Sophie Turner

Sophie Belinda Turner, born on 21 February 1996, is an accomplished English actress whose career took flight with her role as Sansa Stark in the HBO epic fantasy television series Game of Thrones (2011–2019). Her portrayal of Sansa earned her accolades, including an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2019.


Venturing beyond the realm of Westeros, Turner showcased her acting prowess in the 2013 British drama television film, The Thirteenth Tale. Her foray into feature films commenced with the psychological thriller Another Me in the same year 2013. In the realm of action comedy, Turner took on a role in Barely Lethal 2015, demonstrating her versatility.


Turner's journey in the X-Men film series marked a significant chapter in her career. She portrayed the young Jean Grey / Phoenix in the films released from 2016 to 2019, leaving an indelible mark on the iconic superhero franchise. As a rising star in the entertainment industry, Sophie Belinda Turner continues to captivate audiences with her compelling performances and diverse roles.


Sophie Belinda Turner, born on 21 February 1996 in Northampton, England, is the daughter of Sally, a nursery school teacher, and Andrew, employed in a pallet distribution company. When she was just 2 years old, the family relocated to Chesterton, Warwickshire. Turner's early education took place at Warwick Prep School until the age of 11, followed by enrollment at the independent The King's High School for Girls.


From a young age of 3, Turner became a member of the Playbox Theatre Company, showcasing her passion for the dramatic arts. Growing up with two older brothers, she experienced the loss of her twin, who tragically died in utero.


The Turner family lived in a spacious Edwardian house near Leamington Spa, providing a picturesque backdrop for her childhood. Turner fondly reminisces, stating, "My childhood was pretty fun. We had pigsties, barns, and a paddock, and used to muck around in the mud." Despite the unique setting, Turner didn't miss out on her education, having a tutor on the set of Game of Thrones until the age of 16.


Turner's academic achievements are noteworthy, securing five GCSE A-grades and four Bs, including a B in Drama. Her early years were shaped by a blend of rural adventures and academic pursuits, laying the foundation for the remarkable career that followed.


Sophie Belinda Turner's breakthrough came in August 2009 when she was cast as Sansa Stark, a young noblewoman, in the HBO fantasy drama series Game of Thrones. At the tender age of 14, Turner embarked on this transformative journey as filming commenced in July 2010. Sansa Stark marked Turner's inaugural television role, a remarkable start to her burgeoning career.


The decision to audition for the part was spurred by Turner's drama teacher, recognizing her potential. To embody Sansa, Turner underwent a significant transformation, dyeing her natural blonde hair auburn, a choice she adhered to until Season 7 when she began wearing wigs.
In 2012, Turner's noteworthy portrayal of Sansa earned her a nomination for the Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Series – Supporting Young Actress.


This recognition underscored her talent and commitment to the character. Turner continued to grace the screen throughout all eight broadcast seasons of Game of Thrones, solidifying her status as a pivotal and enduring figure in the acclaimed series.


Sophie Turner faced challenges during her time playing Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, revealing that she was told to lose weight. She candidly shared that this pressure, combined with spending her formative teenage years on screen, took a toll on her mental health.


In 2013, Turner made her debut as the lead character in the independent thriller film Another Me, an adaptation of Catherine MacPhail's novel. She also took on the role of Adeline March in the television film The Thirteenth Tale. The comedy film Barely Lethal (2015), in which she starred alongside Hailee Steinfeld, marked another venture in her growing filmography.


Beyond the screen, Turner showcased her versatility by narrating the audiobook version of Lev Grossman's short story The Girl in the Mirror, featured in the anthology Dangerous Women edited by George R. R. Martin. She continued her foray into audiobooks by narrating City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare in 2014. Turner expanded her reach beyond the entertainment industry in 2014 by becoming the face of Karen Millen's "The Journey" campaign.


Her involvement in the X-Men film series began with the role of mutant Jean Grey in X-Men: Apocalypse, released in May 2016. The film received mixed critical reviews. During the summer of 2016, Turner hosted the web video Powershift in collaboration with the Huffington Post, showcasing her engagement with social and environmental issues. Turner's career trajectory showcased her commitment to diverse roles and platforms, establishing her as a prominent and multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry.


Sophie Turner's philanthropic endeavors were highlighted in March 2017 when she announced her patronage of Women for Women, an organization dedicated to supporting female war survivors. Her commitment to social causes beyond her acting career showcased her desire to make a positive impact.


In August 2017, Turner candidly acknowledged the influence of her social media following on her casting in an unnamed project. She expressed that her popularity on social media played a role in securing a job over another actress whom she acknowledged as a far better talent.
Turner ventured into the beauty industry in June 2017, collaborating with Wella Hair and becoming its first international brand ambassador. This marked a new avenue for her professional engagements.


Her commitment to diverse roles continued as she took on the character of Juliane Koepcke in the movie Girl Who Fell From the Sky, also taking on a role as a producer for the project. In March and April 2018, she filmed the independent film Heavy in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, showcasing her dedication to varied cinematic experiences.


Turner reprised her role as Jean Grey in the X-Men film Dark Phoenix, released in June 2019, continuing her association with the iconic superhero franchise. Beyond the big screen, she became a face for the luxury designer brand Louis Vuitton in print work.


In September 2019, Turner added another feather to her cap by being cast in the thriller television show Survive, demonstrating her versatility across different entertainment mediums.


In 2022, Turner made a notable appearance in the teen black comedy Do Revenge, playing the character Erica in a minor role. One scene featuring Turner's character went viral due to her intentionally "over-the-top" reaction, reminiscent of iconic cinema outbursts from actors like Leonardo DiCaprio and Jack Nicholson, showcasing her playful approach to her craft.

References

1.  Gonzales, Erica (2 May 2019). "Sophie Turner Has Officially Changed Her Last Name to Jonas After Her Surprise Wedding". Harper's Bazaar. Archived from the original on 27 May 2019. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
2. a b "Interview with Sophie Turner". Winter-is-coming.net. 31 March 2011. Archived from the original on 2 April 2011. Retrieved 19 September 2011.
3. ^ "10 things you need to know about Sophie Turner". Vogue France. 1 June 2016. Archived from the original on 2 October 2023. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
4. ^ Preston, Alex (25 April 2016). "The Beguiling Sophie Turner". Town & Country. Archived from the original on 1 February 2015. Retrieved 19 December 2016.
5. ^ Vonledebur, Catherine (16 August 2013). "Leamington Game of Thrones actress Sophie Turner enjoying her rise to fame". Coventry Telegraph. Coventry, UK. Archived from the original on 16 April 2019. Retrieved 20 November 2013.