Since crashing into the scene as the quick-witted, skateboarding Max Mayfield in season two of Netflix’s smash-hit “Stranger Things,” Sadie Sink has solidified her status as one of Hollywood’s most compelling young actors.
Her critically acclaimed performance in the series’ fourth season, followed by her powerful turn in the Oscar-nominated film “The Whale,” has proven that her talent extends far beyond the Upside Down. But what do you know about the actress behind the iconic character? From her early days on Broadway alongside Helen Mirren to her surprising non-acting passions and her future projects, there’s a fascinating world of facts to explore about this rising star. Dive in to discover 20 things you didn’t know about the unstoppable Sadie Sink.
Sadie Sink is a Texas Native
Sadie Sink was born on April 16, 2002, in Brenham, Texas. She began her performance journey in local theater productions in Houston before moving to New Jersey to pursue acting professionally.
Her Start was on Broadway
Before she ever faced a Demogorgon, Sink was a seasoned Broadway performer. At age 10, she was cast as the title role in the Broadway revival of Annie. She later went on to star in The Audience in 2015, where she shared the stage with Oscar and Emmy winner Helen Mirren.
She Almost Didn’t Get the Role of Max
When Sadie first auditioned for Max Mayfield, the Duffer Brothers (creators of Stranger Things) initially thought she was too old for the part. However, she was so persistent and impressed them so much during a screen test with Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin) and Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas) that they reconsidered, making her a series regular from Season 2 onwards.
She’s a Dedicated Vegan
Sadie Sink has been a devoted vegan since 2015, a decision she made after working on the film The Glass Castle with Woody Harrelson, whose daughter is also vegan. She often advocates for animal rights and sustainable living.
She Starred in Taylor Swift’s Short Film
In 2021, Sadie was hand-picked by Taylor Swift to star in the short film All Too Well: The Short Film, based on the 10-minute version of the song. She played the female lead opposite Dylan O’Brien, and her powerful performance drew significant praise from critics and fans alike.
She is the Second Youngest of Five Siblings
Sadie has a large family, being the fourth of five children. She has three older brothers—Caleb, Spencer, and Mitchell—and a younger sister, Jacey. Her family is incredibly close.
Her Brother Mitchell is Also an Actor
The performing arts bug runs in the family. Her older brother, Mitchell Sink, also has a background in Broadway and musical theater. He even helped her rehearse and learn lines for her intense role in the film The Whale.
She Lied to Get the Stranger Things Role
To secure the part of Max, Sadie admitted she lied about her skateboarding ability during the audition process. After getting the role, she quickly had to learn, taking three-hour daily lessons for two months to look authentic as the resident Hawkins skater girl.
Max Mayfield Was Her TV Breakthrough Role
While she had several roles before it, including a main part in the series American Odyssey and guest spots on shows like The Americans and Blue Bloods, joining Stranger Things in 2017 was the role that propelled her to global stardom.
She Made Her Film Debut in a Sports Drama
Sadie’s first appearance in a feature film was the 2016 biographical sports drama Chuck (also known as The Bleeder), which tells the story of the boxer Chuck Wepner. She played the daughter of the title character, played by Liev Schreiber.
Her Film The Whale Was Shot Like a Play
For the critically acclaimed 2022 film The Whale, director Darren Aronofsky treated the production like a theater company. Due to her extensive Broadway background, Sink embraced the three-week rehearsal period, which involved running the full script in a mock-up of the set.
She Gained Confidence from Her Character
Sadie has credited playing the tough, outspoken, and bold Max Mayfield with helping her build her own personal confidence. She has said that embodying Max’s strength has positively impacted her own life.
She is a Major Fashion and Beauty Star
Outside of acting, Sink is a major figure in the fashion and beauty world. She made her runway debut at Paris Fashion Week at the age of 15 and has since become a spokesperson and brand ambassador for luxury brands like Givenchy and Chanel.
She Considers Her Acting in The Whale a ‘Boot Camp’
Returning to the set of Stranger Things after filming The Whale, Sadie felt a significant shift in her acting approach. She stated the challenging role of Ellie felt like “boot camp,” and she came back with a new level of confidence and security in her ability to push her boundaries.
Her Parents Are a Coach and a Math Teacher
Sadie was raised in a non-Hollywood, non-performing family. Her father, Casey Sink, is a football coach, while her mother, Lori Sink, is a high school math teacher
She Doesn’t Rely on Social Media
Unlike many actors her age, Sadie is notably private and does not actively use social media. She has stated that she prefers to live in the moment and found that constant social media interaction was not the best fit for her.
Her Younger Sister Jacey Has Played Her Character
Her younger sister, Jacey Sink, has followed in her footsteps, sometimes portraying younger versions of Sadie’s characters. Jacey appeared as a younger Max Mayfield in a dream sequence for Stranger Things and as the young version of Ellie in The Whale.
She Was Inspired by Helen Mirren’s Work Ethic
Working with Oscar winner Helen Mirren in the 2015 Broadway production of The Audience as the young Queen Elizabeth II was a transformative experience for Sink. She has cited observing Mirren’s professional approach as a major factor that solidified her dedication to acting.
Her Ancestry is English, German, and Irish
While she is a proud Texan, her family roots stretch across the Atlantic. Sadie has publicly noted that her family ancestry is a mix of English, German, and Irish heritage, giving her a diverse cultural background.
She Narrated the Vegan Documentary Dominion
Extending her passion for veganism beyond her personal life, Sadie lent her voice to the 2018 documentary Dominion. Alongside other actors like Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara, she was one of the narrators, highlighting the plight of animals in various forms of agriculture.