Cristin Milioti, celebrated for her intense and gripping role as Sofia Falcone in HBO’s The Penguin, is capturing fans’ hearts with her complex portrayal of a woman shaped by betrayal, revenge, and survival. In a recent interview, Milioti opened up about the character, her journey as an actress, and a moving experience that had her in tears—watching her idol, Joni Mitchell, perform live at the Hollywood Bowl.
Milioti’s portrayal of Sofia—a mobster princess transformed by years of imprisonment and a thirst for vengeance—has been met with glowing reviews. The character is fierce yet vulnerable, embodying both strength and fragility. As Milioti described, she feels deeply connected to Sofia: “I am just in love with her,” she revealed, speaking with a sense of protectiveness over the character who has survived incredible hardship and trauma, including wrongful imprisonment and betrayal from her own family.
Bringing Sofia Falcone to Life: From Halloween Dreams to HBO Stardom
Playing Sofia Falcone has been a dream come true for Milioti, who remembers dressing up as Catwoman for Halloween as a child. That early fascination with comic-book characters now finds a real-life echo in her role on The Penguin. As Sofia, Milioti has taken on one of her most powerful roles yet—a character who exudes a dark charm but also resonates with human pain and complexity. Fans are resonating with her performance, and Milioti has been touched by the outpouring of support.
At a recent concert, fans approached her to share their admiration for her work on The Penguin. She’s thrilled at the idea of viewers dressing as Sofia this Halloween—a nod to her impact on the audience. “I get emotional just talking about it,” she said. “It would be a lot to take in, but I would gladly take it in.”
Finding Inspiration in Joni Mitchell’s Music
Milioti, known for being expressive and passionate, shared an emotional experience that reflects her connection to her work. She recently attended a concert by legendary singer Joni Mitchell at the Hollywood Bowl, which left her deeply moved. Mitchell’s lyrics have long inspired Milioti, and the song “Amelia” brought her to tears, evoking a deep sense of connection. As she described, “It felt very holy,” an experience she felt was shared by the concertgoers who exchanged emotional glances with one another.
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For Milioti, music and acting often intersect. Her Broadway role in Once earned her a Tony nomination, and music continues to be a key influence in her life and career. Her journey—from a single year at NYU to major roles in How I Met Your Mother, The Wolf of Wall Street, Palm Springs, and now The Penguin—highlights her unwavering dedication and passion.
A Career Marked by Bold Choices and Memorable Roles
Cristin Milioti’s career is filled with characters that leave a lasting impression. From her early television appearances in 30 Rock as the hilarious “Very Sexy Baby” to starring in the much-loved time-loop film Palm Springs with Andy Samberg, Milioti has taken on roles that showcase her range and depth as an actor. She was also cast in a memorable Black Mirror episode, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile talent willing to take creative risks.
Now, The Penguin marks the most high-profile role of her career, bringing her talents to a massive HBO audience. With the rising acclaim for her portrayal of Sofia Falcone, it seems Cristin Milioti’s moment in the spotlight is only just beginning.
