WITH a role in the latest Marvel movie, her own production company and dozens of big-brand modelling contracts, actress and sex symbol Sydney Sweeney has the whole of Hollywood at her feet.
A slap in the face surely for those who have vastly underestimated her, with the starlet famously declaring the biggest misconception people have about her is she’s just “a dumb blonde with big t**s.”
And given the 26-year-old’s all-round talent has enabled the actress to carve a name for herself in all areas of the showbiz industry – even starring in a Rolling Stones music video – it seems only the sky’s the limit.
As PR and Media Expert Natalie Trice says: “Sydney’s rapid rise to fame is fascinating, as she has effectively carved out a unique image in the entertainment industry.
“Actor, producer, brand ambassador, style guru and CEO… There is no doubt that Sydney Sweeney works exceptionally hard.
“Whether the starlet is on the covers of magazines or on the red carpet, there is no mistaking that whatever ‘it’ is, she has it!”
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Here with Natalie’s insight, we take a closer look at Sydney’s phenomenal – albeit at times slightly bumpy – rise to fame…
18 hour days, seven days a week
From a young age, Sydney was destined to be a star – even persuading her parents to relocate to Los Angeles when she was just 14 by presenting them with a five year business plan.
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She started off with bit parts in the likes of 90210, Grey’s Anatomy and Handmaid’s Tale, before she got her big break in HBO’s Euphoria in 2019, playing Cassie.
In relative terms and compared to many other Hollywood stars, it all happened within a blink of an eye.
Speaking to Glamour, Sydney herself admitted: “I think if I would’ve known all that came along with it, I would’ve probably lived my life as a kid longer. I grew up really fast.”
That’s not to say it hasn’t involved a lot of hard graft, with the star working 18 hour days, sometimes seven days a week – and it wasn’t easy.
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Speaking to Variety, Sydney said: “I was going to five to ten auditions a week, and not getting a single callback.
“I always believed that if you have a Plan B, you’re prepared to fail.
“No matter how hard or how long it was going to take, I was just going to keep working at it.”
Speaking about life on set, she said: “It takes a lot of hours and people to put it together.
“It’s definitely not a normal 9 to 5, and if you’re expecting that, you’re going to be thrown off. It’s a lot of work.”
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‘No problem’ with nude scenes
Sydney has also spoken about the trust she has in those around her, and how appearing in nude scenes have helped her “become very confident” with her body.
Speaking in 2022, she said: “People forget that I’m playing a character.
“They think, ‘Oh, she gets naked onscreen, she’s a sex symbol.’
“And I can’t get past that. I have no problems with those scenes, and I won’t stop doing them, but I wish there was an easier way to have an open conversation about what we’re assuming about actors in the industry.”
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Recently she added: “I find empowerment through embracing the body that I have. That’s sexy and strong, and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it.”
Natalie says: “Her openness about continuing to do nude scenes reflects a confident control over her career and image.
“By openly discussing these choices, she navigates the complex dynamics of being a sex symbol in Hollywood and balancing public perception with personal agency.”
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‘Wildfire’ backlash over politics
Needless to say, the path to success hasn’t always been smooth, with photos from Sydney’s mum’s birthday party in 2022 causing controversy and accusations the star was ‘far right’.
Backlash was sparked when fans spotted one guest wearing what appeared to be a ‘Blue Lives Matter’ shirt, a pro-police movement many consider racist which began around the same time as Black Lives Matter.
Other guests were also pictured alongside Sydney wearing spoof versions of the pro-Trump ‘Make America Great Again’ slogan.
Responding on X – formerly Twitter – Sydney wrote: “You guys this is wild.
“An innocent celebration for my mom’s milestone 60th birthday has turned into an absurd political statement, which was not the intention.
“Please stop making assumptions. Much love to everyone and Happy Birthday Mom!”
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The actress later told British GQ: “Honestly I feel like nothing I say can help the conversation. It’s been turning into a wildfire and nothing I can say will take it back to the correct track.”
Natalie says: “Controversies highlight the tightrope walk of modern celebrity, where public and private opinions can impact public image.
“Moving forward, Sweeney might need to balance her personal views with public expectations – a common challenge for public figures in today’s highly interconnected and opinion-driven world.”
‘Unfair’ affair rumours
While Sydney has been happily settled down with fiancé Jonathan Davino for over six years, living life in the spotlight has also cast unwelcome scrutiny over her love life.
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Her sizzling chemistry with co-star Glen Powell earlier this year sparked theories the pair were secretly dating, with social media sleuths poring over a number of eye-catching snaps.
Speaking to Variety however Sydney dismissed the rumours, saying: “It’s a romcom – that’s what people want!
“Glen and I don’t really care. We have so much fun together, and we respect each other so much; he’s such a hard worker, and I’m a hard worker.”
Speaking to Men’s Health, Powell said: “When all that stuff happened, you know, publicly, it felt disorienting and unfair.
“But what I’m realising is that’s just a part of this gig now.”
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Money ‘woes’
She’s the face of multiple high-end brands, from Miu Miu to Armani, and even has her own bikini and lingerie range – but while it may appear glamorous, for Sydney it seems predominantly just a means to an end.
She’s previously spoken of how she models and advertises for brands because she feels a pressure to be earning money all the time.
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She told the Hollywood Reporter: “If I just acted, I wouldn’t be able to afford my life in L.A. I take deals because I have to.
“If I wanted to take a six-month break, I don’t have income to cover that. They don’t pay actors like they used to, and with streamers, you no longer get residuals.
“The established stars still get paid, but I have to give five percent to my lawyer, 10 percent to my agents, three percent or something like that to my business manager.
“I have to pay my publicist every month, and that’s more than my mortgage.”
Despite this pragmatic and money-orientated outlook, it’s a very wise move.
Natalie says: “Beyond acting, she’s expanded her brand into areas like fashion and entrepreneurship, demonstrating a savvy understanding of the industry’s evolving nature and the potential to capitalise on her image and expertise.
“Her ability to diversify her career reflects a modern approach to celebrity branding, where personal ventures and public personas intersect seamlessly.”
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‘Game-changing’ Marvel role
While Sydney has her finger in many pies, as it were, no doubt acting is where she initially made a name for herself – and it continues to be a huge focus.
She’s just starred in rom com Anyone but You, recently stunning at the film premiere in a see-through cut out dress.
Additionally, her role in new Marvel movie Madame Web is a huge role that will catapult her into the spotlight even more, and see her able to command the big bucks.
Natalie says: “Her roles in critically acclaimed shows like Euphoria and The White Lotus showcased her versatility as an actress.
Now, joining a Marvel project like Madame Web is a game-changer, and this is a fantastic move.
“It will not only showcases her talent in on the big screen but will further significant financial rewards.
“It can also elevate an actor’s profile globally, given the franchise’s massive fan base and marketing machinery.
“This trajectory highlights how streaming platforms and prestige TV are creating new pathways to stardom, allowing talented actors to quickly rise to prominence.”
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Playing the long game
For Sydney, there’s no question the future is bright if she wants to pursue a glittering career in the spotlight – but she’ll need a good team around her.
Natalie adds: “To ensure continued success, Sweeney may need to continue diversifying her roles and ventures, while maintaining a balance between her personal beliefs and public image.
“This will enable her to strategically navigate the evolving landscape of Hollywood and celebrity culture.
“Of course, you are only as good as your last gig, so we must hope she has a strong team behind her and is playing a long game!”
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