Former child actress Sophie Nyweide, recognized for her performances in “Mammoth” and “Noah,” has died at the age of 24, her family confirmed. Nyweide passed on April 14 in Bennington, Vermont, having spent much of her life between Vermont and New York City.
Although the family did not disclose an exact cause of death in their obituary, they mentioned that Nyweide had been dealing with trauma and turned to self-medication, which led to her death. Her mother, Shelly Gibson, reported to media outlets that police are still looking into the circumstances of her daughter’s passing. 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 the possibility of foul play. Gibson has noted that, to her understanding, Nyweide was using drugs prior to her death, describing her daughter as “a tiny young woman.”
According to her death certificate, Nyweide was pregnant when she died. The stage of her pregnancy has not been publicly specified, though sources suggest it was early. Her pregnancy was first reported by TMZ.
In their obituary, Nyweide’s family described her as a sensitive and creative individual who faced significant challenges. They highlighted her kind and trusting nature, which sometimes left her vulnerable. The family shared that Nyweide expressed herself through writing and art, reflecting her depth and the pain she experienced.
Her family noted that she had declined treatment options, choosing instead to manage her issues independently.
Born on July 8, 2000, in Burlington, Vermont, Nyweide began her acting career at age six, debuting in the 2006 film “Bella.” Her career quickly advanced, with appearances in several productions before turning 10, including an episode of “Law & Order” (2007), “And Then Came Love” (2007), “Margot at the Wedding” (2007), and “New York City Serenade” (2007).
Nyweide’s most recognized role was in 2009, playing Jackie Vidales in “Mammoth,” alongside Michelle Williams and Gael García Bernal. Her filmography expanded with roles in “William Vincent” (2010), “An Invisible Sign” (2010), “Mistakes Were Made” (2011), and “Noah” (2014), where she acted with Russell Crowe. Her final credits include “Born Again” (2015) and “Primetime: What Would You Do?” (2015).
Despite starting her career young, Nyweide’s mother emphasized that her experiences in the entertainment industry were positive. Gibson noted that Nyweide was not exposed to anything harmful during her work on films. She also stated that her daughter was always in a safe environment on set and that her short acting career was a source of happiness for her.
Nyweide’s brief but impactful acting career included roles in at least seven films before age 10. Her work in “Mammoth” was particularly significant, as the film gained international attention after its debut 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 worked with a notable cast including Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Emma Watson, and Anthony Hopkins. The biblical epic was one of her final film roles before leaving acting.
After her acting career, Nyweide appeared to live a more private life. According to her family, she continued to express herself through art and writing, creating works that mirrored her creative talents and personal challenges.
News of Nyweide’s death has impacted the entertainment community, especially those who collaborated with her during her childhood acting years. Her passing at such a young age underscores the difficulties some former child actors face transitioning into adulthood.
As Bennington authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances of Nyweide’s death, her family mourns the loss of a daughter, sister, and friend whose creative spirit and sensitivity affected those who knew her.
