"If It's Scary - That Means You Have to Do It": Lessons in Courage from Sydney Sweeney

Sydney Sweeney is one of Hollywood’s brightest and most talented actresses, whose name has long since transcended the screen to become a symbol of boldness, ambition, and constant growth.

Sydney Sweeney is one of Hollywood’s brightest and most talented actresses, whose name has long since transcended the screen to become a symbol of boldness, ambition, and constant growth. After her stunning success in the series Euphoria and memorable roles in The White Lotus and the film I Love You, Hate You, she shows no signs of slowing down. In an exclusive interview with W Magazine, Sydney openly shared her thoughts on fear, risk, and how fear has become her main driving force.

“If something scares you, it means you’re on the right path,” the actress says. This mantra helps her take on the most challenging and complex roles—ones that demand complete dedication and emotional depth. It’s no surprise that this approach earned her an Emmy nomination and made her one of the most sought-after young actresses today.

Sydney doesn’t choose “safe” projects. On the contrary, she sees roles that spark inner resistance and fear as challenges and opportunities to grow. This rule has become a sort of filter for her choices and a compass guiding her professional and personal development.

Her breakthrough role as Cassie in Euphoria opened the doors of Hollywood for Sydney. But after that, she deliberately sought out new genres and characters. In the thriller The Valley of Echoes, she portrayed a character walking a fine line between charisma and inner menace. In the drama Eden, set in the Galápagos, she played a person fighting for survival.

Her transformation for the biopic about boxer Christy Martin is particularly impressive. To fully embody the role, Sydney gained over 13 kilograms and trained daily, reshaping her body and lifestyle. “I’ve never felt so strong,” she admits.

This level of professionalism and willingness to change has made Sydney a favorite among directors and allowed her to build her career on her own terms.

But Sydney is more than just her on-screen roles. She is also an active producer, launching her own projects and partnering with global brands—from Kérastase to Miu Miu. Investments in real estate and careful planning for the future round out her image as a savvy businesswoman.

“I always have a plan: first a five-year one, now a ten-year one. It’s important for me to control the process and create opportunities myself,” she says.