Rising stars often have secrets and intriguing facts they withhold at face value. Whether you know Sophie Turner as an actress climbing towards fame or as Sansa Stark from the hit HBO series Game Of Thrones, I guarantee you she's a woman capable of surprising you. Sure, the evolution her character has endured over the years is remarkable, but did you know Sophie Turner adopted her slain dire wolf from the show as the family pet? Or how about the tragedy of a lost twin that to this day still haunts her?
Whether it's her interesting commentary on an unusual phobia, a refreshing view on what it means to be engaged, or a braggadocios revelation about her rap skills, Sophie Turner is full of fascinating stories about her British childhood and what it's like being on the smash hit Game Of Thrones series. Her enchanting friendship with Maisie Williams and whirlwind love Joe Jonas are just a couple endearing people surrounding the blonde beauty and considering she's skyrocketing to Hollywood in the upcoming X-Men movie, you might want to brush up on your facts. Here are 26 facts about sultry Game Of Thrones actress, Sophie Turner, and she'll quickly become one of your most beloved millennials.
Oh, and have you heard about the wild price of her engagement ring? Keep reading to find out!
26 Sophie Owns Her Dire Wolf From 'Game Of Thrones'
Everyone was heartbroken when Sansa Stark's adorable dire wolf, Lady, was mercilessly sent off. It's definitely a sore spot for fans, as any animal lover struggles with the death of a dog. Interestingly enough, once Zunni was no longer needed on set (the dog who plays Lady), Sophie's family ADOPTED the dog. That's right - real-life Sansa and real-life Lady are together happily ever after. While it didn't work out so swimmingly for either girls in Game Of Thrones, as Sansa has endured a lifetime worth of maltreatment and terror, and Lady was essentially offed by evil little tyrant Joffrey, fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing there is some joy to be found throughout all the Game Of Thrones darkness. It also goes to show how sweet Sophie's family is.
25 Naturally A Blonde, Her Role Demands Her Hair Be Dyed Red
According to an interview with Elle magazine, Sophie feels cooler when she’s blonde. Blondes do it better, right? When she’s blonde, she feels uninhibited and comfortable in her own skin. She feels like herself. However, her red-haired appearance is integral to her acting career. She famously dyed her beautiful blonde hair to a bright red when she was only 13 for the role of Sansa Stark. The look stuck because she's been asked to keep her hair red for her silver screen debut in X-Men. Does the camera ask her to dye her hair red simply because it looks good? Maybe, but red symbolizes the raw strength and power of her characters. However, since season 7 of Game Of Thrones, she hasn't been dying her hair - nope, now Sophie Turner has begun to sport a wig in order to preserve her blonde locks.
24 She's Sansa Stark's Number One Fan & Defends Her Passionately
Sansa has never been a popular character on Game Of Thrones (although honestly, she's one of my favorites). Why? Many fans condemn her for how she behaved in earlier seasons, but she has developed into a powerful woman. Sophie knows this, and she's quick to defend her role as Sansa when people criticize the character on Twitter. When one fan tried to defend the evil Littlefinger on Twitter, Sophie refused to stay silent. "He just wanted justice on the society for his humiliation, they looked down on him because of his poor background. He never hurt Sansa", one Twitter user stated, which cited a quick response from Sophie Turner, who retorted, "Nah.. just willingly sold her to the Bolton's... who [ended] her family... who ended up [hurting] her... but ur right.. no harm done." Burn!
23 She's Engaged To Joe Jonas, & They Have An Interesting Love Story
Hailee Steinfeld gets some of the credit for setting these two up. According to Insider, Steinfeld said "I mean, I will say, I did get that text from Sophie being like, 'So tell me about Joe,' and I was like, 'Go for it.'" They began dating in October 2016, and only one year later, they announced their engagement. An engagement that swift between two young people often generates a buzz. Sophie has said she was unwilling to date another celebrity due to privacy reasons. It must have been love at first sight. “They are madly in love. She’s young but mature and comes from a small English town, so it’s not that unusual,” a friend exclusively told Us Weekly. “They are really good together and his friends and family love her and vice versa. They aren’t rushing to get married.”
22 She's A "Fiend" For 'Keeping Up With The Kardashians'
Sophie Turner has admitted she has a small obsession for reality television shows. At a Comic-Con panel, she elaborated a little further on how she feels about reality television stars, and it took an unexpected turn. According to Daily News, it's been reported when asked who Game Of Thrones should do a crossover with, Sophie said Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Why? "So we could [end] them," she joked. While Useless Daily has reported she's called herself a "fiend" for shows following the Kardashian's, and even Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, it sounds like she doesn't respect the subjects of her guilty pleasure. Offing reality television stars sounds savage even for a Game Of Thrones character - can you imagine Sansa Stark taking on Kylie Jenner?
