Sophie Nyweide, a child actor who starred in the 2009 romance drama “Mammoth” alongside Gael García Bernal and Michelle Williams, has died. She was 24.
An April 17 obituary honoring Nyweide’s life did not specify her cause of death but described her as a deeply creative and trusting person who faced significant personal struggles.
“She self medicated to deal with all the trauma and shame she held inside, and it resulted in her death,” the obituary stated. “She repeatedly said she would ‘handle it’ on her own and was compelled to reject the treatment that might possibly have saved her life.”
Nyweide, whose most recent acting credit is “Noah” (2014) starring Russell Crowe and Emma Watson, is described as a daughter, granddaughter, sister, friend and new aunt. She is remembered as a “voracious” writer and artist whose journals and drawings are said to have been “roadmaps” of her pain.
“Even with those roadmaps, diagnoses and her own revelations, those closest to her, plus therapists, law enforcement officers and others who tried to help her are heartbroken their efforts couldn’t save her from her fate.”
The late actor split her time between New York City and Burlington, Vermont, where she was born. According to her obituary, she became a competitive snowboarder at the age of 5 and eventually expressed a keen interest in acting.
“She did that too with an ease we all marveled about,” the obituary continues. “She seemed happiest on a movie set, becoming someone else. It was a safe place for her and she relish from the casts and crews who nourished her talent and her well being. “
Beyond acting, Nyweide was an enthusiastic traveler who enjoyed picking up languages and customs.
“Sophie. A life ended too soon,” the obituary notes towards its conclusion. “May it not be in vain. May we all learn from her brief life on earth and do better. Yes, we must all protect our children and do better.”
The obituary asks that in lieu of flowers or gifts, donations in her name may be made to RAINN, the country’s largest non-profit anti-sexual violence organization.
