Sydney Sweeney has swiftly emerged as one of her generation’s most compelling young actresses. From her Pacific Northwest roots in Spokane, Washington, she has managed to captivate audiences worldwide with her multifaceted performances and undeniable presence.
The stunning 26-year-old’s most prominent roles include the intense and troubled Cassie Howard in the critically acclaimed HBO series Euphoria and the earnest Eden in the dystopian drama The Handmaid’s Tale.
Sweeney has showcased a brilliant ability to transcend genres, moving seamlessly from teen dramas to historical pieces, like her character Alice in The Voyeurs or Olivia in The White Lotus, a role which, along with Euphoria, saw Sweeney noted as a supporting Emmy nominee.
Beyond this on-screen dominance, Sweeney is known for having a razor-sharp dedication to her craft, desperate to embody the characters she plays with depth, detail, and design. Colleagues regularly praise her work ethic, while fans adore a genuine and down-to-earth approach to an industry often full of pumped-up egos.
A commitment to storytelling is evident not just in her roles but also in activities behind the camera, with Sweeney having taken steps to produce, thus further exploring the world of film and television.
Lately, Sweeney’s career has skyrocketed, with the surprise success of her rom-com hit Anyone but You killing it at the box office, and having completed the Marvel film Madame Web, while a reboot of Barbarella is in the works. As her star rises, the actress and model, who got engaged to her long-time beau, Jonathan Davino, a restaurateur from Chicago, in February 2022, remains a grounded and passionate artist, driven more by her love for the art than the limelight.
STRIPLV: You are everywhere at the moment. Which of your 2023 projects has given you the greatest satisfaction? SWEENEY: I also enjoyed playing Air Force veteran Reality Winner in the HBO movie Reality. I spoke to her on Zoom to ask her about herself, her life, who she is, her relationships with her friends and family and, obviously, her thoughts and experiences when being interrogated by the FBI over the government information release to the media. That was really something talking to her and understanding everything from her side. I needed to be able to peel back the layers in order to play her as authentically as possible, so that was a cool project and something I will always cherish. STRIPLV: Looking forward, Madame Web sees you jump with both feet into the superhero genre. That must be an exciting leap? SWEENEY: I was elated when I found out that I got the part - you won’t believe the number of comics that I bought! I had to get every single one where Julia Carpenter is mentioned – so, that’s a lot of freaking comics, okay! Also, it was so frustrating not being able to say anything about it and keeping the secret hidden from so many people for so long. Although, that gave me enough time to read the stories my character, I can say that now. I’m hoping that it leads to more down the line. STRIPLV: Tell us about your new film Anyone but You. SWEENEY: Anyone but You is set in Sydney Australia which is such a beautiful city. It’s amazing. It’s an enemy to lovers rom-com where you just cry and you laugh and you want these two beautiful people to get together. STRIPLV: What did you pull from Shakespeare in your movie Anyone but You, and what ways did you make the characters your own? SWEENEY: The whole dynamic and the structure of the film is from What to do about nothing. The characters, the dynamics, we definitely had a little bit of it, but we found so much of our own through the characters as well. STRIPLV: You’re credited as an executive producer. What are your responsibilities as an executive producer for the film? SWEENEY: Yeah, I had the script two years before, and I brought it to Glen. I was working on it and developing it and I pitched to Glen to read and he ended up liking it as well and brought it to Will Gluck to direct and took it to Sony to sell it. STRIPLV: Please tell me how you kept the emotional continuity while having to perform the over-the-top physical comedy stuff. SWEENEY: I think that it’s just fully embracing what you’re doing. No half-assing it. You have to fully go into it. STRIPLV: While you were in Australia, there was a familiar face in the crowd while doing one scene. Can you tell me who you saw? SWEENEY: Yes. There is a scene where, towards the end of the movie where Glen Powell jumps out of a helicopter, and runs up the Sydney Opera House steps. While we were filming the scene there was like all of these security guards, and these helicopters, and we were like, “Wow, we’ve gotten really big and serious. This is great.” And then we come to figure out that Barrack Obama is there, and they’re actually there for him and not us. STRIPLV: You got bit by a spider while filming the movie? SWEENEY: Yes, it was a Huntsman Spider. It’s huge. They told me it was trained. I don’t know how you train a freaking spider. So, we’re filming, and the thing just starts biting me. But, we’re in the middle of the scene, and I’m supposed to be screaming, but then my screaming got a little serious. They thought I was making really serious dramatic choices in a rom-com. No one cut. So I’m just standing there with this spider on my arm, biting me, and I’m screaming, and just everyone’s watching. And Glen was the only one who was like. “Whoa, whoa, whoa. I think this is a little