Sophie Turner, known worldwide for her iconic portrayal of Sansa Stark on Game of Thrones, has recently opened up about her post-childhood star transition. Finally, she shared about the dreamiest roles that are coming up for her. Despite being a first time actress, she was cast at the age of 13. By the time she was 14, she was already shooting Game of Thrones, entering a realm filled with cutthroat drama and veteran players.
At 27, Turner seems to be truly preparing for her thrilling new voyage as Lara Croft. She’ll be starring in the new live-action adaptation Phoebe Waller-Bridge is writing. This new chapter includes her most recent work Steal. In the film, her character echoes that palpable sense of outrage and grief. The road from a child actress to an accomplished 30-something performer hasn’t always been easy. In the process, it’s generated profound meditation on the beauty of growth and persistence.
Turner’s experience as Sansa Stark motivated her to take on an edgy, regal air. There were moments when she approached that conduct from the standpoint of a humorous outsider. The prospect of absolute dominion over accomplished thespians came with an imposing reinsmanship, even as it proved humorously overwhelming to her.
“Having an aristocratic background, as Sansa, and coming into a scene, having to command authority over these very seasoned actors, it was really funny. It felt so foreign and so wrong.” – Sophie Turner
Her formative years on set from a young age, turned her into the talented actress she was. They left her feeling bad and ashamed for having blown her first runs.
“I learned how to act on that set, and now I’m thinking: that’s not how to do it. That’s not what I do these days. It’s very embarrassing,” she admitted. “Imagine if you were learning to sing, and all your lessons had been filmed and broadcast. It’s just an uncomfortable experience.”
While her early career presented many challenges, Turner is confident that all of the experiences have made her a better actress. She says she understands the need to really live life and pull from those experiences when performing.
“Also a really important part of being an actor is to live a life so you have experiences to draw on,” she explained. “I remember having to act being in love before I’d ever been in love. I thought: ‘OK, I guess I’ll just do this.’ And then suddenly, when I’d been in love for the first time, then I knew the feeling.”
Turner’s personal life has played just as significant a role in shaping her career trajectory. She became engaged to Joe Jonas at 21 and relocated to the United States soon thereafter. By 24, she was a new mother to her first daughter and had given birth to her second child by age 26.
“I’m not worrying about my biological clock and all that sort of stuff,” she remarked, reflecting on her rapid transition into motherhood.
Turner has survived some serious bootcamp-style training in preparing for her role in Steal. She agreed to rehearse for eight hours a day, five days a week. She told the group how much more empowered she’s felt learning to throw a punch rather than just receiving them. This is further illustrative of her readiness to approach new challenges boldly.
“It’s nice to learn how to throw a punch not just take it,” she said.
For her part, the actress has said she’s always been drawn to characters that fly by the wreckage and the tragedy. This appreciation for multifaceted characters feels in keeping with the narrative she experienced playing Sansa Stark.
“So many of the reasons why Zara does what she does is because she’s had to grow up with an alcoholic, abusive mother,” Turner shared about her character in Steal.
This emotional depth was key to her success in portraying high dramatic, often life-or-death roles.
“There’s so much betrayal, the stakes are so high, you can’t prep the feeling,” she stated.
Turner’s voracious literary imagination extends well beyond the stage. In person, she’s full of that screwball comedy spirit and a fan of the romcom herself. For her part, she knows comedy is often more difficult than drama.
“I actually think comedy is a lot harder than drama,” she explained. “With drama, you make it real for yourself then you just live in it. But with comedy, it’s about timing, delivery. There’s a certain way that it has to be done in order for it to connect. It is more scientific.”
Turner’s odyssey is as much one of self-discovery and cultivation. She’s not afraid to take on roles that challenge her emotionally and physically. She began as a child performer and developed a work ethic and technical precision from the experience set. Today, she confidently tackles legendary roles, reflecting the extraordinary career transformation she’s undergone.