Sydney Sweeney has opened up about a difficult encounter that she had with a casting director when she was 16.
Although Sweeney is often hailed as one of the most beautiful people in Hollywood, it would seem that some still found ways to criticize her.
Sydney Sweeney Recalls Harsh Casting Experience at 16
During an appearance on Live with Kelly and Mark, Sweeney shared a candid memory from her early days in Hollywood, revealing some of the harsh realities of auditioning at a young age, cited by the Daily Mail.
"I started when I was young so I had many auditions that did not go very well," she explained. "I've had casting directors that are eating chips in the room when you are trying to audition."
One of the most painful experiences she recalled was when a casting director told her she needed to "fix [her] face" at just 16 years old.
"I've been told I need to 'fix my face,' which is not fun at 16. It's not a great experience growing up but you can have fun in it as well," Sweeney admitted.
She also emphasized the importance of resilience in the industry. "You are going to get told no way more than you are going to be told yes," she said, reflecting on how rejection is part of the journey in the entertainment business.
Host Kelly Ripa chimed in, noting the need for self-confidence, which Sweeney wholeheartedly agreed with, adding: "You do."
Sydney Sweeney says a casting director told her to "fix her face". Credit: Frazer Harrison / Getty
Preparing for the Role of Christy Martin
As Sydney Sweeney continues to carve her path in Hollywood, she’s now preparing to play the iconic role of Christy Martin in the upcoming film Christy, directed by David Michôd.
The movie, set to hit theaters on November 7, chronicles Martin’s rise as a world-class boxer and her personal battles outside the ring, including domestic violence and struggles with identity.
To take on the physically demanding role, Sweeney underwent a significant physical transformation, gaining 30 pounds to authentically portray Martin.
"I had a nutritionist work with me as well as a weight trainer and a boxing trainer," she revealed in a conversation at the Toronto Film Festival. "We upped my calorie intake and I started taking a lot of protein shakes and supplements and eating everything."
Sweeney opened up about her intense diet, admitting she "ate a lot of Smuckers, a lot of PB and J sandwiches, milkshakes," to keep up with the physical requirements of the role.
"I was constantly burning it all off at the same time. So keeping it all up was quite a challenge," she added.
In addition to her physical transformation, Sweeney expressed her excitement for the film’s release, sharing: "I'm just glad that Christy's story is out there."
The film, which explores Martin's resilience and courage, is a deeply personal project for Sweeney, as she dedicated her role to the boxer and her legacy.
Sydney Sweeney at Variety's 2025 Power Of Women. Credit: Steve Granitz / Getty
Sydney Sweeney’s Stunning Red Carpet Moment
Outside of her acting career, Sydney Sweeney made headlines for her daring fashion choice at the 2025 Variety Power of Women event.
The actress turned heads when she wore a sheer, figure-hugging silver gown that left little to the imagination, drawing admiration and surprise from fans and the media.
At the prestigious event, Sweeney was one of the honorees, alongside stars like Jamie Lee Curtis, Kate Hudson, and Nicole Scherzinger.
Rather than focusing on the buzz around her bold outfit, Sweeney took to Instagram to share a video of her speech.
"The power to rise and to fight and to keep believing in yourself, even when no one else does," she said.
Sweeney dedicated her recognition to Christy Martin, calling her "a hero" and "an ultimate underdog" who redefined the sport of boxing while facing immense personal struggles, including domestic violence and sexual identity issues.
She continued: "Christy reminds us strength doesn’t have to look loud sometimes, it’s just about getting up again and again no matter who is watching."
Sweeney emphasized how much Martin’s story of survival and resilience meant to her, and she dedicated the evening to the boxing legend.