Cristin Milioti’s trajectory from her early work on “The Sopranos” to her acclaimed role in HBO’s “The Penguin” illustrates a distinctive path in television and film, filled with transformative performances and passionate dedication. As attention on her projects and press responsibilities intensifies, she finds herself compelled to revisit a career marked by both critical praise and intensely personal growth.
Her recent portrayal of Sofia Falcone in “The Penguin,” acting alongside Colin Farrell in Gotham City’s underworld, captured the attention of fans and critics following her introduction in 2022’s “The Batman.” Shortly after, she starred in Netflix’s
“Black Mirror: USS Callister: Into Infinity,”
the much-anticipated sequel to the sci-fi anthology’s original episode, further cementing her place in high-profile projects. For nearly a year, Milioti has cycled through interviews and promotional events, balancing public curiosity about her journey with her own reluctance for self-examination.
Managing Spotlight and Introspective Challenges
Despite the fanfare, Milioti admits that discussing her own experiences remains a mixed experience. Facing the expectations of the industry and her audience, she seeks to balance pride in her accomplishments with the challenge of facing herself in the public arena.
“I’m very proud to have been a part of all these things, and I want to talk about them,”
she shares, reflecting on her journey in conversation at Los Angeles’ Chateau Marmont. —Cristin Milioti, Actor
“Also, it’s uncomfortable to ruminate on oneself in a public setting — but I find it uncomfortable even if it’s not public.”
—Cristin Milioti, Actor
“Obviously, there’s a part of me that feels comfortable getting up on a stage and be like, ‘Everyone hush. I’m about to sing!’ But it’s within a different container than self-reflection.”
—Cristin Milioti, Actor
Known for her grounded attitude, Milioti is quick with self-deprecating humor, exuding warmth and connection while expressing a healthy distance from the mechanics of her process or the notion of reviewing her own performances.
“I don’t think it’s very natural,”
she asserts.
“I don’t think we’re meant to meet ourselves that way.”
—Cristin Milioti, Actor
Yet, when asked to revisit the touchstones of her career, Milioti embraces the opportunity to recount her varied and compelling roles.
First Big Break: The Sopranos (2006–2007)
Cristin Milioti’s early leap into major television started with her role in “The Sopranos,” a formative experience that came at a pivotal moment in her life. Without access to HBO as a child, she entered the iconic show’s set with little awareness of its pop culture dominance. Overwhelmed but excited, she found mentoring and kindness from the likes of Steve Buscemi, whose encouragement stood out to her as she navigated the intimidating environment. The job arrived as she considered leaving college due to mounting debt and uncertainty, ultimately giving her a new sense of direction and the confidence to pursue acting fully.
Memorable Guest Star: 30 Rock (2011)
Her next highlight came with a guest appearance on “30 Rock,” which Milioti describes as one of her all-time favorite roles. Driven by familiarity with the show and admiration for stars like Tina Fey, she auditioned with a clear vision and reveled in the surreal thrill of inhabiting beloved sets. The camaraderie and humor on set, along with quirky details like donning a wig previously worn by Will Forte, left an indelible mark on her.
“Oh, I know what to do here.”
—Cristin Milioti, Actor
Taking the Stage: Once (2011–2013)
The musical “Once” profoundly shifted Milioti’s perspective as an artist. Over the course of approximately 500 performances, she shouldered the challenges of live music and emotional storytelling, often feeling the strain from the intensity and repetition of each show. At the time, she focused single-mindedly on her craft, abstaining from a typical social life to protect her vocal health, a choice she believes she might reconsider now with more experience.
Her favorite moment came during the song “Gold,” a pivotal point for her character and the audience. The collective atmosphere of everyone performing a cappella each night remains an enduring memory, symbolizing the powerful connection between cast and crowd.
“I wish I were singing more. I really miss it a lot. It is the most open you can be, but it’s hard to find the right thing. Especially with the stuff I’ve done in the last few years, I don’t know how singing would even factor into that, but I would love to.”
