Sophie Nyweide, a former child actress known for her roles in Noah, Margot at the Wedding, and Mammoth, has died at the age of 24. Her family confirmed her passing in an emotional obituary published on April 17, stating that she died on Monday, April 14. No official cause of death has been publicly disclosed.
Nyweide rose to fame in the late 2000s, beginning her acting career at just five years old with the lead role in the 2006 film Bella. She gained wider recognition for her portrayal of the daughter of characters played by Michelle Williams and Gael García Bernal in the 2009 drama Mammoth. Her other film credits include An Invisible Sign, Shadows & Lies, and Darren Aronofsky’s 2014 Biblical epic Noah, where she acted alongside Hollywood stars such as Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Hopkins, and Emma Watson.
Her final on-screen appearance came in 2015 in an episode of the reality television series What Would You Do? Following that, she stepped away from the spotlight, and little was known about her life in the years that followed.
In the heartfelt obituary, her family painted a portrait of a gifted and complex young woman who grappled with deep internal struggles. “Sophie was a kind and trusting girl. Often this left her open to being taken advantage of by others,” they wrote. “She wrote and drew voraciously… much of this art depicts the depth she had and it also represents the pain she suffered.”
The family detailed that Sophie had been dealing with unresolved trauma and shame, which ultimately led her to self-medicate. “She repeatedly said she would ‘handle it’ on her own and was compelled to reject the treatment that might possibly have saved her life,” they said. Despite efforts from those closest to her—including therapists, law enforcement, and loved ones—her struggles proved too great. “Even with those roadmaps, diagnoses, and her own revelations, those closest to her… are heartbroken their efforts couldn’t save her from her fate.”
Described as “creative, athletic and wise beyond her years,” Sophie was someone who “dreamed—more like demanded—to be an actor,” even without initially knowing her mother had also been an actress. “She seemed happiest on a movie set, becoming someone else. It was a safe place for her,” the family recalled. “She relished the support and warmth from the casts and crews who nourished her talent and her well-being.”
Outside of acting, Sophie was described as an “eager adventurer,” someone who embraced new cultures, languages, and friendships with ease. She was known for seeing the good in people and forming strong bonds at school and in life.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, Sophie’s family has asked mourners to consider donating to RAINN—the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network—in her memory. RAINN is the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the U.S., and its mission reflects the tragic themes present in Sophie’s life and the desire to support others facing similar pain.
“Sophie. A life ended too soon,” her family wrote. “May it not be in vain. May we all learn from her brief life on earth and do better. Yes, we must all protect our children and do better.”
