How Sydney Sweeney's Family Reacted To Her Euphoria Nude Scenes
What's worse than having a naked scene pop up in a movie or show just as your parents enter the room? How about if you're the one on screen in the nude? Such was the case for Sydney Sweeney — following her breakout role in "Euphoria."
The "White Lotus" and "Anyone But You" star made an indelible impression on TV audiences with her gut-wrenching portrayal of Cassie Howard in "Euphoria." Given the show's exploration of teenage romance, addiction, and mental health issues, Sweeney's many nude and sex scenes have birthed strong reactions from fans of the HBO drama. Among the most varied responses came from the actor's family, who were either all in or all out in viewing these steamy moments.
In a June 2023 interview with Today, Sweeney said, "I didn't prepare my dad at all. So he decided he was going to watch it without telling me, with his parents." To say Sweeney's father was in for a surprise would be an understatement. "My dad and my grandpa turned it off and walked out," the two-time Emmy nominee continued. "But my grandma, she's a big supporter of mine." Additionally, Sweeney said that her mom was aware ahead of time, having previously visited the "Euphoria" set.
Sweeney believes too many people focus on her Euphoria nude scenes
While some of Sweeney's family refuse to watch her more provocative "Euphoria" scenes, countless other viewers have. Within "Euphoria" Cassie has a complicated backstory, becoming someone who seeks validation and reassurance from others. Due to this, she's prone to being manipulated into having sex. But while these are significant moments for the character, Sweeney wishes they weren't the only ones people focused on from the Emmy-winning drama series.
Speaking with The Independent in 2022, the actor shared that she takes pride in her "Euphoria" performance — despite critics seemingly missing much of her character's nuance. "This is something that has bothered me for a while," she commented. "I'm very proud of my work in 'Euphoria.' I thought it was a great performance. But no one talks about it because I got naked." She contrasts the experience with the reception to her part as Olivia Mossbacher in "The White Lotus," noting how viewers only seemed to value her acting after this point.
Sweeney's more than aware of why this has been an issue. The performer chalks it up to how audiences perceive naked women on screen versus naked men, adding, "When a guy has a sex scene or shows his body, he still wins awards and gets praise. But the moment a girl does it, it's completely different."
Is Sweeney becoming rom-coms' newest star?
Still, it's good to see that perceptions of her acting prowess due to her nude scene have had no ill effect on her career thus far (nor should they!). After the incredible box office success of "Anyone But You," Sweeney seems to be moving into the realm of rom-com Queen — a role that seldom shows much nudity due to its targeted PG-13 crowd and skyrocketed the likes of Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock, and more into being A-list talent. While there is nudity in "Anyone But You," it's Glen Powell exposing it all (or the behind of it all, really) — not Sweeney.
Based on their joint interview with People in December 2023, it seems like Sweeney's experiences of filming nude scenes only added to her ability to be a complimentary and caring acting partner on set. Initially, Powell was afraid of shooting his nude scenes, stating, "That was the moment where I thought this could be the end of my career, right here, right now on this cliffside." But working with Sweeney through these moments comforted him. "The key to a great partner in that journey is someone who's not afraid to look dumb, and who's in it with you, and not protective," he said. "Sydney's just vulnerable. She just throws her heart onto film and throws herself in the deep end, and is the first person to be goofy in front of everybody."
Maybe Sweeney's family can watch "Anyone But You" and see how they feel about Powell's stripped-down take — knowing it wouldn't have been possible without her.