real.” STRIPLV: If that needed to be a solid enough advance into new territory, you are further exploring the industry’s producer side with the psychological thriller Immaculate in 2024. What does producing give you that acting doesn’t? SWEENEY: I think I’ve got to begin with the obvious answer – there’s a lot more control, a lot more direction in the process, and much more variety than you would have otherwise. Whether that’s our ideas or the exciting plans of those who thought they would never see their dreams become reality. Also, we like to make sure that the voices of individuals who might feel that they’ve been supressed, are actually heard. Buying the rights to a few books and then beginning to get the screenplays of those stories put down into proper content suitable for big and small screens is the aim. Clearly, there’s a lot of work to do to get everything turned around, but it’s the start of an exciting journey. STRIPLV: As you allude, stepping into the business side of things, your production company, Fifty-Fifty Films, is alive and kicking. That strikes a comparison with Margot Robbie because you are keen to explore every aspect of the craft. SWEENEY: I’ve always admired Margot Robbie, not just for her incredible acting talent but for the mark she’s making in the entertainment world. Her shift from acting to producing showcases her dedication to creating chances for other women in the industry. Margot’s successes, whether in front of the lens or behind it, are a reflection of her versatility and drive – something I deeply respect. To upcoming actresses like me, she embodies the promise of what female leadership and empowerment in film can look like. STRIPLV: Is it true that you didn’t watch much television growing up? SWEENEY: Yes, that’s correct. Growing up, my days were filled with outdoor adventures, from climbing trees to playing sports with friends, but also reading books – that was where I got my stories from. I was always engaged in diverse activities that kept me active and away from the television screen. This unconventional upbringing, where TV wasn’t a dominant factor, has shaped my view and approach towards the entertainment world in a unique way. I do honestly feel that what I’ve achieved so far is because of perhaps a unique take that I have on television and media. It’s not like I’ve been exposed to the same things other people have, and that’s pretty cool. If you have a different perspective to yourself, you also add a different perspective to your roles, one that is fresh and distinct. I think it’s my responsibility now to nurture that because I do believe it sets me apart from some other young actresses looking to make their way in the business. I guess only time will tell. STRIPLV: You don’t like responding to rumors. How frustrating can the speculation in the press and on social media be? SWEENEY: Dealing with gossip can be frustrating. You pour energy, emotion, and dedication into your craft, and then, instead of discussing the nuances of your work, the focus shifts to baseless rumors or misrepresentations. It sometimes feels like a disservice to the passion and commitment you bring, particularly for someone who has always tried to remain genuine and authentic. It can be challenging to navigate but you find a way through. STRIPLV: You played many different sports when you were growing up. Did you ever think you could make it as a professional athlete? SWEENEY: Sports played a pivotal role during my formative years, serving not just as physical activities but also as salient lessons in teamwork, discipline, and resilience. I relished the thrill of competition and the bonds formed with teammates. However, despite the allure of sports, I never truly envisioned a professional future in athletics. Instead, the world of acting consistently beckoned. It was there, under the spotlight, where my heart and passion truly resided, offering me a platform to express, create, and immerse myself in diverse narratives and characters. STRIPLV: You have been with fiancée Jonathan Davino for about five years, and although we don’t see you together in public too much, we did see your engagement ring earlier this year. What does love mean to you? SWEENEY: In a partner, I’m not looking for glitz or fame. Instead, I yearn for a bond that’s genuine, someone who feels like a best friend, a constant companion I can laugh with every single day. So, I would say that’s what love looks like to me. STRIPLV: In which areas do you match well, which may you take different slants, and ultimately, does this make you a stronger couple? SWEENEY: We match in a few areas, but I’d like to keep things fairly private, although I will say that I’ve made a conscious choice to avoid dating celebrities or anyone deeply involved in the entertainment world. This decision helps me remain anchored and true to myself, allowing me to just be ‘Syd’ without any pretense or pressure. I’m grateful for the solid support system I have around me, ensuring I never feel diminished or pushed into the shadows and that’s how we help each other. STRIPLV: How did you and Jonathan Davino meet? SWEENEY: We met thanks to mutual friends and right from the beginning, our connection was unmistakable. Our journey together has been an extraordinary adventure, filled with love, support and shared dreams. I consider myself immensely fortunate to have him as my partner and our relationship continues to grow stronger with each