Sydney Sweeney has emerged as one of the most promising talents in Hollywood, with her reputation initially built on television roles that captivated audiences. Known for delivering compelling performances even in brief appearances, Sweeney’s portrayal of complex characters has established her as a standout actress. This article ranks her six most memorable TV characters, showcasing why Sydney Sweeney best TV characters continue to earn critical and fan acclaim.
Willa: A Brief Yet Pivotal Role in the Final Episode of Pretty Little Liars (2017)
In the closing moments of the long-running series Pretty Little Liars, Sydney Sweeney appears as Willa, a character introduced in the series finale which aired in 2017. Pretty Little Liars, adapted from Sara Shepard’s novel series, unfolded over seven seasons and 160 episodes, chronicling the lives of high school girls in Rosewood, Pennsylvania, who are threatened by an anonymous figure known as “A.”
Willa’s role, although limited to the last episode, is significant for bringing the story full circle. She mirrors Spencer Hastings, a main character from the pilot, by delivering a similar line that echoes the pilot’s pivotal scene. Willa is depicted as a friend to Addison and Hadley, and after a mysterious scream, Hadley discovers that her friends have vanished. This subtle but meaningful portrayal encapsulates the series’ mystery just before concluding its run.
Emaline Addario: The Overdramatic Drama Club Member in Everything Sucks! (2018)
In the 2018 Netflix series Everything Sucks!, Sydney Sweeney played Emaline Addario over ten episodes. Set in 1996 in the town of Boring, Oregon, the show follows social outcasts from the A/V and Drama Clubs at the local high school as they endeavor to make a film when their school play plans fall apart. Despite the show’s cancellation after one season, Sweeney’s performance was well-received.
Emaline is a confident and expressive junior in the drama club who stands out for her dramatic tendencies and independent spirit. She is admired by many in school but remains true to herself rather than conforming to others’ expectations. This role hints at elements of Sweeney’s later portrayal of Cassie in Euphoria, demonstrating early glimpses of her ability to balance charm and complexity in her characters.
Eden Blaine: The Devout Handmaid in The Handmaid’s Tale Season 2 (2018)
Sydney Sweeney appeared as Eden Blaine in The Handmaid’s Tale’s second season, spanning seven episodes. The series, derived from Margaret Atwood’s novel, presents a dystopian America where women are subjugated under the totalitarian regime of Gilead. Eden is a young Handmaid who was raised under the regime’s strict ideological control and ingenuously accepts her role in the oppressive system.
Married in a childbride ceremony to Nick Blaine, Eden’s character explores the conflict between indoctrination and the harsh realities of her life. Her journey from religious obedience to disillusionment culminates in her attempted escape, which leads to her death. Sweeney’s nuanced performance captures Eden’s transformation with a realism that conveys both resolve and vulnerability.
Alice: A Complex Bond in HBO’s Sharp Objects (2018)
In Sharp Objects, Sydney Sweeney plays Alice, a character who appears across seven episodes of the 2018 HBO miniseries. Adapted from Gillian Flynn’s novel, the story follows reporter Camille Preaker, portrayed by Amy Adams, as she investigates local murders while confronting her own personal demons. Alice resides in a psychiatric hospital where she and Camille develop a supportive, sisterly friendship.
Though her screen time is limited, Sweeney’s portrayal of Alice stands out due to the character’s blend of childlike confusion and premature world-weariness. The relationship between Camille and Alice provides a rare emotional anchor in the dark narrative, and Alice’s fate deeply resonates with viewers, demonstrating Sweeney’s ability to evoke empathy through subtle performance choices.
Olivia Mossbacher: The Layered Gen Z Student in The White Lotus (2021)
Sydney Sweeney’s role as Olivia Mossbacher in The White Lotus’s first season marked a breakout moment on HBO, spanning six episodes. Set in a Hawaiian resort, the show explores dysfunctional relationships among the affluent vacationers. Olivia is the eldest daughter of the Mossbacher family and travels with her college friend Paula.
Olivia embodies the stereotypical Gen Z college student — sarcastic, socially conscious, and often oblivious to the full implications of her activism. Sweeney injects complexity into Olivia by revealing her intelligence, affection for her family, and a surprising tendency to forgive. This nuanced characterization defies the simplistic trope, making Olivia a layered and relatable figure amid the show’s social satire.
Cassie Howard: Sydney Sweeney’s Most Acclaimed Role in Euphoria (2019-Present)
Number one on the list is Cassie Howard from HBO’s Euphoria, a role Sydney Sweeney has played since 2019 across 24 episodes. The series delves into the turbulent lives of high school students grappling with addiction, identity, and trauma. Cassie, Lexi’s older sister, is shaped by the abandonment of their father and the emotional fallout it caused.
Often seen as promiscuous by peers and adults alike, Cassie’s character reveals deeper layers of vulnerability and complexity through Sweeney’s performance. Her struggle for affection and self-worth is poignantly expressed, combined with moments of humor that provide relief in an intense drama. This role is widely regarded as Sweeney’s best television work, highlighting her capacity to infuse empathy and realism into a multi-dimensional character.
Through these six roles, Sydney Sweeney proves her versatility and depth as an actress, each part contributing to her reputation as one of the most talented young stars in television. As her career evolves with upcoming films and new projects, audiences can expect her to continue delivering captivating performances that push her growing craft to new heights.
