Winona Ryder, a veteran of the film industry, has a knack for spotting future stars. She shared a captivating anecdote during a recent appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, revealing that she had both Timothée Chalamet and Sadie Sink's names marked before they became the breakout stars that they are today.
Winona wrote down both Timothée and Sadie's names after seeing their bit-roles in TV shows years before they got their big break. Her keen eye and recognition of their raw talent underscore her astute understanding of the entertainment world.
Timothée Chalamet's Rise to Stardom
Timothée Chalamet's journey to stardom began with a small role in the television series Homeland back in 2012 when he was just 17 years old. This appearance marked the start of his rise to prominence, but it was his role in the 2017 movie Call Me by Your Name that catapulted him into the mainstream. Since then, Timothée has enjoyed a glittering career, starring in Dune: Part Two, Wonka, Don’t Look Up, and Little Women, among many other big-name titles.
Sadie Sink's Success Story
Sadie Sink's first taste of success arrived at the age of 11 when she appeared in an episode of The Americans in 2013. She landed the role of Max in Stranger Things four years later, arguably her big break.
She has also enjoyed roaring success in the industry since, featuring in the Oscar-winning movie The Whale in 2022. She gained even more prominence after starring in the iconic Taylor Swift short, All Too Well.
Recognizing Talent: Winona's Insight
Winona's foresight about Timothée and Sadie's potential highlights her astute observation of talent. She recognized the unique qualities they possessed, qualities that have now become synonymous with their careers.
The Importance of Shared Passion
Winona's connection with her young castmates isn't solely based on their shared profession. She appreciates their passion for cinema and their ability to recognize and appreciate classic films.
During a recent interview with Esquire, Winona spoke about her affection for her young castmates on the show, stating, “I love the boys and I love Sadie and Maya [Hawke]. It’s been really wonderful.” She further elaborated on her bond with 21-year-old Jenna Ortega, who plays her daughter in the upcoming Beetlejuice sequel.
Winona's journey in Hollywood has been marked by her own successful career, iconic roles, and the ability to spot emerging talent. Her prediction of Timothée Chalamet and Sadie Sink's success stands as a testament to her keen understanding of the industry and her ability to recognize the spark of brilliance in others. These young stars, now household names, have proven that Winona's intuition was spot on, and their continued success promises to further solidify her status as a discerning judge of talent.