Succession’s Sarah Snook reveals she originally turned down the show over fears of being ‘sidelined’

She’s best known for her role of Siobhan ‘Shiv’ Roy in dark-comedy series Succession.

But Sarah Snook has revealed that she almost didn’t play the role, originally turning down the offer when she realised that she would be the only woman in the cast. 

Admitting that she ‘didn’t want to become a prop’ amongst all the men, the actress explained that both in the show and real life there are themes of sexism, noting: ‘There is so much sexism and so much misogyny against you as a woman’.

Doubts: Sarah Snook, 34, has revealed that she originally turned down the iconic role of Shiv in Succession over fears of being ‘sidelined’

Talking with Variety, Sarah explained that it took the show coming to her two times before she finally accepted the role, as she was worried about being sidelined as an actress.

She shared: ‘When I first got offered the role, I said no. If the world is going to be interested in a bunch of white dudes talking about business, and if I’m the only woman in that, then I’m likely to get sidelined and be like some sort of prop. 

‘I don’t feel like that personally, nor do I feel like I want to compete for that,’ she continued.

But after the HBO series came back again, the actress put her acceptance down to ‘blind faith’, realising that it could also be a moment to fight for female characters. 

Outnumbered: She told Variety that she originally turned down the offer when she realised that she would be the only woman in the cast

Detailing that the sexism in the show is underpinned by that experienced in real life, Sarah further explained: ‘It is present in the show because it’s present in real life, it’s there, and that’s inherent in the characters’ behaviour, as well as the things they say.

‘There is so much sexism and so much misogyny against you just having an opinion because you’re a woman. It’s so frustrating but brilliant to play with and chew on,’ said Sarah.

And it seemed the leap of blind faith paid off, as Sarah scooped up a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress in a Series for the role earlier this year.

Award winner: And it seemed the leap of blind faith paid off, as Sarah scooped up a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress in a Series for the role earlier this year (pictured in March)

Starring alongside stars such as Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong and Kieran Culkin in the show, Sarah has been playing the role of political strategist and media heir Shiv for three seasons.

The drama follows billionaire Logan Roy and his children, who are fighting to be named successor of his business empire – with the character of Shiv being his only daughter. 

And she’s set to return to screens for season four of the show, which is currently in the works following the cliff-hanger ending of season three. 

Family affair: The drama follows billionaire Logan Roy and his children, who are fighting to be named successor of his business empire – with the character of Shiv being his only daughter