10 Fascinating Facts About Sydney Sweeney You May Not Know

Sydney Sweeney has become one of Hollywood’s most talked-about actresses. She gained widespread recognition for her roles in the hit HBO series Euphoria and The White Lotus. Her ability to portray complex and emotionally driven characters has earned her critical acclaim, including multiple Emmy Award nominations. Sweeney’s performances often leave a lasting impact on audiences, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

Beyond her memorable on-screen appearances, Sweeney’s journey in the entertainment industry is full of interesting details. From her determined start in acting to her unique hobbies and business ventures, there is much more to her than her popular roles. Her dedication to her craft and her down-to-earth personality have made her a favorite among fans. This article explores some fascinating facts about her life and career that you might not know.

She Presented a Business Plan to Her Parents to Start Acting

To convince her parents to let her pursue acting, a 12-year-old Sydney Sweeney created a five-year business plan. She presented it as a slideshow, outlining the steps she would take to build a successful acting career. Her parents, a lawyer and a healthcare professional, were initially hesitant about her ambitions, viewing them as unrealistic.

Sweeney’s detailed plan showed her serious commitment. It persuaded her parents to support her dream, leading them to travel from their home in Washington to Los Angeles for auditions. The family eventually relocated to L.A. to fully support her career, a move that placed significant financial and emotional strain on them.

She Has Her Own Production Company

In 2020, Sweeney launched her own production company, Fifty-Fifty Films. The name reflects her belief in collaboration and creating a working environment where everyone is treated as an equal partner. She started the company to have more creative control and to bring compelling stories to the screen, particularly those from new female authors and directors.

Her company has already been involved in producing several projects. Sweeney served as an executive producer on the romantic comedy Anyone but You and produced the horror film Immaculate, both of which she also starred in. Through her company, she aims to amplify voices and stories that might not otherwise be heard.

She is a Skilled MMA Fighter

Beyond her acting talents, Sweeney is also a trained mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter. She began training when she was 14 years old and started competing at 18. In her first grappling competition, she competed against all-male opponents in a weight category above her own and won first place.

This training has not only been a personal passion but has also influenced her acting career. She has expressed interest in using her MMA skills in future film roles. This background in martial arts showcases another dimension of her discipline and determination.

Restoring Vintage Cars is a Hobby

Sweeney has a passion for restoring vintage cars and documents her projects on her TikTok account, @syd_s_garage. She has worked on restoring a 1969 Ford Bronco and a 1965 Ford Mustang. Her videos give fans a look at her hands-on mechanical skills as she works on engines, interiors, and bodywork.

This hobby allows her to disconnect from the demands of her acting career. In partnership with Ford, she also designed a custom 2024 Mustang. Her love for cars demonstrates a different side of her personality, one that enjoys working with her hands and bringing classic vehicles back to life.

She Had Early Roles in Popular TV Shows

Before her breakout roles, Sweeney appeared in several popular television series. She had guest spots on shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Criminal Minds, and Pretty Little Liars. In Grey’s Anatomy, she played a character named Erin Weaver in a 2014 episode.

These early roles were important steps in her career, providing her with valuable experience on major television sets. Although these were minor parts, they were part of her journey to becoming a recognized actress and helped build the foundation for her later success.

Her Role in The Handmaid’s Tale (2018) Was Significant

In the second season of the dystopian series The Handmaid’s Tale, Sweeney played the role of Eden Spencer. Eden was a pious 15-year-old girl forced into marriage in the oppressive society of Gilead. Her character’s arc was both tragic and impactful, highlighting the brutal realities of the show’s world.

Sweeney’s performance was praised for its subtlety and emotional depth. She portrayed Eden’s journey from a true believer in Gilead’s ideology to a young woman who follows her heart, leading to devastating consequences. This role showcased her ability to handle complex and dark material, earning her further recognition in the industry.

She Starred in the HBO Miniseries Sharp Objects (2018)

Sweeney appeared in the HBO miniseries Sharp Objects alongside Amy Adams. She played Alice, the roommate of Adams’ character, Camille Preaker, at a psychiatric facility. Although her character only appeared in one episode, her story was crucial to understanding Camille’s past trauma.

To prepare for the role, Sweeney researched the experiences of young women who had dealt with self-harm and mental illness. Her portrayal of Alice was haunting and memorable, leaving a strong impression on viewers and critics. The role was expanded from the book, a testament to her compelling performance.

She is a Proud Dog Mom

Sweeney is a devoted owner to her pit bull mix, Tank, whom she adopted in 2015. She often shares photos and stories about Tank, who has become a significant part of her life. She considers her dog to be a key part of her self-care routine, helping her to unplug and de-stress.

Tank has been with Sweeney since she was a puppy, and the two are inseparable. Sweeney has said that Tank has been her best friend for nearly a decade and that she couldn’t imagine life without her. In 2025, she welcomed another dog, a German Shepherd puppy named Sully, into her family.

She Was Her High School’s Valedictorian

Academics have always been important to Sweeney. While balancing her budding acting career, she excelled in her studies. She graduated from Brighton Hall School in Burbank, California, as the valedictorian of her class.

In addition to her regular studies, she was also part of the math club and the robotics team in high school. She briefly attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), before her acting career took off. Her academic achievements reflect her discipline and drive, qualities that have also contributed to her professional success.

Her Family Made Big Sacrifices

Sweeney’s family faced significant financial hardship to support her acting ambitions. After relocating to Los Angeles, her parents declared bankruptcy and eventually divorced. Sweeney has spoken about the immense guilt she felt, which fueled her determination to succeed.

She has said that her parents lost everything in the process of supporting her dream. This experience has made her very conscious of her finances, and she is a self-proclaimed saver. One of her proudest accomplishments was being able to pay off her mother’s mortgage.