Sofia Carson
The Unconventional Journey of a Modern Renaissance Woman
By Michelle Clark
In the world of entertainment, where stars often rise and fall with the changing tides of popular culture, there are a few who possess a staying power that speaks to a deeper talent and a genuine connection with their audience. Sofía Daccarett Char, known to the world as Sofia Carson, is one of those rare individuals. Her story is not merely one of celebrity, but a testament to relentless dedication, a profound love for her craft, and a tireless commitment to using her platform for good. From a young age, her passion for the arts was evident, a drive that would eventually lead her from the dance studios of Florida to the global stage as a multifaceted actress, singer, and advocate.
Born on April 10, 1993, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Sofia’s roots are in Colombia, a heritage she proudly embraces and one that has subtly influenced her artistic journey. Her stage name, “Carson,” is a tribute to her American maternal grandmother, a personal touch that grounds her in her family history. As a child, her life was steeped in the performing arts. She began her formal dance training at the age of three, and for 17 years, she dedicated herself to mastering a wide range of styles, including ballet, jazz, hip hop, and flamenco.
This early discipline was complemented by classical vocal training, a combination that laid the foundation for her future career as a “triple threat.” She was a standout student, attending the Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart in Miami and later matriculating at UCLA, where she majored in communications with a minor in French. This blend of creative and academic pursuits showcased a balanced and ambitious mind, one that was preparing for a future far beyond the confines of a single discipline.
Sofia’s acting career began to take shape in 2014 with a guest role on the Disney Channel series Austin & Ally. This initial exposure quickly led to a recurring role on MTV’s Faking It. However, her true breakthrough came in 2015 when she was cast as Evie, the fashionable and clever daughter of the Evil Queen, in the Disney Channel Original Movie, Descendants. The film was an instant global sensation, and her portrayal of Evie, a character grappling with her villainous lineage while discovering her own identity, resonated with audiences worldwide.
She reprised her role in the sequels Descendants 2 and Descendants 3, cementing her status as a Disney star and a household name for a generation of young viewers. Her work extended beyond the Descendants franchise, with starring roles in other Disney productions like Adventures in Babysitting and A Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits. She also took on more dramatic roles, showcasing her versatility, such as in the Netflix romantic drama Purple Hearts (2022), where she not only starred but also served as an executive producer and wrote and performed songs for the soundtrack.
The film’s success, reaching the number one spot on Netflix globally, proved her ability to captivate audiences beyond the Disney realm. Her upcoming projects, including the thriller film Carry-On and romantic comedies The Life List and My Oxford Year, indicate a continued expansion of her acting repertoire.
Simultaneously, Sofia Carson’s musical career has flourished. Her vocal talents were first introduced to a mass audience through the Descendants soundtrack, which reached number one on the Billboard 200. Her solo version of “Rotten to the Core” became a fan favorite, and she has since been a prominent voice on the subsequent soundtracks for the film series.
Her solo music career officially launched in 2016 when she signed with Hollywood Records and released her debut single, “Love Is the Name.” Over the years, she has released a series of singles and collaborations with artists like R3hab and Alan Walker. Her debut studio album, Sofia Carson, released in 2022, was a deeply personal project that showcased her artistry as a songwriter. The album explored themes of love and heartbreak with a magnetic pop sound. One of her most notable musical achievements came with the song “Applause,” which was featured in the film Tell It Like a Woman.
Written by the legendary Diane Warren, the song was nominated for Best Original Song at the 95th Academy Awards, leading to a memorable performance by Carson at the ceremony. Her song “Come Back Home” from the Purple Hearts soundtrack also won Best Musical Moment at the 2023 MTV Movie & TV Awards, further solidifying her impact as a musical artist. Her music is characterized by its storytelling and emotional depth, a quality she attributes to her admiration for artists who use their music to convey powerful narratives, from The Beatles to modern acts like Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift.
Beyond her accomplishments as an entertainer, Sofia Carson has emerged as a passionate and influential activist. She has consistently used her platform to advocate for social justice, with a particular focus on girls’ empowerment and education.
Since 2020, she has served as a UNICEF US Ambassador, a role that has taken her on impactful missions to places like Brazil and Tanzania to witness the organization’s work firsthand. Her advocacy centers on ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to fulfill her potential, and she has spoken out against barriers to education such as child marriage and poverty. In 2019, she wrote an op-ed advocating for the “Keeping Girls in School Act,” a bill that later passed the House of Representatives.
She also became the first-ever global ambassador for the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, a role that allows her to support educational opportunities for future creators of Latin music and to help close the gender gap in the music industry. In 2023, she was honored with the Global Advocate of the Year Award by the United Nations Correspondents Association, a testament to her unwavering dedication to using her voice for change. Her song “LOUD” has become an anthem for women’s empowerment, a powerful message for her millions of followers to speak their truth.
Sofia Carson’s journey is a narrative of ambition and artistry intertwined with a deep sense of purpose. Her career is a carefully woven tapestry of acting, music, and philanthropy, each thread strengthening the other. She has not only built a successful career in the highly competitive world of entertainment but has also established herself as a credible and compassionate voice for a new generation.
Her ability to transition seamlessly from a Disney star to a leading lady in both film and music, all while maintaining a steadfast commitment to her humanitarian work, is a testament to her unique character and talent. She is more than just a performer; she is a storyteller who uses every medium at her disposal to inspire, entertain, and make a tangible difference in the world.
As she continues to evolve and take on new challenges, both on screen and off, her legacy as a formidable force for creativity and change will only grow. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that true success is measured not only by the accolades one receives but by the impact one has on the lives of others.
