British actress Sophie Turner is experiencing a surge in her career following her recent divorce. The former “Game of Thrones” star, who is now 28, has been gaining acclaim for her performance in the new ITV series Joan, while also making headlines for her friendships and newfound romance.
After finalizing her divorce from pop star Joe Jonas, 35, last month, Sophie’s professional life appears to be thriving. Critics have praised her “spellbinding” portrayal in Joan, and she has landed several leading roles in quick succession, marking a huge turning point in her career.
Sophie’s thriving career post-divorce contrasts sharply with the end of her marriage to pop star Joe Jonas
Her appearance in Joan represents her first role following her divorce, and critics have noted that her performance is nothing short of “career-defining.” The series tells the true story of Joan Hannington, a jewel thief from London, and has earned Sophie accolades for her compelling portrayal.
Although her rise to fame began at age 14 with Game of Thrones, it has taken more than a decade for her to receive widespread critical recognition. Filming for Joan commenced in May 2023, shortly before her separation from Jonas, highlighting the contrasting developments in her personal and professional life.
Sophie’s newfound romance has also made headlines. She was recently seen kissing Peregrine Pearson, a British aristocrat and heir to the 4th Viscount Cowdray, which suggests that she is embracing life after her divorce.
Her friendship with Taylor Swift blossomed around the time of her split from Joe, with the two spotted dining together in New York City. This new bond adds a layer of support for Sophie during this transitional period in her life.
Previously, the media often focused on Sophie’s relationship with Jonas rather than her acting talent. However, with her divorce behind her, the actress seems poised for a new chapter of success and recognition.
Joan is set in 1980s South London and follows Joan Hannington, a newly single mother turned jewel thief who fights to regain custody of her daughter while establishing herself as a criminal mastermind. Critics and viewers alike have expressed eagerness to see more of Sophie in the future.
The New Statesman noted her vibrant performance, stating, “She looks to me like she’s having the time of her life, and who can blame her? What a jewel of a role: a diamond as big as the Ritz.”
In an interview with The Times, Sophie shared that her experience as a mother greatly influenced her performance in Joan. She remarked, “If I hadn’t been a mother, I don’t know if I would have been able to bring the same energy that I did into it.”
The divorce from Jonas, once considered a picture-perfect couple, was a tumultuous process that took a year to finalize. During this challenging time, Sophie relied on her cast and crew, whom she described as her emotional support system.
Sophie’s role in Joan involves portraying a 19-year-old single mother in a toxic relationship, a narrative that resonates with her personal experiences. She utilized her understanding of motherhood to inform her portrayal, stating, “I think I’m always drawn to the characters that have gone through so much in their lives that come out of it so strong, resilient.”
While she typically keeps her emotions in check, the demands of her new role compelled her to confront and process her feelings during filming. Reflecting on her experience, Sophie noted, “Joan changed me quite a lot. From utter desperation comes so much will and ambition.”
Despite her professional triumphs, she also faced challenges during the divorce, including public scrutiny regarding her parenting. Claims surfaced that suggested her lively social life clashed with Jonas’s more home-centered lifestyle.
As the couple navigated custody agreements for their daughters, Willa and Delphine, Sophie’s desire to return to the UK with the children created tension. The two reached a temporary custody arrangement in October 2023, and by January 2024, they established a parenting plan that led to Sophie dropping her lawsuit against Jonas.
During the divorce proceedings, Sophie faced accusations of being a negligent mother, with sources claiming Joe took on a greater parenting role while she filmed Joan. However, many defended her, arguing that a mother’s social life does not diminish her parenting abilities.
Sophie candidly discussed her struggles with anxiety and depression during this period, admitting there were days when she felt overwhelmed. She remarked on societal judgments regarding mothers who pursue lives outside of motherhood, emphasizing that the criticism can be harsh and unjust.
Having finalized her divorce on September 10, Sophie is now moving forward. She has been spotted with a new partner and reflected positively on her experiences, sharing an Instagram post that celebrated her friends and the support she received throughout her journey.
As women rally around her, Sophie has reiterated the importance of living a fulfilling life beyond motherhood. In light of her recent achievements, she expressed a desire to embrace this new chapter, signaling a bright future ahead.
