At just 26 years of age, Kiernan Shipka carries a career that, in many ways, feels decades deep. From her early break as the poised yet quietly wounded daughter on Mad Men, to the spell-casting title role in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and beyond, she has navigated childhood stardom and adult reinvention with an assuredness that belies her years.
In her journey ahead of this milestone birthday, the versatility she has displayed—whether in period drama, supernatural fantasy or genre-bending indie fare—suggests something more than youthful promise: a developing force.
Sally Draper | Mad Men (2007–2015)
(Source: IMDb)
The role that defined her early years and established her as a formidable dramatic actress. Shipka took the character of Sally Draper, the daughter of the enigmatic Don Draper, and transformed her from a quiet, background child into the moral compass and eventually the most disillusioned figure of the series.
Her portrayal was a masterclass in silent commentary, charting the painful, often heartbreaking journey of a girl navigating the crumbling façade of the 1960s American family. By the final seasons, Shipka commanded the screen, delivering performances of such maturity and emotional complexity that critics called for her Emmy nomination.
Sabrina Spellman | Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018–2020)
(Source: IMDb)
This role cemented Shipka’s status as a leading star, plunging her into the world of dark fantasy and horror. Unlike the previous, lighter take on the character, her Sabrina was a fierce, conflicted half-witch caught between the mortal and supernatural realms.
Shipka brilliantly balanced teen angst, genuine heroism, and cosmic responsibility. The performance required her to be seductive, terrified, powerful, and vulnerable—often within the same episode—proving her ability to carry a massive production on her shoulders.
Kat | The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015)
(Source: IMDb)
In this chilling and atmospheric independent horror film, Shipka delivered a performance of profound, quiet dread. Playing a seemingly isolated boarding school student over Christmas break, her character’s descent into a deeply unsettling state is slow and meticulously crafted.
This role showcased her command of psychological tension and her ability to convey absolute desolation, marking a crucial, highly-praised pivot into the indie horror space that relies on nuance over jump scares.
Lou Simms | Swimming with Sharks (2022)
(Source: IMDb)
A departure from the heroic or the haunted, Shipka’s Lou Simms is an ice-cold study in calculated ambition. As a young intern who methodically dismantles her toxic, high-powered boss, she is sharp, manipulative, and entirely remorseless.
This performance allowed Shipka to shed any lingering vestiges of her youthful roles, presenting a character whose intelligence is as dangerous as her determination, proving she can play the villain with chilling conviction.
Jamie Hughes | Totally Killer (2023)
(Source: IMDb)
Shipka took a sharp turn toward the comedic and action-oriented with this time-travel slasher movie. She effortlessly blended the comedic shock of a modern teen (Jamie) dropped into the anachronistic landscape of the 1980s with the high-stakes intensity required of a slasher protagonist. The role required physical comedy, high-octane running, and delivering genuinely funny one-liners, demonstrating her versatility in a genre-blending context.
Ally Andrews | The Silence (2019)
(Source: IMDb)
In this post-apocalyptic horror feature, Shipka took on the challenge of playing a deaf teenager whose essential difference becomes her family’s greatest asset for survival.
The performance was largely physical and non-verbal, relying on visual cues and deeply expressed emotion to convey trauma and resilience in a world where sound means instant death. It was a testament to her range outside of dialogue-heavy dramatic roles.
B. D. Hyman | Feud: Bette and Joan (2017)
(Source: IMDb)
Appearing in a limited series full of Hollywood royalty, Shipka held her own as the observant, long-suffering daughter of Bette Davis (played by Susan Sarandon). Her portrayal of B. D. was marked by a quiet, world-weary sorrow, acting as the unwilling witness to one of Hollywood’s most toxic and legendary rivalries. It was a supporting role that added necessary emotional grounding and moral weight to the flamboyant drama.
Carrie Anne Camera | Longlegs (2024)
(Source: IMDb)
While a brief appearance, her role as the sole survivor of a killer is an instant, unsettling classic. Shipka delivered a tightly controlled, deeply unnerving performance as a woman damaged and seemingly hypnotized by a traumatic past. The role required her to communicate immense psychological horror with minimal screen time, leaving an indelible, chilling mark on the film’s atmosphere.
Jinora (Voice) | The Legend of Korra (2012–2014)
(Source: IMDb)
An essential reminder of her early versatility, Shipka voiced the thoughtful and gifted airbending master Jinora in the acclaimed animated series. The role allowed her to embody spiritual maturity and leadership through voice alone, showing she could create a beloved and powerful character without appearing on screen.
Cathy Dollanganger | Flowers in the Attic (2014)
(Source: IMDb)
In this TV film adaptation of the infamous gothic novel, Shipka faced the melodramatic and emotionally fraught task of portraying Cathy, one of the children secretly locked away by their cruel relatives.
She conveyed the intense isolation, burgeoning young adult feelings, and deep sense of abandonment central to the story, tackling dark, adult themes with a compelling intensity.
