Industry sources have confirmed Sophia’s sudden death, the NZ Herald are reporting.
Sophia – the daughter of local acting royalty Elizabeth Hawthorne, who is currently on screen in the TV2 drama Filthy Rich, and Raymond Hawthorne – had herself starred in Kiwi television productions The Insider’s Guide to Happiness, Bliss: The Beginning of Katherine Mansfield and local film Savage Honeymoon.
In October, 2015, Sophia appeared in an Auckland stage production of Guys and Dolls directed by her father.
Hawthorne, who described herself as a “private” and “shy” person, had spoken previously about her love of acting.
Tributes have already begun pouring in for the young star on social media, with one Twitter user writing: “Rest in peace lovely girl. Love to the family.”
A statement is expected soon.
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