passing day. STRIPLV: And the future? SWEENEY: Well, who knows? STRIPLV: I heard there had been five different generations of your family living in the same house in rural Idaho at different times. How was that growing up? SWEENEY: Living in a home steeped in history was indeed a one-of-a-kind experience. Every corner seemed to whisper tales of the past, imbuing me with a profound sense of family lineage and deep-rooted traditions. This environment served as a grounding force, constantly reminding me of where I came from. At the same time, it was an endless source of inspiration, urging me to add to the legacy and make my own mark within the tapestry of family stories. STRIPLV: Euphoria has been seen by some as controversial, but how realistic of teenage life do you feel it is, and were you shocked by anything in it yourself when you read the script? SWEENEY: Euphoria boldly addresses challenging subjects. Although its narrative might not resonate with every teenager’s personal journey, it mirrors the raw realities faced by a significant number. When I first immersed myself in the script, there were instances that genuinely surprised me and made me pause. However, those very moments emphasized the critical need to bring such narratives to the forefront. The series serves as a testament to the significance of storytelling that reflects genuine and, at times, harsh truths. STRIPLV: How did you prepare for it, and how lucky do you feel to be in such a ground-breaking show? SWEENEY: My preparation was a comprehensive process. It entailed extensive dialogues with the showrunners to grasp the series’ essence and ethos. I dedicated time to dive deeply into my character’s psyche, nuances and motivations. Building a rapport and synergy with my co-stars was equally crucial to ensure on-screen authenticity. Being woven into the fabric of the show has been an immense privilege. The show’s ground-breaking narrative and approach make me incredibly proud and grateful for my involvement. STRIPLV: You were in a similar program called Sharp Objects, and you had to study some harrowing stories of real-life girls who dealt with self-harm. Just explain how difficult it was to experience that. SWEENEY: Yeah, that was undeniably a weighty project, demanding an immense emotional and psychological toll. The depth and intensity of its subject matter required not just surface-level understanding but a profound immersion. To genuinely embody and convey the agony of the characters, I ventured into the unsettling world of real-life accounts, confronting the raw, unfiltered pain that many endure. While navigating through these stories was daunting and often left me emotionally drained, It’s crucial to highlight them. By doing so, we can hope to bring awareness and possibly foster understanding and empathy towards such critical issues. STRIPLV: Who do you look up to in Hollywood, and have you got any role models or actors you wanted to be like when you were growing up or those you look to for advice? SWEENEY: I’ve always admired Meryl Streep for her range and dedication. Growing up, I was also inspired by the likes of Natalie Portman and Julia Roberts. I’m fortunate now to have mentors in the industry who provide invaluable guidance. STRIPLV: Is there any role that you want to do in the future? SWEENEY: The spectrum of roles available is vast and varied. I have a particular fondness for period dramas; there’s something enticing about stepping back in time, embodying characters from different eras, and experiencing their worlds. I’m fascinated by the complex personalities of psychological thrillers. Acting is all about change and growth. It lets you constantly challenge yourself and discover new sides of yourself. STRIPLV: And finally, any more music videos in the offing? SWEENEY: None right now, but working with the Rolling Stones and shooting in the UK was magical. It’s something I will always remember.
SYDNEY SWEENEY’S FASHION ENDORSEMENTS AND INFLUENCE
Sydney Sweeney, the talented actress known for her roles in acclaimed series like Euphoria and The Handmaid’s Tale, also gleans exposure – and the odd ballgown dress – from a raft of fashion partnerships.
It figures, given that the star’s rise to fame is not just attributable to her acting prowess but also her distinctive and captivating style.
Sweeney’s foray into fashion has seen her collaborate with renowned brands and designers like Miu Miu, Armani, and Guess. Her youthful yet sophisticated aesthetic and a dash of Hollywood glamour resonate well with fashion-forward audiences.
“I’ve always had a passion for dressing up, although the supposed glamour of the catwalk or the press walk is nothing like it seems, she says. “It’s awkward, and most of the models or actors up there would rather it was not happening!”
Even so, outside of her collaborations with global brands, Sweeney’s influence on fashion stretches to her millions of followers on social media. Here, she shares her style, favorite products, and fashion inspirations, allowing fans to glimpse her world while subtly endorsing brands she genuinely loves.
In a world where celebrity endorsements sometimes feel forced or inauthentic, Sydney Sweeney stands out. Her genuine love for the subject, combined with a unique style that flips between measured and made-up, ensures the subsequent endorsements feel fresh and authentic – qualities that don’t always think in plentiful supply in the film or fashion industries!