Sia
Actor
About Sia
Sia (born Sia Kate Isobelle Furler) is a globally recognized Australian singer, songwriter, and voice actress who, while primarily a contemporary music icon, has contributed to the cinematic landscape through unique performance art and voice work. Her involvement in the 2018 documentary 'Dominion' serves as a significant entry in her filmography, where she utilized her distinct vocal presence to narrate the harrowing realities of animal exploitation. Beyond this specific role, Sia's career is defined by her evolution from a jazz-inflected vocalist in the mid-1990s to a chart-topping pop visionary known for her avant-garde visual style. She gained international superstardom with her 2014 album '1000 Forms of Fear,' which introduced her signature aesthetic of oversized wigs and performance art-driven music videos. Her work often bridges the gap between music and film, as seen in her directorial debut 'Music' (2021) and her numerous contributions to major motion picture soundtracks. Throughout her career, she has maintained a persona that prioritizes artistic output over celebrity culture, often concealing her face to focus the audience's attention on the emotional weight of her performance.
The Craft
On Screen
Sia's acting style, particularly in her voice-over work and music videos, is characterized by high emotional intensity and a focus on vulnerability. In 'Dominion', she employs a somber, empathetic narrative tone designed to evoke deep reflection in the viewer. Her physical performances in music videos, though often performed by proxies like Maddie Ziegler, are dictated by Sia's specific choreographic vision which emphasizes raw, spasmodic movement and expressive facial storytelling.
Milestones
- Lead singer of the acid jazz band Crisp in the mid-1990s
- Released the critically acclaimed solo album 'Healing Is Difficult' in 2001
- Achieved global mainstream success with the single 'Chandelier' in 2014
- Narrated the influential animal rights documentary 'Dominion' in 2018
- Wrote and directed the feature film 'Music' released in 2021
- Co-wrote numerous hits for artists like Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Katy Perry
- Received nine Grammy Award nominations throughout her career
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- ARIA Music Award for Best Female Artist (2010, 2014, 2016)
- MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography (2014)
- APRA Music Award for Songwriter of the Year (2013, 2014, 2015)
- YouTube Music Award (2015)
Nominated
- Grammy Award nomination for Record of the Year (2015)
- Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance (2015)
- Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song (2015, 2021)
- Academy Award shortlist for Best Original Song (2017)
Special Recognition
- Inducted into the South Australian Music Hall of Fame (2015)
- Ranked as one of the most influential people in the world by Time 100
- Recipient of the Peter Singer Prize for Animal Strategy (2019)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Sia has fundamentally altered the landscape of modern pop stardom by challenging the necessity of the 'celebrity face.' By utilizing wigs and masks, she shifted the focus back to vocal talent and songwriting, sparking a global conversation about privacy and the pressures of fame. Her visual collaborations, particularly the 'Chandelier' music video, redefined the role of contemporary dance in popular music, making high-concept performance art accessible to a mainstream audience.
Lasting Legacy
Sia's legacy lies in her dual success as a prolific hitmaker for other artists and a singular, enigmatic solo performer. She is credited with reviving the 'power ballad' for the 21st century while maintaining an indie-pop sensibility. Her work in 'Dominion' and her vocal animal rights activism have also cemented her as a significant figure in the modern humanitarian and environmental movements within the entertainment industry.
Who They Inspired
She has influenced a generation of 'anonymous' or persona-driven artists who prioritize aesthetic mystery over personal exposure. Musicians such as Billie Eilish and Lorde have cited her songwriting and vocal delivery as inspirations for their own approaches to pop music.
Off Screen
Sia was born into a musical family; her father, Phil Colson, was a musician and her mother, Loene Furler, was an art lecturer. She has been open about her struggles with substance abuse, mental health, and chronic pain, often using her platform to advocate for health awareness. In 2014, she married documentary filmmaker Erik Anders Lang, though they divorced in 2016. In 2020, she announced she had adopted two teenage sons who were aging out of the foster care system, and she later became a grandmother in the same year.
Education
Attended Adelaide High School in South Australia.
Family
- Erik Anders Lang (2014-2016)
- Dan Bernad (2023-present)
Did You Know?
- She is a strict vegan and a vocal advocate for animal rights.
- Sia wrote Rihanna's hit 'Diamonds' in only 14 minutes.
- She suffers from Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder.
- Her song 'Breathe Me' became a cult classic after its use in the series finale of 'Six Feet Under'.
- She is the niece of Kevin Colson, a prominent Australian actor and singer.
- Sia has appeared as a mentor on 'The Voice' in both the US and Australia.
- She provided the voice for a character named 'Sia' in an episode of South Park.
- Her signature blonde bob wig was originally a response to the anxiety of being photographed.
- She has written songs for the soundtracks of 'The Great Gatsby', 'The Hunger Games', and 'Wonder Woman'.
In Their Own Words
I'm trying to have some control over my image. And I'm allowed to maintain some modicum of privacy.
I don't want to be famous, or recognizable. I don't want to be critiqued about the way that I look on the internet.
I just wanted to have a private life. Once, as my friend was telling me they had cancer, someone came up and asked, in the middle of the conversation, if they could take a photograph with me. You get me?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sia?
Sia is a world-renowned Australian singer, songwriter, and director known for her powerful vocals and her signature look involving oversized wigs that hide her face. She has written numerous hits for herself and other major pop stars.
What is Sia's connection to the film Dominion?
Sia served as one of the primary narrators for the 2018 documentary 'Dominion,' which uses drones and hidden cameras to expose the dark underbelly of modern animal agriculture. Her participation highlighted her commitment to animal rights activism.
Why does Sia hide her face?
Sia began hiding her face behind wigs and masks to maintain her privacy and avoid the negative psychological effects of fame. She wanted the public to focus on her music and art rather than her physical appearance.
What are Sia's most famous songs and films?
She is best known for the hit songs 'Chandelier,' 'Elastic Heart,' and 'Cheap Thrills.' In film, she is known for her directorial debut 'Music' and her voice work in 'My Little Pony: The Movie' and 'Dominion.'
Has Sia won any major awards?
While she has not yet won a Grammy, she has received nine nominations. She has won numerous ARIA Awards in Australia and several MTV Video Music Awards for her innovative visual work.
Learn More
Films
1 film
