Sydney Sweeney and Ethan Hawke Shine in Variety's Actors on Actors Conversation
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Sydney Sweeney and Ethan Hawke's Heartfelt 'Actors on Actors' Chat
In Variety's latest 'Actors on Actors' series, Sydney Sweeney and Ethan Hawke shared a candid conversation blending admiration, vulnerability, and career insights. Sweeney playfully confessed she wishes Hawke were her dad, sparking laughs amid talks on bold performances in projects like 'Euphoria,' 'Christy,' and 'Blue Moon.' Their exchange highlighted the raw passion driving young actors today.
Teen Acting Breakthroughs and 'Euphoria' Lessons
Sweeney reflected on starting 'Euphoria' as a teen, portraying Cassie with unfiltered emotion. She dove into wild choices, embracing director Sam Levinson's 'Cassie crazy takes' that broke all rules for authenticity. Hawke praised her daring commitment, noting how the world rewards those who fully invest. Both discussed early acting instincts, with Sweeney rejecting any plan B, fueled by pure love for the craft.
Inspiration from 'Christy' and Collaborative Magic
Hawke shared watching Sweeney's 'Christy' with his daughter, calling it a hypnotic gem. They bonded over theater roots and films like 'Blue Moon,' stressing spontaneous, unacted moments. Sweeney cited Hawke's work as inspiration, while he lauded emerging female talents unafraid to experiment. This dialogue underscores mentorship's power in Hollywood.
About the People Mentioned
Sydney Sweeney
Sydney Bernice Sweeney (born September 12, 1997, in Spokane, Washington) is an American actress and producer known for her versatile roles in television and film. She began her acting career with guest appearances on shows like *Pretty Little Liars* and *Criminal Minds*, but gained initial recognition in 2018 with her role as Emaline Addario in the Netflix series *Everything Sucks!* and as Eden Spencer in Hulu’s *The Handmaid’s Tale*. Sweeney's breakthrough came with the HBO drama series *Euphoria* (2019–present), where she portrays Cassie Howard, a complex teenager navigating toxic relationships and personal challenges. This role earned her widespread acclaim and a Primetime Emmy nomination in 2022 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. She is confirmed to have filmed for *Euphoria*’s highly anticipated third season. In 2021, she starred as Olivia Mossbacher in HBO’s anthology series *The White Lotus*, a satirical drama set at a luxury Hawaiian resort. Her performance garnered another Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. In film, Sweeney appeared in Quentin Tarantino’s *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood* (2019). More recently, she had leading roles in *Reality* and *Anyone but You* (both 2023). In 2024, she starred as Julia Cornwall in the superhero film *Madame Web* and appeared in the horror film *Immaculate*. Sweeney moved to Los Angeles at age 13 to pursue acting and has been noted for her determination, including self-recording an audition tape for *Euphoria* despite initial discouragement. She continues to build a diverse career in both television and film, earning recognition for her nuanced performances and choice of challenging roles[1][2][5][6].
About the Organizations Mentioned
Variety
Variety is a leading U.S. entertainment trade magazine that has been at the forefront of the media industry for over a century. Founded in 1905, Variety has evolved from its origins as a weekly newspaper focused on vaudeville and theater to become a comprehensive source of news, analysis, and insights into the global entertainment business. **What Variety Does:** Variety covers a wide range of topics, including film, television, music, theater, and digital media. It provides in-depth reporting on industry trends, technological innovations, and business strategies. The organization also hosts events like the Entertainment and Technology Summit, which brings together top executives and creatives to discuss the latest developments in entertainment technology and innovation[2]. **History and Key Achievements:** Variety has a rich history of chronicling the evolution of the entertainment industry. It has been instrumental in documenting significant shifts, from the rise of Hollywood to the current digital streaming era. One of its notable achievements is the development of the Variety Intelligence Platform (VIP), which offers data-driven insights to media businesses, helping them navigate the complex media landscape[1]. **Current Status and Notable Aspects:** Today, Variety continues to be a vital source of information for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. It maintains a strong online presence, with a website and social media channels that provide up-to-date news and analysis. The organization's events, such as the Entertainment and Technology Summit, highlight its role in fostering dialogue and innovation within the industry[2]. Additionally, Variety's recognition of achievements through awards like the Entrepreneur Impact Award underscores its commitment to celebrating excellence in the entertainment sector[2]. Variety's influence extends beyond traditional media, as it explores emerging technologies like AI and virtual reality, which are reshaping the entertainment landscape. Through its comprehensive coverage and events, Variety remains a key player in shaping the future of the entertainment industry.
