Sophia Woodward has captivated audiences with her dynamic performances, from her breakout role as Luna Loud on Nickelodeon to her latest project, Oceanless Beach. In this exclusive interview, she opens up about her journey in the industry, the lessons she’s learned from playing bold and fearless characters, and her deep passion for foster care advocacy. With an unwavering love for her craft and a heart dedicated to making a difference, Sophia shares her dreams, challenges, and the impact she hopes to leave—both on-screen and beyond.
HI, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO CHAT WITH US! CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, WHO IS SOPHIA WOODWARD IN YOUR OWN WORDS?
I’m someone who’s been lucky enough to make a living doing what I absolutely love with the best support system of people I could ask for.
FROM YOUR FIRST TV ROLE AT 12 TO PLAYING LUNA LOUD ON NICKELODEON, YOUR JOURNEY HAS BEEN INSPIRING. WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING AND REWARDING PART OF GROWING UP IN THE INDUSTRY?
The most challenging parts are definitely the amount of rejection that’s built into the industry. There’s no heartbreak like really being connected to a project, getting so close to the role, going through multiple rounds of casting, and then not getting it at the end of the day. Luckily, I love the work. The reward of feeling like I’m getting better at something I adore is worth it.
LUNA LOUD HAS SUCH A BOLD, PUNK-ROCK PERSONALITY. HOW DO YOU RELATE TO HER, AND WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST EXCITING PART OF BRINGING HER TO LIFE ON SCREEN?
I’ve learned so much from Luna. She is so bold and unapologetic that through playing her I gained so much self confidence. She’s made me more secure. It’s been a joy to bring her to life.
YOU’RE STARRING IN OCEANLESS BEACH, A BRG FILM SET TO HIT THE FESTIVAL CIRCUIT SOON. CAN YOU GIVE US A SNEAK PEEK INTO YOUR CHARACTER AND WHAT DREW YOU TO THIS ROLE?
The team of creatives behind this story made me immediately want to be a part of it. Brent Ryan (director) and Alex Harris (writer) are the kindest, most collaborative people. When they came to me with the project I fell just as much in love with them that I did with the script itself. It was really exciting getting to play a vulnerable character with the depth that Beth has. Playing her was a therapeutic challenge. I can’t wait for people to see it.
YOU’RE A STRONG ADVOCATE FOR THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO USE YOUR PLATFORM TO RAISE AWARENESS, AND WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU LOVE TO SEE IN THE SYSTEM?
I lived for a few years in Oklahoma which has the worst foster care system in the nation. It also has one of the worst female incarceration rates in the world and over 50% of those women incarcerated are mothers. That, obviously, directly feeds into the mismanagement and population of the foster care system. I’d like for the system to enact numerous guidelines and strengthen the guidelines they already have in place for foster families. There needs to be better screenings and home checks happening for these children, as far too many children live in environments of abuse. I’d also like to see more families opening their homes to foster children, as one of the major issues is a shortage of homes.
WITH OVER 330K FOLLOWERS ACROSS SOCIAL MEDIA, HOW DO YOU BALANCE ENGAGING WITH YOUR FANS WHILE STAYING TRUE TO YOURSELF IN THE DIGITAL SPOTLIGHT?
I try not to think about it too much. We’re all just people behind a screen.
IF YOU COULD STAR IN A DREAM PROJECT—WHETHER IN TV, FILM, OR EVEN MUSIC—WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHO WOULD YOU LOVE TO WORK WITH?
I have a billion dream projects. One of them is definitely a period piece, and if I have to pick a favorite actress it would be between Winona Ryder and Emma Stone.
WHAT’S ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’D GIVE TO YOUNG ASPIRING ACTORS WHO LOOK UP TO YOU AND DREAM OF MAKING IT IN HOLLYWOOD?
You have to love the work. If you’re in this industry for anything else then you will be wildly unfulfilled. If you love the work, then you’ll find gratitude everywhere.
WHAT’S SOMETHING WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT MIGHT SURPRISE US?
You don’t know it for a reason.
WHERE CAN OUR READERS FIND YOU ONLINE?
My TikTok and Instagram are both @thesophiawoodward 😉
