From Sally Draper to Sabrina Spellman: The Evolution of Kiernan Shipka
26 January 2026 – Kiernan Shipka, the actress who grew up on screen as the troubled Sally Draper in Mad Men and later as the teenage witch Sabrina Spellman, has established herself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and consistently working young stars. With a career spanning nearly two decades, her journey from a child actor to a leading lady is a masterclass in navigating the notoriously difficult transition from child star to respected adult performer.
Early Life & Career Beginnings
Born on 10 November 1999 in Chicago, Illinois, Kiernan Brennan Shipka is of mostly Irish and Slovak descent, with notable German, English, Scottish, and Italian heritage. Her interest in acting began early; she started taking ballroom dancing classes at the age of five and was still attending them as of March 2012. When she was six, her family relocated to Los Angeles to support her burgeoning career.
Her television debut came at just five months old, with a minor role on the hospital drama ER. She began commercial-print modelling as a baby, and after undertaking small television roles, her first major part was as Sally Draper, the daughter of main character Don Draper, on the 2007–2015 TV series Mad Men. She won the role after two auditions and was a recurring guest star for the show’s first three seasons before becoming a series regular in season four.
Breakthrough: Mad Men & Critical Acclaim
As part of Mad Men‘s ensemble cast, she won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series in 2008 and 2009. Shipka received widespread praise for her performance on the show. In 2010, Austin American-Statesman critic Dale Roe named her as his dream nominee for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series, writing, “This 10-year-old actress was so affecting as troubled Sally Draper last season that it seems odd that she’s only just been upgraded to series regular… If Shipka’s upcoming Mad Men work—struggling with the broken marriage of her parents and entering preteendom in the tumultuous 1960s—remains as amazing as it was in season three, this is a ballot wish that could come true next year.”
Beginning in 2012, Shipka voiced Jinora in the Nickelodeon animated series The Legend of Korra, the sequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender. In 2014, she was named one of “The 25 Most Influential Teens of 2014” by Time magazine. That same year, IndieWire included her in their list of “20 Actors To Watch That Are Under 20”. She starred in the 2014 Lifetime movie Flowers in the Attic, based on the 1979 novel of the same name by V. C. Andrews.
Key Facts & Filmography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kiernan Brennan Shipka |
| Date of Birth | 10 November 1999 |
| Place of Birth | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 2006 – Present |
| Breakthrough Role | Sally Draper in Mad Men (2007–2015) |
| Iconic Role | Sabrina Spellman in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018–2020) |
Career Highlights & Recent Projects
Following the conclusion of Mad Men in 2015, Shipka transitioned to feature films and further solidified her status as a versatile actress with standout performances in projects like The Blackcoat’s Daughter and Carriers. However, it was her lead role in Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina that showcased her range and ability to blend drama with supernatural elements. Her portrayal of Sabrina Spellman resonated with audiences, bringing depth to a character that has been beloved for generations.
In 2024, Shipka appeared in the horror thriller Longlegs, reuniting her with The Blackcoat’s Daughter director Osgood Perkins. Later that year, she had supporting roles in the films Twisters, The Last Showgirl and Red One. In addition, she co-starred alongside Nico Hiraga in the Max romantic comedy Sweethearts.
Shipka also starred in the thriller film Stone Cold Fox, which premiered in November 2025. She appeared in the fourth season of the HBO/BBC drama Industry in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Kiernan Shipka’s most notable films?
Her filmography includes critically acclaimed roles such as The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015), Carriers (2009), Wildflower (2022), and Red One (2024). She has also appeared in independent films like One & Two (2015) and Very Good Girls (2013).
Which television series made Kiernan Shipka famous?
She gained widespread recognition for her role as Sally Draper on the critically acclaimed series Mad Men (2007–2015). Her nuanced portrayal of Sally, navigating the complexities of adolescence in the 1960s, earned her widespread recognition and critical acclaim.
Has Kiernan Shipka won any major acting awards?
Yes, as part of Mad Men‘s ensemble cast, she won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series in 2008 and 2009. She has also received nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series.
What is Kiernan Shipka’s background and heritage?
She is of mostly Irish and Slovak descent, with notable German, English, Scottish, and Italian heritage. Her family relocated to Los Angeles when she was six to help with her acting career.
What are her upcoming projects?
As of 2026, Shipka continues to expand her career with exciting new projects. Fans eagerly anticipate her upcoming roles, which promise to showcase her versatility as an actress. While details about her future projects remain under wraps, her dedication to her craft ensures that she will continue to deliver exceptional performances.