Former child star, known for ‘Noah’ and ‘Margot at the Wedding,’ dead at 24
Sophie Nyweide, a former child star who worked with the likes of Michelle Williams and others, died at the age of 24.
Her family announced she died on April 14 in an online obituary published on Thursday. No cause of death has been made available.
Nyweide appeared in 12 movies and television series between 2006 and 2015.
“Sophie was a kind and trusting girl,” the obit read. “Often this left her open to being taken advantage of by others. She wrote and drew voraciously and much of this art depicts the depth she had and it also represents the pain she suffered. Many of her writings and artwork are roadmaps of her struggles and traumas.
“Even with those roadmaps, diagnoses, and her own revelations, those closest to her, plus therapists, law enforcement officers and others who tried to help her are heartbroken their efforts couldn’t save her from her fate.”
The actress last appeared onscreen in a 2015 episode of the reality series “What Would You Do?”
“She self medicated to deal with all the trauma and shame she held inside, and it resulted in her death,” the obituary continued. “She repeatedly said she would ‘handle it’ on her own and was compelled to reject the treatment that might possibly have saved her life. Sophie. A life ended too soon. 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.”
Nyweide made her acting debut at age 6 in the 2006 movie “Bella.”
Perhaps best known for her 2009 portrayal of Michelle Williams’ and Gael García Bernal’s onscreen daughter in “Mammoth.”
She also stared in “Noah” with Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Hopkins and Emma Watson.
“She seemed happiest on a movie set, becoming someone else,” the statement read. “It was a safe place for her and she relish from the casts and crews who nourished her talent and her well being. She was an eager adventurer and picked up the customs and even languages of any place she visited. She made friends easily at her schools and saw the good in everyone.”
TV roles in “Law & Order” and “Margot at the Wedding” were also on her resume.
Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.
Nyweide’s family asked in the obituary that mourners make a donation to RAINN — the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, which functions as the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the U.S. — in lieu of gifts or flowers.
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