Sophie Nyweide: Possible Cause of Death of 'Noah' Star Revealed
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Sophie Nyweide, the former child actress known for her roles in films such as Mammoth, Noah, and An Invisible Sign, has died at the age of 24.
Her family confirmed her death on April 14, 2025, through an obituary published on Legacy.com. Nyweide, who began acting at the age of 6, left an indelible mark in the entertainment industry with a brief but impactful career that spanned nearly a decade.
While the obituary did not specify an official cause of death, it stated that Nyweide "self-medicated to deal with all the trauma and shame she held inside, and it resulted in her death."
Born in Burlington, Vermont, in July 2000, Nyweide's early life was characterized by a mix of creative pursuits and athletic endeavors.
She was a competitive snowboarder by age 5, inspired by her older brother, and spent much of her time between Vermont and New York City. Acting became her passion at a young age, with her first major role in Bella at just 6 years old.
What Did Sophie Nyweide's Family Say?
In a heartfelt obituary, Nyweide's family described her as "a kind and trusting girl," qualities that they said left her vulnerable to being taken advantage of by others.
Sophie Nyweide during a press conference for the competition movie "Mammoth" at the Berlinale in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009.
Sophie Nyweide during a press conference for the competition movie "Mammoth" at the Berlinale in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009.
Hermann J. Knippertz/AP Photo
They wrote, "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." Despite these insights, the family noted that even with the support of therapists, law enforcement officers, and others, they were "heartbroken their efforts couldn't save her from her fate."
They also shared that Nyweide "repeatedly said she would 'handle it' on her own and was compelled to reject the treatment that might possibly have saved her life." In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requested donations be made in her name to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the United States.
Sophie Nyweide's Most Known Roles
Nyweide's career spanned from 2006 to 2015, during which she appeared in 12 films and television projects. Her debut came in the independent film Bella, which won the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. She later featured in Margot at the Wedding alongside Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Jason Leigh, and in And Then Came Love.
One of her most recognized roles was in Lukas Moodysson's Mammoth (2009), where she played the daughter of characters portrayed by Gael García Bernal and Michelle Williams. She also appeared in An Invisible Sign (2010), starring Jessica Alba, and Noah (2014), the Darren Aronofsky-directed biblical epic headlined by Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly.
Nyweide's last credited appearance came in 2015 on the reality series What Would You Do?, marking the end of her on-screen career. Despite her retreat from acting, the obituary noted that she seemed "happiest on a movie set, becoming someone else," a space where she felt safe and nurtured by the cast and crew around her.
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