Sydney Sweeney, a prominent figure in contemporary Hollywood, known for her roles in Euphoria and The White Lotus, has recently opened up about her experiences and challenges with on-screen nudity.
Sydney first gained significant attention with her role in the Emmy-winning series The Handmaid’s Tale, where she played Eden Spencer, a devout and tragic character whose fate left a strong impression on viewers.
However, it was her role as Cassie Howard in HBO’s Euphoria that truly catapulted her into the spotlight. Cassie’s character is multifaceted, dealing with issues of self-esteem, family dynamics, and sexuality.
As an actress who has often portrayed characters in intense and revealing scenes, Sweeney has a unique perspective on the interplay between actor identity and public perception.
Speaking with THR, Sweeney has expressed that viewers often forget the separation between actress and role, leading to misconceptions about her personal life.
“People forget that I’m playing a character, they think, ‘Oh, she gets naked onscreen, she’s a sex symbol,’” Sweeney shared.
“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.”
In her discussion about the logistics of filming scenes with nudity, Sweeney praises the advent of intimacy coordinators on sets, which she compares to stunt coordinators.
These professionals help ensure safety and consent during the filming of such scenes, creating a secure environment for actors.
Despite her success, Sweeney describes feeling like an outsider in Hollywood, a sentiment that highlights the competitive and often insular nature of the industry.
Sweeney’s reflections offer a critical look at how the entertainment industry perceives and handles its talents.
