Eric Bana’s model-actor daughter Sophia on forging her own path to stardom

The daughter of acting legend Eric Bana is making some serious advances in her own career, clocking up auditions for a string of popular Netflix series.

Sophia Bana is following in her famous father’s footsteps and pursuing her passion for acting.

After graduating from a dancing course, the talented daughter of acclaimed actor Eric Bana, is making serious advances after auditioning for popular Netflix series Heartbreak High and Surviving Summer.

“I’ve been trying to audition for anything and everything that I can, as much for the experience as for anything else,’’ Bana said.

Eric Bana with his wife Rebecca and their daughter Sophia and niece Jasmine Taylor (right). Picture: Jonathan Ng

“I’m really enjoying getting to spend time working on acting as another craft away from modelling and dancing.

“Acting has always been something I am passionate about and hoped to pursue.

“I am really looking forward to having a bit more time available next year to take acting classes and put more energy into it since full-time (dancing) is over. However, I’m not putting any pressure on myself to launch into it and instead am focusing on enjoying the process and learning.”

Sophia Bana graduating from dance school

Bana’s talent and modelling agency The Talent Buro organised her to attend the NGV Gala on Saturday night, wearing a custom black gown by Melbourne couturiers J’Aton.

She is being helped in acting by Emma Raciti Management.

“It was a super proud moment to have graduated,’’ she said.

“I was blessed to have been given the opportunity to do what I love every day for the last two years so it will be sad to see that go, but I have to remind myself this is only the beginning and now it’s time to make sure that hard work pays off.”

Bana, 20, said her parents had been a great support and instilled a strong work ethic.

Sophia Bana at the NGV Gala

Sophia Bana attends the 2022 NGV Gala at the National Gallery of Victoria. Picture: Sam Tabone

“I don’t ask my parents for much advice when it comes to these things as I can be quite stubborn, but the main things that they have taught me this year as a whole is to keep going with my Uni degree, to nurture all my passions and to throw as many balls in the air as possible and the right opportunities will land,’’ she said.

“My main focus going into 2023 is to keep up my training with dancing while also working on my other passions and seeing where they can take me.

“I can be a workaholic so I don’t doubt I’ll find motivation and consistency, but I also have some travel plans up in the air as that is something I have been really looking forward to the last two years.”