21 She Hung Out In British Pigsties As A Child In England
So who is Sophie when she isn't Sansa Stark? She's one of those actresses that might startle you with their accents. If you listen to one of her interviews, her voice reveals a little about her childhood. Incredibly British, she was born to a nursery school teacher and a pallet distribution company. She didn't have a starlit upbringing, but it was a good one in Chesterton, Warwickshire. According to The Telegraph, Sophie revealed "My childhood was pretty fun. We had pigsties, barns, and a paddock, and used to muck around in the mud." She may be British, but did you imagine her to be the British girl hanging out in pigsties as a little girl? Sophie is full of surprises, which is why she's such a unique actress and so perfect for Game Of Thrones.
20 This Girl Can Drop Sick Beats (Yup, She's A Rapper)
If you go on YouTube, you might find yourself an interesting surprise. If you're a real Sophie Turner fan, you might already know she's a skilled rapper. If you need proof, you can check out the video online of her rapping Eminem's "The Real Slim Shady". She also created a bit of buzz with an inappropriate rap she created on Vine - remember when that app was still a thing? It's clear Sophie's been rapping for longer than many realize and it's a little bit of a passion for her. If she ever tires of acting, perhaps she can storm the music world and give Nicki Minaj a run for her money. Is Sophie Turner the new Queen of Rap? You might think so after you see her videos.
19 Her & Maisie Are BFFs (& They're Actually The Same Age)
We've watched these two grow up before our very eyes. While they have a troubled on-screen relationship, they're true sisters from different misters in real life. It's easy to look at Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams and assume there's a large age difference, but Sophie is only one year older than Maisie! These two are inseparable, which is obvious if you follow either of them on Instagram. They have their own couple name: it's Mophie. They have matching tattoos; they tattooed the day they met on their bodies. That's how important they are to each other; they wanted to commemorate the day they came into each other's lives. And if you're true fans, you've probably seen their hilarious Carpool Karaoke sessions. True friendship goals, Maisie might just be the best part of Sophie.
18 She's Been Practicing For Her Big Rap Break For Years
As it turns out, science wasn't Sophie's thing when she was in elementary school. Now that you know how talented she is at rapping (because you saw her rapping Eminem at her party on YouTube), you won't be surprised to hear this. According to InStyle magazine, Sophie admitted “I know every word to Eminem’s Curtain Call: The Hits album. I heard his music for the first time when I was 8, and I would challenge myself to go home after school and come back the next morning knowing a different verse. Because let’s be honest, what’s more important: science or rap music?” Sophie knows what's up and what's important. I bet her science teacher loved her. What's the powerhouse of the cell? Eminem. Not mitochondria... Eminem.
17 She Heard About 'Game Of Thrones' From Her Drama Teacher
According to Useless Daily, Sophie owns a bit of her fame and fortune to her drama teacher. “Playbox put me up for a lot of auditions, but it was through my drama teacher at the school that I heard about the Game of Thrones audition. The casting director knew about the drama department at our school. I had four more callbacks in London. It was really intense, but fun. I did a lot of chemistry tests with other people – the last one was with Maisie (Williams) who plays Arya. She is lovely," she said. So not only do all of Sophie's fans need to send their love to her drama teacher, but it's touching to know her and Maisie had chemistry immediately. It was meant to be.
16 Have You Heard Of This Guitarist She Once Dated?
If you're into The Vamps, you might know guitarist James McVey. James and Sophie once had a kindling romance in 2014, but alas, their careers eventually tore them apart. In a surprisingly public Twitter feud, the couple exchanged blows back in 2014, revealing their relationship was essentially done. According to Metro, Sophie lost interest, but James wasn't ready to let go, which lead to an awkward fight. James posted a picture of them on Twitter saying, "Whatcha saying... Was this all an act? I know you're an actress but this isn't cool." What was Sophie's response? "wow. Harsh words. Ps. Please stop texting me... it's getting creepy and I'm sorry I'm not interested", is how she retaliated. This young love might have fallen apart, but does it matter? She's found happiness with Joe.
15 She Wears A Very Beautiful, VERY Expensive Engagement Ring
When an engagement is announced, everyone is wondering how much the ring cost. E! released an article shortly after the engagement was announced detailing the stone. "The publication reached out to gemologist appraiser Deborah Villepigue from The Jewelry Appraiser to take a closer look at the shared photo of Sophie’s stunning ring," Vanity Fair said. "A price tag like that, in the case of Sophie and Joe, buys you a pear-shaped diamond center stone that clocks in at around three carats and seems to be floating on a double-band of smaller diamonds." What exactly will that cost you? It sounds like Joe spent between $25,000 - $30,000 for her stunning ring. I'm trying not to be jealous - she gets Joe Jonas and that ring?!
