Kiernan Shipka: Movies, TV Shows & Fuller House Role

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the career of a seriously talented actress who's been gracing our screens for years: Kiernan Shipka. You probably know her best as the chic and slightly terrifying Sabrina Spellman from Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, but trust me, her filmography is way more extensive and fascinating than just that iconic role. We're going to explore her journey from a child actor to a bonafide star, hitting up all her major movies and TV shows, and yes, we'll even touch on that surprise appearance she made in Fuller House! Get ready to have your mind blown by how much this woman has accomplished.

Early Beginnings and Breaking Through

Kiernan Shipka's journey in the entertainment industry started pretty darn early. Born on November 10, 1999, in Los Angeles, California, she landed her first credited role at the tender age of six! That's right, while most kids are still figuring out their ABCs, Kiernan was already memorizing lines and hitting her marks. Her very first appearance was in an episode of the popular sitcom Monk in 2006. From there, she snagged roles in shows like The Angriest Man in Brooklyn and Cory in the House. It was clear from the get-go that this young actress had a natural talent and a captivating presence. But the role that really put her on the map, and introduced her to a much wider audience, was as Sally Draper in the critically acclaimed AMC drama series Mad Men. Starting in 2007, when she was just eight years old, Kiernan played the daughter of Don Draper. Her portrayal of Sally was incredibly nuanced and mature for her age. She wasn't just a background character; she was a vital part of the show's narrative, evolving from a sweet, observant child into a complex, often troubled, teenager grappling with the dysfunctional world around her. Shipka's ability to convey a wide range of emotions – from innocent curiosity to simmering resentment and eventual understanding – earned her widespread praise from critics and audiences alike. She held her own alongside seasoned actors like Jon Hamm and January Jones, proving that she was a force to be reckoned with. The Mad Men role was instrumental in showcasing her dramatic range and foreshadowing the stellar career that lay ahead. It's a testament to her talent that she could navigate such a demanding role with such grace and authenticity.

The Reign of Sabrina

Okay, let's talk about the role that truly catapulted Kiernan Shipka into superstardom: Sabrina Spellman. When Chilling Adventures of Sabrina premiered on Netflix in 2018, it was an instant sensation. This wasn't your grandma's Sabrina; this was a darker, grittier, and altogether more complex take on the beloved Archie Comics character. Kiernan embraced the role with an intensity that was both mesmerizing and inspiring. As Sabrina, she had to balance the everyday struggles of a teenage girl – high school, relationships, family drama – with the extraordinary burden of being a powerful witch battling dark forces, demons, and the literal gates of hell. Her performance was a masterclass in balancing vulnerability and strength. We saw her navigate difficult moral choices, confront ancient evils, and ultimately, fight for her own agency and the safety of those she loved. Shipka's ability to capture Sabrina's fierce determination, her moments of doubt, and her unwavering compassion made the character incredibly relatable, even amidst all the supernatural chaos. The show, which ran for four parts, allowed Kiernan to explore a wide spectrum of emotions and situations, solidifying her status as a leading lady. She brought a unique blend of innocence and edge to Sabrina, making her one of the most compelling characters on television during the show's run. It was a role that demanded a lot, and Kiernan Shipka delivered spectacularly, proving she could carry a series with her captivating presence and undeniable talent. The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina was a significant milestone, showcasing her ability to lead a major production and connect with a global audience.

Beyond Sabrina: A Diverse Filmography

While Sabrina might be her most famous role to date, Kiernan Shipka isn't one to rest on her laurels. She's got a seriously impressive list of movies and other TV shows under her belt, proving her versatility as an actress. Let's dive into some of these other fantastic projects, guys. Before she was brewing potions, Kiernan lent her voice to the character of Jinora in the beloved animated series The Legend of Korra (2012-2014). Her voice work was crucial in bringing the determined and strong-willed Jinora to life, a young airbender who showed immense potential and leadership. This role demonstrated her ability to convey character and emotion purely through vocal performance, a skill often overlooked but essential for many actors. Then there was her role in the critically acclaimed AMC series Feud: Bette and Joan (2017), where she played Bette Davis's daughter, .” Young Bette. It was a smaller role, but she held her own against acting powerhouses like Susan Sarandon and Jessica Lange, adding another layer of credibility to her growing resume. In terms of movies, Kiernan has been busy too! She starred in the 2017 horror film The Blackcoat's Daughter, a chilling and atmospheric independent movie that showcased her ability to handle darker, more psychological material. She also appeared in When The Streetlights Come On (2019), a coming-of-age thriller set in the 1980s, where she played a teenager caught up in a dangerous mystery. Another notable film appearance was in The Silence (2019), a post-apocalyptic horror film where she played a young woman who uses her heightened senses to survive a deadly invasion. These roles, particularly in the horror and thriller genres, highlight her comfort and skill in portraying characters under extreme duress, adding a diverse range to her acting portfolio. She’s consistently choosing projects that challenge her and allow her to explore different facets of her acting abilities, making her a truly dynamic performer to watch. Her career trajectory shows a deliberate effort to avoid typecasting and to continuously expand her artistic horizons, which is super admirable.

That Surprise Fuller House Cameo

Now, for the moment some of you might be scratching your heads about: Kiernan Shipka's appearance in Fuller House. Yep, you read that right! In the Fuller House episode titled "Chapter Seventeen" (Season 2, Episode 17), Kiernan makes a brief but memorable cameo. She plays a character named Trudy, a girl who is being tutored by Stephanie Tanner. This was quite a surprise for fans who primarily knew her as the intense Sabrina Spellman or the sophisticated Sally Draper. Her appearance in the lighthearted, family-friendly sitcom was a fun, unexpected twist. It’s a great example of how versatile actors can dip their toes into different genres and projects. While it wasn't a central role, it showed Kiernan's willingness to have fun with her career and engage with a different kind of audience. For those who might have only seen her in her more dramatic roles, seeing her in Fuller House offered a glimpse into her range and perhaps a nod to her earlier comedic timing from her childhood roles. It's a fun little piece of trivia for fans and a testament to her established presence in the industry that she could pop up in such a beloved, albeit different, show. It really highlights how far she's come, transitioning from a guest spot on Monk to carrying her own hit Netflix series, and still finding time for a fun cameo on a classic sitcom revival. It just goes to show, you never know where you'll see Kiernan Shipka next!

What's Next for Kiernan Shipka?

So, what’s next for this incredible actress? Kiernan Shipka is definitely not slowing down. After the conclusion of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, she’s been actively seeking out new and exciting projects. She starred in the romantic comedy film Plus/Minus (2022), a Netflix movie where she plays two versions of the same character, exploring different paths in her life. This role allowed her to showcase her comedic timing and her ability to handle more emotionally complex narratives within a romantic comedy framework. She also made a significant return to television in the series The White House Plumbers (2023), a historical drama where she played the daughter of Richard Nixon. This role saw her tackling a different kind of character, one grounded in real-life events, further diversifying her acting portfolio. Fans are always eagerly anticipating her next move, and she consistently proves why she's one of the most compelling young actresses working today. Whether it's a gripping drama, a quirky comedy, or even a voice role, you can bet Kiernan Shipka will bring her A-game. She's got a knack for choosing projects that push boundaries and showcase her evolving talent. We're excited to see what other amazing performances she'll deliver in the future. Keep an eye on this one, guys; her career is only going to get bigger and brighter!