Sophie Nélisse: 15 Surprising Facts About the Yellowjackets Star

15 Fun Facts About Sophie Nélisse You Probably Didn't Know

Sophie Nélisse has been lighting up the screen since she was a kid, and if you’ve been following her career, you know she’s got some serious acting chops. From starring in The Book Thief to her gripping role in Yellowjackets, she’s proven time and again that she’s here to stay. But there’s more to Sophie than just her on-screen talent. Here are 15 fun and surprising facts about the Canadian actress!

1. She Almost Became an Olympic Gymnast

Before acting became her main focus, Sophie was a dedicated gymnast. She trained for years with the goal of competing in the 2016 Olympics, demonstrating the same discipline and determination that would later define her acting career. Gymnastics was her passion, and she put in countless hours of practice, perfecting her routines and working towards representing Canada on the world stage. However, when she landed the role of Liesel in The Book Thief, she was faced with a difficult decision—continue training or pursue acting full-time. She ultimately chose acting, a decision that would shape her future. Although she left the competitive gymnastics world behind, Sophie has said that the sport helped her develop resilience, focus, and a strong work ethic. Even today, she remains incredibly athletic and often shares glimpses of her fitness routines on social media, proving that gymnastics is still a big part of her life.

2. She's Fluent in Two Languages

Sophie grew up in Montreal, Canada, a bilingual city where both French and English are widely spoken. French is her first language, and she spent much of her childhood speaking it exclusively. However, as her acting career expanded beyond Quebec, she had to perfect her English skills to land roles in Hollywood. By the time she starred in The Book Thief, she was speaking English fluently, and today, she effortlessly switches between both languages. Being bilingual has given her a major advantage in the entertainment industry, allowing her to take on a wide variety of roles in both French and English-language films. She has starred in French-Canadian productions, such as Monsieur Lazhar, as well as major Hollywood projects. Her language skills also help her connect with a broader audience, and she frequently interacts with fans in both languages on social media, showcasing her deep appreciation for her multicultural roots.

3. Her Big Break Was in The Book Thief

At just 13 years old, Sophie landed the lead role of Liesel Meminger in The Book Thief, a film adaptation of Markus Zusak’s best-selling novel. The casting process was highly competitive, with thousands of young actresses auditioning for the role. Sophie’s emotional depth and natural talent set her apart, and she won the part, launching her international career. She received critical acclaim for her performance, capturing the heart and resilience of a young girl living in Nazi Germany. Working on the film was an intense experience, as she had to learn a German accent, memorize complex dialogues, and work alongside seasoned actors like Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson. The film became a significant milestone in her career, earning her multiple award nominations and putting her on Hollywood’s radar. Even years later, she considers The Book Thief one of her most cherished projects and remains grateful for the opportunity it gave her.

4. Acting Runs in the Family

Sophie isn’t the only actress in her family—her younger sister, Isabelle Nélisse, is also making a name for herself in the film industry. Isabelle gained attention for her chilling performance in the horror movie Mama, where she starred alongside Jessica Chastain. She later appeared in HBO’s critically acclaimed film The Tale, earning praise for her emotionally challenging role. Despite both sisters working in the same industry, they have taken different paths, with Isabelle often choosing darker, more intense roles. Sophie has spoken about how they support each other’s careers and share advice, though they don’t always see eye to eye on everything. Despite their occasional sibling disagreements, they share a strong bond and are proud of each other’s accomplishments. While they have yet to star in a film together, fans hope to see them collaborate in the future, bringing their combined talent to the big screen in a sister-powered project.

5. She Won a Genie Award

Sophie’s talent was recognized early in her career when she won a Genie Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Monsieur Lazhar (2011). The Genie Awards (now known as the Canadian Screen Awards) are the Canadian equivalent of the Oscars, making this a significant achievement for a young actress. At just 10 years old, Sophie delivered a deeply moving performance as Alice, a student dealing with the sudden loss of her teacher. The film, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, showcased her ability to portray complex emotions beyond her years. Winning such a prestigious award at a young age not only boosted her confidence but also helped her gain recognition in the industry. It proved that she wasn’t just another child actress—she was a serious performer with a bright future ahead. This early success set the stage for her later achievements in Hollywood.

