grey’s Anatomy, and Pretty Little Liars. Her breakout role came as Emaline Addario in the 2018 Netflix series Everything Sucks!, set in 1996 Oregon high schools. She also featured in HBO’s Sharp Objects as Alice, initially intended for a smaller role but expanded due to her performance. To prepare for the character, Sweeney delved into stories of girls with mental illness and self-harming behaviors, even visiting hospitals with such patients. Concurrently, she filmed Everything Sucks! during the week and Sharp Objects on weekends. Additionally, she appeared in the film Under the Silver Lake in 2018 and had a recurring role in The Handmaid’s Tale’s second season as Eden Spencer. She also starred in the horror film Along Came the Devil. In the following year, Sweeney showcased her versatility in the drama film Clementine, the coming-of-age film Big Time Adolescence, and Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
In June 2019, Sweeney embarked on her role as Cassie Howard, a teenager grappling with a promiscuous reputation, in the HBO hit series Euphoria. The show garnered immense viewership, propelling her performance to critical acclaim and earning her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2022. Variety hailed her versatility, recognizing her standout performances across various projects. Despite the attention drawn to her nude scenes in Euphoria, Sweeney remains resolute in her commitment to such roles. In 2020, she founded Fifty-Fifty Films, expanding her involvement in the industry. Additionally, she starred in the TV film Nocturne and delivered a memorable performance in the first season of The White Lotus, earning her yet another Primetime Emmy Award nomination and a spot on the prestigious Time 100 Next list for 2022.
In January 2023, Sweeney expanded her horizons as a brand ambassador for Armani Beauty and Laneige. Her acting prowess shone through in Tina Satter’s thriller drama Reality, where she portrayed U.S. Air Force veteran Reality Winner, earning accolades for her convincing performance. She continued to diversify her roles, starring in the crime thriller Americana and appearing in the music video for the Rolling Stones’ single “Angry.” Despite facing criticism for the video, Sweeney defended it as a form of body empowerment. At 25, she was recognized on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in the celebrity category. Sweeney further showcased her talent in the romantic comedy Anyone but You, serving as an executive producer and contributing to the film’s success. However, her venture into the superhero genre with Madame Web faced challenges, with the film receiving negative reviews and performing poorly at the box office. Nonetheless, Sweeney remained resilient, expressing her detachment from the outcome as an actress in the project. She diversified her career by hosting an episode of Saturday Night Live and producing the psychological horror film Immaculate, demonstrating her commitment to creating opportunities for herself. Looking ahead, Sweeney is set to star alongside Julianne Moore in Echo Valley and co-star in Eden, directed by Ron Howard, showcasing her versatility and continued growth in the industry.
Personal life
As of 2023, Sweeney is engaged to businessman Jonathan Davino, with whom she shares a preference for keeping their relationship details private. They collaborate professionally as well, producing films together, with Davino serving as Sweeney’s producing partner, including their work on Anyone But You. Apart from her thriving career, Sweeney indulges in her passion for vintage cars, owning several classics such as a 1967 Ford Mustang and a 1969 Ford Bronco.
Net Worth
Estimated to be over 5 million dollars