Sophie Nyweide, Former Child Actress Known for Role in Mammoth, Dies at 24
Sophie Nyweide, a former child actress best known for playing Michelle Williams’ daughter in the 2009 film Mammoth, has tragically passed away at the age of 24.
According to an obituary shared by her family, Sophie died on April 14. She rose to early fame, appearing in seven films before the age of ten, earning praise for her sensitivity and natural talent.
“Sophie was a trusting and kind girl,” her loved ones wrote. “That openness sometimes left her vulnerable to exploitation.” They described her as a passionate artist and writer, whose creative work often reflected the depth of her inner world and the pain she carried.
Her family revealed that Sophie struggled with trauma throughout her life. Despite the support of therapists, law enforcement, and those closest to her, they shared their heartbreak that “all the plans, diagnoses, and disclosures” weren’t enough to change the outcome. “She self-medicated to cope with the trauma and shame she held inside,” they wrote, adding that this ultimately “resulted in her death.”
Though the exact cause of death has not been publicly confirmed, her family expressed that Sophie often declined treatment, insisting she would “handle it” on her own, even when those around her knew how much she was hurting.
Sophie’s passion for acting began at a young age—something she was drawn to instinctively, long before learning that her mother, Shelly Gibson, was also an actress. “She dreamed—more like demanded—to act from the time she was little,” her family shared. “On set, she was radiant. It was the one place where she felt safe, supported, and alive.”
Sophie made her screen debut in the 2006 film Bella, and went on to appear in New York City Serenade, Margot at the Wedding, And Then Came Love, and the television series Law & Order. She also starred alongside Jessica Alba in An Invisible Sign, a performance that prompted film critic Jeannette Catsoulis to write that she “should have a glowing future.”
Born on July 8, 2000, in Burlington, Vermont, Sophie grew up immersed in the world of film. Her mother, Shelly Gibson—known for roles in All My Children, St. Elsewhere, and Dust to Malibu—fondly recalled Sophie’s early love of cinema. “She grew up in this movie theater,” Gibson said in a 2010 interview. “She had a little bed in the projection booth and watched countless movies.”
Over the weekend, Gibson shared a heartfelt tribute alongside a photo of her daughter:
“My Sophie, rest in peace. Your time with us was far too short. You were a light to everyone who met you. Those of us closest to you are shattered. I may never recover. I love you so much. Come back, sweetheart. You always could.”
The post was met with an outpouring of love and support from friends and fans:
“Shelly, I’m so deeply sorry. There are no words. Sending you so much love,” one wrote.
Another added, “You’ve been on my heart all week. I’m holding you in my thoughts and sending you peace.”