Long before she became one of Hollywood’s rising power players, Sydney Sweeney was sleeping in a one-bedroom motel room with her family.
The 27-year-old Euphoria and Anyone But You actress is now worth a reported $40 million, but she recently opened up about a far different chapter of her life. At just 16, Sweeney and her family lived in a Holiday Inn in Burbank, California, for nearly nine months after financial hardship forced them from their home.
The Spokane, Washington native told The Times that her parents, a criminal defense attorney and a hospitality worker, filed for bankruptcy in 2013. With nowhere else to go, the family of four squeezed into a hotel room without a kitchen or balcony.
Her father and brother slept on a pull-out sofa while Sweeney and her mother shared the only bed. Despite the conditions, the actress said she and her brother joked that they were living out The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, referencing the Disney Channel sitcom set in a hotel.
From soap to star power
Today, Sweeney’s story couldn’t be more different. In addition to starring in high-grossing films and hit series, she recently launched a limited-edition $8 soap that includes what she described as a touch of her own bathwater. While unconventional, the product sold out quickly, proving her powerful influence as both a businesswoman and pop culture phenomenon.
In 2020, she launched her own production company, Fifty-Fifty Films, further solidifying her status in the entertainment world. Her real estate portfolio now includes a $6.1 million home in Bel-Air, a $4.4 million property in Los Angeles, and a sprawling $13.8 million estate in the Florida Keys.
An unstoppable mindset
Despite her success, Sweeney said she isn’t slowing down. She shared that she constantly pushes herself to achieve more and that her ambition continues to drive her forward.
Her next major project, Echo Valley, is already generating buzz. And with her growing list of credits and entrepreneurial ventures, the star shows no signs of stepping out of the spotlight.
From cramped motel rooms to red carpets and multimillion-dollar deals, Sydney Sweeney’s rise is a story of grit, resilience, and hustle. In an industry that thrives on reinvention, she’s already proving she’s not just a fleeting name — she’s building an empire.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.