—Cristin Milioti, Actor
Blockbuster Experience: The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Stepping onto the set of Martin Scorsese’s “The Wolf of Wall Street” was a substantial leap into big-budget filmmaking. Milioti recalls the spectacle of filming in the heart of New York City, managing the distractions of paparazzi and constant activity. The film’s improvisational style, under Scorsese’s supportive leadership, posed a new kind of challenge—one that ultimately empowered her to trust her instincts and embrace the unpredictable nature of movie making.
Cult Status: How I Met Your Mother (2013–2014)
Joining the ensemble cast of “How I Met Your Mother” as a pivotal character in the final season came with its own unique pressures. Milioti was struck by the fervor of the show’s fan base—both their deep investment and at times divisive opinions about the finale. Still, she considers the experience a testament to the emotional bonds audiences formed with her character and the narrative as a whole.
Exploring New Genres: Fargo (2015)
After a string of roles as a romantic lead, Milioti sought a departure with her turn in “Fargo.” Drawn to the challenge of switching genres, she welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with talents like Nick Offerman, an actor she would later work with again in “The Resort.” The series allowed Milioti to explore complex themes of loss and connection in settings ranging from Calgary kitchens to Puerto Rican jungles, proving the impact of versatility in her craft.
Science Fiction Adventure: Black Mirror and Beyond (2017, 2025)
Milioti’s universe expanded with her lead roles in the “Black Mirror” franchise, including “USS Callister” and its sequel, “Into Infinity.” On these projects, she indulged a childhood sense of adventure, describing the blend of ordinary office life and space fantasy as exhilarating. Bonding with cast and crew during shoots in the Canary Islands felt like a joyous summer retreat, complete with group activities like cycling and karaoke, reinforcing the familial dynamic formed on set.
Her appreciation for the physical demands of action work deepened through these experiences, as she discovered the appeal of performances that switch between comedy, vulnerability, and awkward heroics.
Pushing Boundaries: Palm Springs (2020)
In “Palm Springs,” Milioti took on a project that was both emotionally and logistically demanding. The role called for careful tracking of her character’s narrative timeline, echoing the disorienting experience of being caught in a time loop. The shoot’s desert location brought natural challenges, from unpredictable sandstorms requiring cast and crew to shelter mid-take to the exhilaration of experimenting with new aspects of her performance, including a turn toward nihilism.
Milioti values stories like “Palm Springs” for their thematic depth, blending romance, personal reckoning, and even elements of time travel, allowing her to stretch her abilities across multiple genres.
Leading HBO’s “The Penguin” (2024)
Portraying Sofia Falcone in “The Penguin” marked a return to epic storytelling, and required Milioti to confront personal doubts and high expectations. Anxiety about measuring up gave way to increasing understanding and connection with her character, especially given the opportunity for rich development over the series’ extensive production schedule.
Longform storytelling, as she notes in comparing “The Penguin” to the rapid shooting of “Palm Springs,” provided space for deeper exploration and connection with both cast and fictional world. The tension of embodying a powerful, complex, and sometimes vengeful woman offered a richly satisfying acting challenge—one Milioti feels profoundly grateful for.
She acknowledges the universal, human fantasy of retribution embodied by her character, and cherishes the audience’s responses and the rarity of such a role landing at this stage in her career.
The Impact of a Versatile Career and What Lies Ahead
Cristin Milioti’s journey, from considering college dropout to starring in some of the decade’s most talked-about series and films, showcases the evolution of an artist unafraid to shift genres or confront vulnerability. Each step—from the pressures of “The Sopranos” set to the thrill of space adventures in “Black Mirror” and the emotional depths of “Once”—has shaped her growth, both as a performer and as an individual.
Her willingness to engage with each new genre and embrace every challenge affirms her status as one of today’s most dynamic talents. The breadth of Milioti’s experience, underscored by her humility and fierce commitment, ensures her place as a compelling presence in projects like “The Penguin” while leaving audiences and collaborators eager to witness the next chapter in her story. The recognition of her career highlights from “Sopranos” to “Penguin” continues to rise, reflecting an artist whose authenticity and passion inform every role she takes on.
