Sadie Sink
Actor
About Sadie Sink
Sadie Elizabeth Sink is a prominent American actress who rose to international stardom during the late 2010s, though her roots are deeply planted in the traditions of musical theater and classical performance. Born in Brenham, Texas, she began her journey in community theater near Houston at the age of seven, eventually moving to New Jersey with her family to pursue a professional career on the Broadway stage. She made her Broadway debut as the title character in the revival of 'Annie' in 2012 and later shared the stage with Dame Helen Mirren in 'The Audience' (2015), portraying a young Queen Elizabeth II. Her transition to the screen was marked by a series of high-profile roles, most notably as Max Mayfield in the Netflix phenomenon 'Stranger Things,' where her performance earned widespread critical acclaim for its emotional depth and maturity. Beyond television, Sink has established herself as a formidable film actress, collaborating with visionary directors like Darren Aronofsky in the psychological drama 'The Whale' (2022). Her career is characterized by a seamless blend of youthful energy and a sophisticated, 'old soul' acting style that recalls the intensity of classic Hollywood's most versatile ingenues.
The Craft
On Screen
Sink is frequently praised for her 'naturalistic' and 'emotionally raw' acting style, often described as possessing a maturity that exceeds her years. She utilizes a grounded, internal approach to character development, often journaling to find the emotional core of her roles. Her ability to convey complex, often suppressed trauma through subtle facial expressions and intense physical presence has drawn comparisons to classic dramatic actresses. Critics have noted her 'creative acrobatics' and her capacity to balance high-stakes genre performance with quiet, poignant vulnerability.
Milestones
- Broadway debut as Annie in the 2012 revival of 'Annie'
- Portrayed Young Queen Elizabeth II opposite Helen Mirren in 'The Audience' (2015)
- Breakthrough role as Max Mayfield in 'Stranger Things' starting in 2017
- Narrated the animal rights documentary 'Dominion' (2018)
- Starred in Taylor Swift's 'All Too Well: The Short Film' (2021)
- Critically acclaimed performance in Darren Aronofsky's 'The Whale' (2022)
- Named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2022
- Tony Award nomination for 'John Proctor Is the Villain' (2025)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Hollywood Critics Association TV Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Streaming Series, Drama (2022)
- SCAD Savannah Film Festival Rising Star Award (2022)
- Gold Derby TV Award for Best Drama Supporting Actress (2022)
- CinemaCon Award for Breakthrough Ensemble (2023)
Nominated
- Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play (2025)
- Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Young Performer (2023)
- Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Younger Actor in a Streaming Series (2022)
- Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (2018, 2020)
- MTV Movie + TV Award for Best On-Screen Team (2018)
Special Recognition
- Forbes 30 Under 30 (2022)
- Time 100 Next (2022)
- Global Ambassador for Armani Beauty (2023)
- Variety's Power of Young Hollywood Impact List
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Sadie Sink has become a defining figure for Gen Z cinema, bridging the gap between traditional theater craft and modern streaming-era stardom. Her portrayal of Max Mayfield in 'Stranger Things'—particularly the 'Running Up That Hill' sequence—became a global cultural touchstone, revitalizing interest in 1980s aesthetics and music. She is also a prominent voice in the animal rights movement, using her platform to advocate for veganism and ethical treatment of animals, as evidenced by her narration of the documentary 'Dominion'.
Lasting Legacy
Though still early in her career, Sink's legacy is already being shaped by her reputation as one of the most technically proficient and emotionally resonant actors of her generation. She is seen as a successor to the 'prestige' acting lineage, moving effortlessly between blockbuster franchises and independent auteur-driven cinema. Her return to Broadway in 2025 further solidifies her status as a multi-disciplinary artist committed to the longevity of the acting craft.
Who They Inspired
She has influenced a new generation of young actors to pursue theater as a foundation for screen acting. Her success has also demonstrated the viability of transitioning from a child stage star to a serious adult dramatic lead without the typical pitfalls of child stardom.
Off Screen
Sadie Sink was born into a family of seven, including her parents Casey and Lori Sink, and four siblings: brothers Caleb, Spencer, and Mitchell, and a younger sister, Jacey. Her father is a football coach and her mother is a math teacher. She is a dedicated vegan, a lifestyle she adopted after being influenced by her co-star Woody Harrelson while filming 'The Glass Castle'. She remains close with her family, who moved to New Jersey specifically to support her burgeoning acting career during her childhood.
Education
Attended Frederick Richard Young School and later received professional tutoring while working on Broadway and film sets.
Did You Know?
- She lied about having rollerblading experience to land the role of Max in 'Stranger Things'.
- She became a vegetarian at age 13 and a vegan shortly after while working with Woody Harrelson.
- Her favorite classic film is 'The Sound of Music'.
- She made her modeling debut at Paris Fashion Week in 2018 at age 15.
- Her younger sister Jacey played the younger version of her character, Max, in 'Stranger Things'.
- She is a huge fan of musicals and originally wanted to be a Broadway star exclusively.
- She was one of the youngest narrators of the documentary 'Dominion'.
- She was considered for the role of Tigris Snow in 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes'.
In Their Own Words
I love musicals. They are some of my favorite things. I love it when you're singing and dancing at the same time. The energy is so high and it's amazing.
As an actor, you have to be a bit of an acrobat, emotionally.
I think it's important to use your platform for things you actually care about, like animal rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sadie Sink?
Sadie Sink is a highly acclaimed American actress known for her work on Broadway and her breakout role as Max Mayfield in the Netflix series 'Stranger Things'. She began her career as a child in musical theater before transitioning to major film and television roles.
What films is Sadie Sink best known for?
She is best known for her roles in 'The Whale' (2022), the 'Fear Street' trilogy (2021), and Taylor Swift's 'All Too Well: The Short Film'. She also narrated the 2018 documentary 'Dominion'.
When was Sadie Sink born?
Sadie Sink was born on April 16, 2002, in Brenham, Texas.
What awards has Sadie Sink won?
She has won a Hollywood Critics Association Award and a Gold Derby TV Award, and has received nominations for a Tony Award, a Critics' Choice Award, and multiple Screen Actors Guild Awards.
What is Sadie Sink's acting style?
She is known for a naturalistic and emotionally raw style, often described as having an 'old soul' quality that allows her to play complex, mature characters with great depth.
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Films
1 film
