On April 18, 2025, acclaimed American actress, model, and singer Hailee Steinfeld engaged in a revealing interview with Refinery29, where she elaborated on how her recent film, Sinners, allowed her to connect more deeply with her multi-racial heritage.
“It’s not often necessarily about yourself all the time. It’s about the character. But with ‘Sinners,’ I was constantly thinking about my situation, my family, my ancestors, my grandfather in each [scene] we were in, and talking about… This role has brought me closer to myself, to my family, and my family history,” stated Hailee.
Background and Family Heritage
Hailee Steinfeld was born on December 11, 1996, in Tarzana, Los Angeles, to Cheri Domasin and Peter Steinfeld. Her father is of Jewish descent, while her mother is a Filipino Christian, and her grandfather has a mixed heritage of half-Black and half-Filipino. Growing up in California, Hailee developed a rich understanding of her diverse background.
Reflecting on her lineage, she expressed that the film helped her connect with her ancestry, stating it was pivotal in making sense of her multifaceted identity.
A Glimpse into Hailee’s Family Life
Raised alongside her older brother Griffin, born January 1994, Hailee established a close-knit bond with him. Griffin, a former race car driver, now runs a solar panel cleaning business. Hailee shared with People in 2023:
“I’m especially close with my brother, and we only get closer as we get older.”
Cheri, Hailee’s mother, has worn various hats throughout her career, transitioning from a flight attendant to an interior designer and eventually becoming Hailee’s manager. In a candid 2020 conversation with Allure, she discussed her diverse professional journey.
“I have my cosmetology license… I got my license, and that really wasn’t my thing. [After that] I became a flight attendant and I met your dad, and then I went in a whole different direction,” she reminisced.
Parental Influence on Hailee’s Career
Hailee has credited her mother’s unwavering support in her acting journey. In a 2010 interview with Vanity Fair, she revealed that when she expressed her desire to act, her mother encouraged her to spend a year preparing.
Further reinforcing this sentiment, Hailee remarked during her appearance on Watch What Happens Live in 2020:
“There are very few downsides. She’s been working with me my whole career… She is incredible, and my best friend, so I drag her everywhere with me.”
Her father, Peter Steinfeld, a recognized fitness trainer, has worked with a roster of celebrities, ensuring Hailee stays fit and healthy during her demanding career. In a 2018 interview with Access Hollywood, she described him as her “cheerleader and major supporter,” especially before her tours.
Preparation and Training for Sinners
In preparation for her role in the 2021 Marvel series Hawkeye, Hailee trained under her father, enhancing her skills in stunts and archery. She explained:
“Before I went out to Atlanta to shoot, I was also training in L.A. on the stunt side of things with my dad. We spent months on all sorts of different styles of fighting and hand-to-hand combat.”
Peter also showcased his acting chops, appearing in several shows, including Married…with Children, Happy Days, and even in Hailee’s music video for her hit single, “Most Girls.”
Impact of Sinners on Her Personal Growth
In her recent discussion with People, Steinfeld emphasized the profound influence Sinners had on her personally. She remarked that the film not only affected her but also had the potential to deeply resonate with its audience.
“It had such an impact on me personally. Therefore, I feel like the least it can do is make an impact on those who watch it,”she asserted.
On Good Morning America, she elaborated on the unique challenges her character posed compared to others she had portrayed. The role required her to dive into her family history, which, in turn, fostered a deeper connection to her roots.
Steinfeld expressed gratitude for the enlightening conversations spurred by Sinners, reflecting on how the film drew her closer to her mother and grandfather’s previous experiences. It enabled her to explore family dynamics in a way that she found both essential and eye-opening.
Sinners premiered globally on April 18, 2025, and is currently screening in theaters. Directed by Ryan Coogler, the film features an engaging cast, including Michael B. Jordan, Miles Caton, Jack O’Connell, and several others.