14 She Discussed Her Acting Obsession In An Interview
In an interview with Sophie's local newspaper, the Coventry Telegraph, she said, “That was how my obsession grew. I am still in Playbox. My first lead was in a production called Scary Play directed by Stewart McGill, who is amazing. Playbox is a fun environment. It’s not just a place for kids to hang around and be silly. We are all very serious about acting. They do not mold you into the actor they want but let you be yourself.” Playbox is a production company that jump-started Sophie's career. It's clear she's living her dream, and we should all take a lesson from Sophie. If everyone made a career out of their obsession, the world would be a happier place.
13 Acting Isn't Her Only Career, & It Might Not Even Be Her Best Talent
Since 2014, Sophie has been expanding her career. She's not just an actress now - she's also a fashion model. She began modeling for the U.K. clothing line Karen Millen. According to Today magazine, "The British actress was the face of the brand’s fall and winter campaign in 2014 and starred in their promo video, which was equal parts intriguing and annoying. In it, a camera stalked — spoiler alert, Turner — for nearly two minutes before she’s revealed. (By the time they do, you’d have thought the clip would resemble the infamous ending of the “Twilight Zone” episode Eye of the Beholder)." She continues to model for various fashion lines since her debut back in 2014. She's a woman of many talents if you didn't already know.
12 'Game Of Thrones' Is Delaying Her Wedding (Rude)
Not only is Game Of Thrones making their fans wait an excruciatingly long time for their final season, but they're making Sophie wait for her wedding. Literally! Until the cameras stop rolling and all the excitement over the final season dies down, Joe and Sophie won't be tying the knot. They're in no rush, luckily, as both of them are happy to enjoy each other's company, regardless of their marital status. Maisie Williams had a couple things to say about her best friend's upcoming wedding, especially in relation to the delay. 'We're waiting until the season is done until we get into [wedding plans and a date], but I think she's already letting her little heart wander and imagine," Maisie said. Our hearts are wandering too.
11 She Has A Refreshing Perspective On What It Means To Be Engaged
People have a tendency to treat an engagement like it's an accomplishment, especially for women. While everyone is congratulating Sophie on her engagement, it's clear it isn't where her self-worth comes from. According to People magazine, when Sophie was asked how it feels to be engaged, she said “There’s this weird misconception that being married is the greatest thing that’ll ever happen to you. But I’ve always found that my career is something I work for, and when I achieve something, there’s a sense that this is the greatest thing I’ll do in my life.” She continued, elaborating “It's not like I achieved anything, but I found my person like I’d find a house that I love and want to stay in forever. There’s a sense of peace that comes with finding your person. But there’s a drive that comes with your career.”
10 She Beat Another Actress For A Job Using A Millennial Trick
Instagram's impact on the world might be more extreme than you thought. Instagram models and influencers are real careers, and they're very lucrative. Sophie herself understands the benefits of Instagram. In an interview with Porter magazine, Sophie revealed how she got a job over an actress she considers to be "better". How? “I auditioned for a project and it was between me and another girl who is a far better actress than I am, far better, but I had the followers, so I got the job,” Turner told Porter, per The Telegraph. “It’s not right, but it is part of the movie industry now.” Take notes, kids. If you want to be in the industry, you need to have followers and fans just like Sophie's.
9 If She Could Eat This One Thing For The Rest Of Her Life, She Would
She has a thing for American fast food. Honestly, who doesn't? It's so disgustingly bad... but so good. It's easier to relate to Sophie with every passing moment. According to InStyle magazine, Sophie said “I spent a month working in Atlanta, and they have Chick-fil-A restaurants on every corner. It’s so good! I crave it. I also love Wendy’s Frosty milkshakes. And then there’s In-N-Out Burger in L.A. I mean, the best.” All of those are sickeningly good choices, Sophie. While she has a strict diet she sticks to, as well as a work out regime, cheating on your diet is one of life's guilty pleasures. If I'm going to feel guilty about something, it would be binging on American fast food. I feel you, Sophie.
8 Maisie Will Be A Bridesmaid At Her Wedding
These two continue to be friendship goals. Maisie broke the news during an interview with Radio Times. When asked if she's bidding for a bridesmaid position, she retorted "I've already got it." Honestly, what a silly question. Of course, Sophie wouldn't waste any time asking her best friend Maisie to be a bridesmaid at her highly anticipated wedding. While we'll be well into 2019 before we're privy to any of the exciting details, like Sophie's wedding dress or the dresses she picks out for the bridesmaid, we can be just as excited as Maisie is for the big event. The love is going around because according to US magazine, even Nick Jonas gushed over Sophie becoming his sister in law. The whole family can't wait for the big day!