6. She Was Almost in Stranger Things

Imagine Sophie Nélisse in the Stranger Things universe! It turns out she auditioned for a role in the hit Netflix series, though she ultimately didn’t make the final cut. While she hasn’t revealed which character she auditioned for, fans have speculated that she might have been up for Max (played by Sadie Sink) or another key role. Despite not landing a part, Sophie remains a huge fan of the show and has spoken about how much she admires its storytelling and nostalgic 80s aesthetic. Missing out on Stranger Things didn’t slow her down—she continued booking major roles in film and television, including 47 Meters Down: Uncaged and Yellowjackets. While we’ll never know how Sophie’s version of a Stranger Things character would have looked, her career path has proven that everything happens for a reason. And who knows? Maybe she’ll make an appearance in a future season or another Netflix original series!

7. She's a Fashion Icon in the Making

Sophie has been turning heads with her effortlessly cool fashion choices, and she’s quickly becoming a rising star in the world of style. Whether she’s rocking a sleek red carpet look or casually slaying streetwear, she knows how to make a statement. In 2018, she became the face of Caroline Néron’s jewelry line, marking her first big step into the fashion world. She frequently collaborates with designers and has attended major fashion events, solidifying her status as a trendsetter. Sophie’s style is all about blending elegance with an edgy, youthful vibe—think classic silhouettes mixed with modern details. She also embraces sustainable fashion, often wearing brands that prioritize ethical production. Her Instagram is filled with style inspo, and she’s not afraid to take risks with her looks. With more designers taking notice of her unique aesthetic, it wouldn’t be surprising to see her expand into modeling or even launch her own fashion line in the future.

8. She Loves Traveling and Adventure

Sophie Nélisse isn’t just about acting—she’s also a passionate traveler who loves exploring new places. Whether it’s a tropical beach getaway, a rugged hiking trip, or a cultural city tour, she’s always up for an adventure. She often shares snapshots of her travels on Instagram, giving fans a glimpse into her globe-trotting lifestyle. One of her favorite places to visit is Greece, where she’s been spotted soaking up the sun and enjoying the stunning blue waters. She also loves backpacking and road-tripping, proving that she’s just as comfortable in nature as she is on a Hollywood set. Sophie has mentioned in interviews that traveling helps her grow as a person and an actress, as it allows her to experience different cultures and perspectives. Whether she’s diving into crystal-clear waters, trekking through scenic landscapes, or simply enjoying a quiet moment in a foreign city, her love for travel is a big part of who she is.

9. She's a Huge Dog Lover

Sophie Nélisse has a soft spot for dogs and has even called herself a “dog mom” on social media. Her love for animals is evident in the adorable photos she posts of her furry friends. Whether she’s cuddling with her pup at home or taking them on adventures, Sophie’s love for dogs is undeniable. She’s also a strong advocate for pet adoption and often encourages her followers to consider rescuing animals in need. In interviews, she’s shared stories about how much comfort and companionship her pets bring her, especially during stressful filming schedules. Dogs have always been a big part of her life, and she enjoys spending time with them whenever she gets a break from work. Given her active lifestyle, it’s no surprise that she loves taking her pets on walks, hikes, and even road trips. If she weren’t an actress, she’s said she could totally see herself working with animals in some way!

10. She's a Self-Taught Musician

While Sophie is best known for her acting, she’s also musically talented. She plays the piano and guitar, and she’s mostly self-taught! Learning to play instruments was something she started doing as a hobby, but over time, it became a great creative outlet for her. She loves playing music to relax after long days on set, and she’s even shared a few videos of her jamming out at home. While she hasn’t pursued music professionally, fans have speculated that she could easily venture into singing or songwriting if she wanted to. Who knows—maybe one day we’ll see her in a musical or even releasing her own music! Until then, she’s content with keeping it as a fun passion project. Music allows her to express herself in a different way than acting, and she appreciates the creative freedom it gives her.

