The ‘Christy’ star’s biggest career moments

Sydney Sweeney’s latest trip around the sun has certainly been a fiery one.

The Emmy-nominated actress and spokesmodel turns 28 on Sept. 12, after a year marked by controversy and success, which includes an eyebrow-raising ad campaign for American Eagle and a starring role in the Christy Martin biopic “Christy.”

The Spokane, Washington, native, who became a Hollywood darling thanks to her roles in the HBO dramas “Euphoria” and “The White Lotus,” boasts 25 million followers on Instagram and was billed as one of Forbes magazine’s “30 under 30” in 2023.

Despite the glitz and glam of her showbiz career, Sweeney strives to keep her feet on the ground amid her growing It Girl status.

“I try to separate myself from my characters as much as possible,” Sweeney told USA TODAY in November 2024. “So, I don’t bring my characters home with me. I think it’s a really healthy way to try and do the process. … I got my dog, Tank. We hang out, we have some food, maybe watch some TV and learn my lines for the next day.”

In honor of Sweeney’s birthday, here’s a look back at her top career moments.

Sydney Sweeney interview: Actress dishes on the best jeans, her favorite rom-com, and what’s on her playlist

Sydney Sweeney breaks out with ‘Euphoria’

Sweeney cut her teeth as an actress with minor roles in top series such as “Heroes,” “Criminal Minds,” “90210” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” In the late 2010s, she gained impressive TV cred with roles on the acclaimed dramas “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Sharp Objects.”

However, it was Sweeney’s performance as Cassie Howard in the HBO drama “Euphoria” that marked the actress’s mainstream breakthrough. Howard, a queen bee with a racy reputation, became a scene-stealer with her emotional outbursts and volatile friendship with Maddy (Alexa Demie).

“Cassie is such a deep, meaningful character for me,” Sweeney told Vanity Fair in November 2024, adding Howard is the “longest character I’ve ever had in my life. I feel like she’ll always have such a special place in my heart.”

Sweeney’s rising star continued to glow with A-list roles in the HBO dramedy “The White Lotus,” romantic comedy “Anyone But You” and Marvel’s “Madame Web.”

Sydney Sweeney’s best movies, ranked: Does ‘Americana’ make the list?

Sydney Sweeney sparks controversy with American Eagle campaign

In July, Sweeney became the face of denim retailer American Eagle’s newest campaign, which featured biology-inspired wordplay praising Sweeney’s “great jeans.”

The campaign quickly ignited a cultural firestorm, with some accusing Sweeney and American Eagle of subtly endorsing eugenics, the discredited belief that the human population can be improved through selective breeding. Even President Donald Trump weighed in on the sartorial scandal, defending the actress’s “hot” ad.

While Sweeney has yet to comment on the backlash, American Eagle defended the campaign in an Aug. 1 statement: “‘Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans’ is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story.”

Sydney Sweeney and American Eagle: Why actress sparked controversy with jeans ad

Sydney Sweeney draws online backlash with bathwater soap

In May, Sweeney and men’s hygiene brand Dr. Squatch unveiled Sydney’s Bathwater Bliss, a bar soap that was reportedly infused with Sweeney’s used bathwater. The actress had previously teamed up with the company for a suggestive body wash commercial.

“It’s weird in the best way, and I love that we created something that’s not just unforgettable, it actually smells incredible,” Sweeney said in a press release at the time.

The soap’s sensual marketing theme earned mixed reactions on social media, with some users dubbing it a gimmick and questioning the item’s cleanliness. Sweeney opened up about the backlash she received in an August interview with The Wall Street Journal.

“I think it’s important to have a finger on the pulse of what people are saying,” Sweeney said. “Because everything is a conversation with the audience.”

Sydney Sweeney and Dr. Squatch: Actress defends controversial bathwater soap

Sydney Sweeney transforms into boxing champ in ‘Christy’ trailer

Sweeney’s next role on the silver screen is shaping up to be a total knockout.

The actress stars as boxing icon Christy Martin in the upcoming sports biopic “Christy.” A trailer for the David Michôd film was released Sept. 11.

“Christy” follows the title character’s life from West Virginia teenager winning Toughman Contests to championship boxer in the 1990s, ultimately landing on the cover of Sports Illustrated and signing with infamous promoter Don King (Chad Coleman). But outside of the ring, Christy hides and represses her lesbianism and winds up marrying her trainer Jim Martin (Ben Foster), who manipulates and physically abuses her.

Sydney Sweeney bulks up for ‘Christy’: Actress packed on 30 pounds for boxing biopic with Chick-fil-A

Sweeney earned a standing ovation for the transformational role when the movie premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival Sept. 5. The actress said she trained three times a day for three months before filming began and worked with a boxing coach, weight trainers and nutritionists.

“It was incredible being able to completely embody such a powerful woman,” Sweeney said at a post-premiere Q&A. “I felt even stronger. It was truly inspiring.”

Contributing: Patrick Ryan and Brian Truitt, USA TODAY