Sydney Sweeney Shares Her Feelings About Her Parents’ Divorce and Financial Struggles

Sydney Sweeney.
Credit: VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty

Sydney Sweeney Reflects on Early Pressures in Hollywood

Sydney Sweeney recently shared insights into the immense pressure she felt during her teenage years as she pursued an acting career while her family faced financial difficulties.

In a candid interview on the December 1 episode of The Hollywood Reporter‘s Awards Chatter podcast, Sweeney, 28, recalled the moment her parents moved from Spokane, Washington, to Los Angeles to support her ambitions. She expressed, “I was just doing anything that I could to have a resume built, gain connections, and make sure that my parents didn’t give up on me.”

Her family’s financial struggles intensified when Sweeney was just 16. “My dad lost his job. My family filed for bankruptcy, and they filed for divorce, and I felt like a lot of it was my fault because I had brought them to the city,” she revealed, reflecting on the emotional weight she carried during that challenging period.

Sweeney’s early acting endeavors began in 2009, with appearances on shows like Heroes and Criminal Minds. However, she did not gain significant recognition until 2018, when she landed roles in Everything Sucks! and Sharp Objects. Reflecting on her aspirations, she added that at 18, she hoped to "buy back my parents’ house and bring everybody back together," only to discover her Coogan account held just a few hundred dollars.

Sydney Sweeney (R) and her father Steven Sweeney.
LISA O’CONNOR/AFP via Getty

“I put a lot of pressure on myself of needing to succeed and achieve all these things so I could put different things back together,” Sweeney stated, highlighting her sense of responsibility during formative years.

Neither of her parents had ties to the entertainment industry before Sweeney’s rise to fame. Her mother, Lisa, worked as a criminal defense attorney, and her father, Steven, was employed in hospitality. In a 2023 interview with Variety, Sweeney noted that her mother sacrificed her career to support her and her brother.

Steven now lives on a ranch in Mexico, disconnected from the digital world. Sweeney shared, “I know he’s proud of me, and I know he’s like, ‘Wow, this is a crazy world!’” His pride in her accomplishments stands in stark contrast to the tumultuous beginnings they faced.

Sweeney’s journey reflects both personal and professional complexities, showcasing her resilience in navigating the highs and lows of fame while honoring her family ties. As she continues to forge her path in Hollywood, she remains committed to repaying her parents for their sacrifices; in a 2024 interview, she revealed she had recently paid off her mother’s mortgage.

Christy is currently in theaters.