11. She's Passionate About Social Causes

Sophie isn’t just about the glitz and glamour of Hollywood—she also uses her platform to speak up about important issues. She’s been vocal about mental health awareness, women’s rights, and environmental conservation. She frequently supports campaigns that raise awareness about these topics and encourages her followers to educate themselves and take action. She has partnered with several charities and organizations, using her influence to bring attention to causes close to her heart. Sophie has also spoken openly about body positivity and the pressure of unrealistic beauty standards in the entertainment industry. She believes in embracing natural beauty and self-acceptance, inspiring fans to be confident in their own skin. Whether it’s through activism, donations, or simply using her voice to spread awareness, Sophie is committed to making a difference beyond the screen.

12. She's Super Down-to-Earth and Hilarious

Despite her rising fame, Sophie remains incredibly down-to-earth. She doesn’t take herself too seriously and often shares funny, unfiltered moments with fans. Whether she’s posting goofy behind-the-scenes clips from Yellowjackets or making fun of herself on Instagram, she’s got a great sense of humor. Fans love how relatable she is—she’s the kind of celeb who would rather wear comfy sweatpants than designer heels, and she isn’t afraid to show her silly side. Even during interviews, she keeps things lighthearted and fun, making it clear that she doesn’t let Hollywood pressure get to her. Sophie’s authenticity is one of the reasons she’s so beloved by fans; she’s proof that you can be talented and successful without losing your sense of humor or humility.

13. She's a Huge Bookworm

Given that she starred in The Book Thief, it’s no surprise that Sophie is a big fan of reading! She loves diving into fiction and poetry, and she often shares book recommendations with her followers. Some of her favorite authors include Haruki Murakami and Rupi Kaur, and she enjoys books that challenge her perspective or transport her to new worlds. Reading has always been an escape for her, especially during busy filming schedules when she needs to unwind. She has even expressed interest in one day writing her own book, whether it be a novel, a memoir, or a collection of short stories. Considering her creative talents, it wouldn’t be surprising if she took on a writing project in the future! Until then, she continues to fuel her love for literature, always looking for the next great read.

14. She's a Foodie Who Loves Cooking

Sophie is a total foodie and loves experimenting in the kitchen. She enjoys trying out new recipes, whether it’s baking desserts or making homemade pasta from scratch. Some of her favorite dishes include sushi, tacos, and French pastries, reflecting her diverse taste in cuisine. When she’s traveling, she makes it a point to explore local food scenes and try out new flavors. She has said that cooking is a way for her to relax and be creative outside of acting. She often shares her homemade meals on social media, proving that she’s got some serious skills in the kitchen. Fans have even joked that she should start a cooking YouTube channel, and honestly, we wouldn’t be mad about it! Whether she’s dining at a fancy restaurant or cooking a simple meal at home, food is something that brings her a lot of joy.

15. She's Not Afraid to Take Risks in Her Career

One of the things that sets Sophie apart is her fearless approach to acting. She’s not afraid to take on challenging or unconventional roles, and she constantly pushes herself as an artist. From playing emotionally complex characters like Shauna in Yellowjackets to starring in intense thrillers like 47 Meters Down: Uncaged, she embraces roles that challenge her abilities. She has said that she doesn’t want to be typecast and enjoys experimenting with different genres and characters. This willingness to take risks has earned her praise from critics and industry professionals alike. Looking ahead, Sophie has expressed interest in directing or producing in the future, meaning we could see her working behind the camera as well. No matter what she chooses to do next, one thing is certain—Sophie Nélisse is only getting started, and we can’t wait to see where her career takes her next!

Sophie Nélisse is more than just a talented actress—she’s an athlete, an animal lover, a world traveler, and a future filmmaker. With her impressive career so far, it’s clear she’s only getting started. What’s your favorite Sophie Nélisse movie or show? Let us know in the comments!

Stay tuned for more deep dives into your favorite stars, only on Woke Waves Magazine!

#SophieNelisse #Yellowjackets #TheBookThief #CelebrityFacts #CanadianActors