Former child actress Sophie Nyweide, recognized for her roles in “Mammoth” and “Noah,” has passed away at the age of 24, her family confirmed. Nyweide died on April 14 in Bennington, Vermont, having spent much of her life between Vermont and New York City.
The family did not specify an exact cause of death in their statement, noting that Nyweide had been dealing with trauma and used self-medication, which ultimately “resulted in her death.” Her mother, Shelly Gibson, informed media outlets that the police are investigating the circumstances surrounding her daughter’s death. Nyweide’s body was discovered in a wooded area near the Roaring Branch River.
“She was with other people when she died. I didn’t know them. There is an investigation ongoing,” Gibson stated.
The Bennington Police Department is examining “a range of possible causes” in their investigation, including potential foul play. Gibson mentioned that, to her knowledge, Nyweide was using drugs before her death, describing her daughter as “a tiny young woman.”
According to her death certificate, Nyweide was pregnant at the time of her death. The stage of her pregnancy has not been publicly disclosed, but sources suggest it was in the early stages. Her pregnancy was first reported by TMZ.
In their obituary, Nyweide’s family described her as a sensitive and creative person who faced significant personal challenges. They noted her kindness and trust, which sometimes made her vulnerable to exploitation. Nyweide expressed herself through writing and art, which often reflected her depth as a person and the pain she experienced.
Her family stated that she had declined treatment that might have helped her, preferring to manage her problems independently.
Born on July 8, 2000, in Burlington, Vermont, Nyweide started her acting career at the age of six, debuting in the 2006 film “Bella.” Her career quickly expanded with roles before the age of 10, including appearances in “Law & Order” (2007), “And Then Came Love” (2007), “Margot at the Wedding” (2007), and “New York City Serenade” (2007).
Nyweide’s most notable role was in 2009 when she played Jackie Vidales in the romantic drama “Mammoth,” acting alongside Michelle Williams and Gael García Bernal as their daughter. Her filmography continued with roles in “William Vincent” (2010), “An Invisible Sign” (2010), “Mistakes Were Made” (2011), and “Noah” (2014), where she worked with Russell Crowe. Her final acting credits include “Born Again” (2015) and the reality program “Primetime: What Would You Do?” (2015).
Despite starting her career at such a young age, Nyweide’s mother highlighted that her daughter had positive experiences in the entertainment industry. Gibson mentioned that Nyweide was not exposed to harmful situations while working on films, emphasizing that her daughter was always in a safe environment on set and that her acting career was brief but fulfilling.
Nyweide’s relatively brief but impactful acting career included roles in at least seven films before she turned 10. Her work in “Mammoth” was particularly significant, as the film gained international recognition after premiering at the Berlin International Film Festival. The drama, directed by Lukas Moodysson, explored themes of family relationships and globalization.
In “Noah,” directed by Darren Aronofsky, Nyweide had the opportunity to work with a notable cast including Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Emma Watson, and Anthony Hopkins. The biblical epic was one of her final appearances before she left acting.
After her acting career, Nyweide appeared to lead a more private life. According to her family’s statement, she continued to express herself through art and writing, producing works that showcased both her creative talents and personal struggles.
The news of Nyweide’s death has resonated within the entertainment community, particularly among those who worked with her during her childhood acting years. Her passing at such a young age underscores the challenges some former child actors face as they transition into adulthood.
As authorities in Bennington, Vermont, continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Nyweide’s death, her family mourns the loss of a daughter, sister, and friend whose creative spirit and sensitivity touched those who knew her.