Sasha Pieterse became a household name thanks to her iconic role as Alison DiLaurentis in the hit TV series Pretty Little Liars (PLL), but there’s so much more to her than just her famous character. From her early beginnings in South Africa to her multi-faceted career, Sasha has been in the spotlight for most of her life. Whether it’s her passion for DIY projects or the lesser-known roles she’s turned down, Sasha’s life is filled with interesting details that many fans may not know. Here are 14 things you probably didn’t know about this talented actress and singer.
1. She Was Born in Johannesburg, South Africa
Sasha Pieterse was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, on February 17, 1996. While many fans know her as an American actress, Sasha’s roots are actually from across the globe. At a young age, she moved with her family to Las Vegas and eventually to Los Angeles, where her acting career took off. Growing up in a vibrant, multicultural environment contributed to Sasha’s unique perspective and charm, which she brings to her roles on screen.
Before Sophie Turner took on the role of Jean Grey in X-Men: Apocalypse, Sasha Pieterse was considered for the part. She was offered the role but ultimately turned it down for personal reasons. As a result, Sophie Turner, best known for her role as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, stepped into the role of the powerful mutant. While Sasha didn’t join the X-Men franchise, this opportunity showcases how versatile and in-demand she has been throughout her career.
3. She Created a Lifestyle Website Called “Sasha in Good Taste”
Outside of acting, Sasha has a passion for lifestyle content and entertaining. She channeled this interest into her very own lifestyle website called “Sasha in Good Taste.” The website focuses on food, entertaining, and all things creative, reflecting Sasha’s love for hosting and making things beautiful. On the site, she shares her favorite recipes, entertaining tips, and DIY ideas. This project has allowed her to connect with fans in a more personal way, sharing aspects of her life beyond the screen.
4. She Has Been Engaged to Hudson Sheaffer Since 2015
Sasha has been in a long-term relationship with Hudson Sheaffer, and the two got engaged in December 2015. Their love story is straight out of a fairy tale, and Sasha has shared that she wants her wedding to have a “whimsical rustic” vibe. The couple is known for being private about their relationship, but they occasionally share glimpses of their life together on social media, showing off their adventures and shared love for animals.
5. She Has Two Great Danes Named Lady and Levi
Sasha is an avid dog lover, and she owns two massive Great Danes named Lady and Levi. These gentle giants have become a big part of her life, and they even have their own Instagram page where fans can keep up with their adorable antics. Sasha often posts pictures of her dogs lounging around or playing, showing her love and dedication to her furry family members.
6. She Loves DIY Projects and Crafting
In addition to her acting and lifestyle ventures, Sasha is a big fan of crafting and DIY projects. When she has free time, she enjoys taking on creative projects, such as making flower crowns and other fun DIYs. Sasha’s love for crafting fits perfectly with her lifestyle blog, where she often shares tutorials and tips for fans who want to recreate her ideas. Her hands-on approach to creating beautiful things adds another layer of relatability to her personality.
7. She Is a Recipe Developer
Sasha’s talents don’t stop at acting and crafting—she’s also a skilled recipe developer. On her website “Sasha in Good Taste,” she creates and develops her own recipes, many of which reflect her love for fresh, flavorful food. She refers to her blog as “my real girls guide to good food and good taste,” emphasizing that her recipes are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Whether it’s a delicious dinner idea or a sweet treat, Sasha’s culinary creations have become a favorite among her fans.
8. She Experienced a Hormone Imbalance That Affected Her Weight
Sasha has been open about her struggles with a hormone imbalance that caused fluctuations in her weight. She bravely shared her experience with fans, explaining that her journey to get healthy wasn’t just about working out and eating right—it was also about having a strong support system. “Getting healthy isn’t just about working out and eating right (however extremely important),” Sasha said, “it’s also about surrounding yourself with those who care about you and want to see you succeed.” Her honesty and transparency have made her an inspiration to many fans dealing with similar issues.
9. Sasha Can Sing
In addition to her acting career, Sasha is a talented singer. In 2013, she released her first single, showcasing her country-rock style. While many fans know her for her acting roles, Sasha’s musical talents are another aspect of her artistic abilities. Though she hasn’t pursued music as intensely as acting, it remains a passion of hers, and fans are always eager to hear more from her in the future.
10. She Was Only 12 When the PLL Pilot Was Filmed
One surprising fact about Sasha Pieterse is that she was only twelve years old when the Pretty Little Liars pilot was filmed. Born in 1996, Sasha was much younger than her co-stars, which made her portrayal of the cunning and mysterious Alison DiLaurentis all the more impressive. Despite her young age, Sasha brought a maturity and depth to the role that captivated audiences from the very beginning.
11. She Originally Auditioned for the Role of Hanna on PLL
While Sasha is now synonymous with the role of Alison DiLaurentis, she originally auditioned for the role of Hanna Marin. Ultimately, Ashley Benson was cast as Hanna, and Sasha ended up with the role of Alison. This casting decision turned out to be perfect, as Sasha’s portrayal of Alison became one of the most iconic aspects of the show.
12. She Was Featured on a Billboard for SuperCuts
With her stunning blonde hair, it’s no surprise that Sasha’s locks have attracted attention. She was once featured on a billboard for SuperCuts, proving that her hair is just as much a part of her appeal as her acting talents. Many fans look to Sasha for hair inspiration, and her luscious locks have earned her plenty of admiration.
13. Her Parents Were Professional Dance Partners
Sasha’s love for performing may have been inherited from her parents, who were professional dance partners. Growing up, Sasha’s parents traveled together for their work, and this exposure to the entertainment industry likely influenced her own career path. With show business in her blood, it’s no wonder Sasha has excelled in her acting and music careers.
14. She Was Homeschooled and Graduated Early
Due to her parents’ profession and her busy schedule as a young actress, Sasha was homeschooled. This allowed her the flexibility she needed to pursue her acting career, and she even managed to graduate early. Balancing her education and her career at such a young age is a testament to Sasha’s hard work and dedication.
Sasha Pieterse’s life and career are filled with fascinating stories and achievements. From her early start in Hollywood to her passion for DIY projects and cooking, there’s so much more to this PLL star than meets the eye. Fans continue to follow her journey, eagerly awaiting what she’ll do next.