7 Did You Know She Starred In These Films?
Better known as a television actress, you might be surprised to discover how many movies Sophie's starred in. Many of them were leading roles. There's the two X-Men movies - X-Men: Dark Phoenix and X-Men: Apocalypse, which insisted they keep her red hair for the role. There's Josie, a drama thriller about dark intentions and sinister plans. Another Me and Barely Lethal are some of her better-known works, as Sophie was nominated for awards in both of them. Isn't it interesting that many of the directors asked Sophie to keep her hair red, despite her public admission that she prefers her hair to be blonde? Many people are unaware of Sophie Turner's budding film career, and it is certain to explode over the next couple years.
6 Sophie Lives With The Tragic Loss Of Her Twin
In an alternate universe, there are two Sophie Turner's existing in this world. Would she have grabbed her role as Sansa Stark if her twin was apart of her life? Unfortunately, no one will ever know, as her twin died during pregnancy. She uses this loss to draw on during emotional scenes when acting. Sophie told You magazine during an interview, "My mum had a miscarriage - my twin died and I lived. That definitely affected me in terms of I always felt as though... something was missing. I have two older brothers who are close in age and I always felt as though I needed someone or should have had someone there." I can only imagine how difficult that loss is to process, and how challenging it could be to draw on that loss for inspiration.
5 Have You Spotted Her In This Bastille Music Video?
While the band Bastille has faded into oblivion, Sophie Turner ironically starred in Bastille's music video for their song "Oblivion" back in 2014. She's the centerpiece of the video, lip-syncing along to the male vocals throughout the video. The song was from the bands hit album Bad Blood, but since then, little has been heard about them. At least Sophie got to share in their fame and enjoyed the center of attention as a music video star. Considering her rapping talents, perhaps it was the first step and experience she'll need to jump-start her rapping career in the future. Bastille to Rap God? We can see Sophie taking her career in wild directions, but this music video pop up is a lesser known fact about Sophie.
4 She Has A Crippling Fear Of Drains
Come again? Everyone has weird quirks, but this is more unusual than the rest. According to InStyle magazine, Sophie admitted “I have a phobia of walking over drains—it freaks me out. I don’t know what it is, but I get so nervous whenever I see one. Someone once told me to say the word ‘onions’ when I walk over one and it will reverse the curse. So now I say it every time. I guess it’s a superstition thing, but it helps.” Somewhere, Sophie Turner is walking over a drain and whispering "onion" to herself to soothe her nervous heart. You can't make these things up. I wish Sophie the best on overcoming her drain fear, but if anyone in Westeros wants to take Sansa out, just look for a drain. Maybe the dreamy Jon Snow will protect her.
3 She's Gotten Heat For Not Being A Natural Redhead
It seems kind of rude to hate on people for the color of their natural hair, but Sophie has had to endure this hatred. According to InStyle magazine, Sophie explained to them “People are super-disappointed when they find out I’m naturally blonde. I get tweets like, ‘Ugh, I heard Sophie’s really a blonde and not a redhead.’ I’m like, ‘Sorry to disappoint! I can’t help the hair I was born with.’ Oddly enough, my mother has red hair. And my father has dark hair, so I’m not sure how I ended up blonde.” That certainly is unusual about her parents hair-do, but the fact that people tweet at her about being a natural blonde is bizarre. Like I said, don't blondes do it better, anyway? Sophie is gorgeous the way she is.
2 Sophie's Favourite GOT Send Off Might Enrage Fans
Poor Sansa Stark has endured a lot of horrible scenes, some breaking her heart more than others. Naturally, people had to ask her if she had a favorite. According to The Wrap magazine, Sophie admitted that her on-screen father's death, Ned, wasn't her favorite - nor was her ex-fiance Joffrey's demise. “My favorite was the Red Wedding,” Turner said at the Comic-Con video lounge inside the “Walking Dead Escape” in 2014. While 2014 feels like years ago when you consider everything that's happened in Game Of Thrones, it's possible this is no longer true. Many fans were destroyed when the Red Wedding occurred, so it might startle a few fans that this scene topped Sophie's list. Is she a little morbid? Maybe, but that's why she's on the show.
1 You Could Say She's A Bathroom Minimalist
If there is any reason to be jealous of Sophie Turner, this might be the one. No, it's not her fame or fortune. It's not her illustrious, blooming career. Definitely not her talent, beauty, or her engagement to Joe Jonas. According to InStyle magazine, Sophie said “I have a really strong bladder and only [go] twice a day. When I was little, I used to hold it in until I wet myself! I think I stretched my bladder so much that now I’m able to hold it for hours. I don’t even think about it during the day, and then I eventually realize I should probably go.” Perhaps if I didn't have to pee so frequently, I too could be an actress on Game Of Thrones.
References: InStyle Magazine, The Insider, Teen Vogue, Today Magazine, Daily Mail, People Magazine, Vanity Fair, Daily Star Magazine
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