The sci-fi TV series Stranger Things premiered in 2016, showcasing a talented ensemble cast, including young actors who grew up in the limelight. Among them, Millie Bobby Brown, who portrayed Eleven, joined the cast at just 11 years old. By the time filming concluded for the sixth and final season in December, she had turned 20 and was already married.
In a candid interview with Vanity Fair for the cover story, Brown opened up about how her role on the show affected her social life during her formative years. Despite recognizing the unique opportunities and fame that came with her success, she also highlighted the social challenges she faced. “I don’t have many friends, because of who I am. I didn’t go to school, so I don’t have the best social skills when it comes to people my own age and friendships. I struggle with that quite a bit. I missed out on a few things. But I’m working through them,” she stated.
Brown’s experiences reflect a broader concern shared by young actors in the industry. She expressed that growing up in a bubble limited her social development, stating, “I don’t allow many people into my life, and when I do, I think it should be super moderated.” This reluctance to reflect on her childhood friendships with co-stars paints a picture of the pressures faced by child actors in the entertainment world.
Moreover, Brown admitted to feeling the harsh effects of media scrutiny, explaining, “I started this really young, and I felt that the press specifically was very, very harsh on me. And so I just like to make sure that I’m advocating for myself.” She emphasizes how her desire for privacy stems from her experiences and the demands of fame.
Despite the challenges, Brown remains passionate about her craft. “I never wanted to be famous. That was never my thing. I just love acting,” she explained. Her parents and Netflix have played crucial roles in providing support and protection throughout her upbringing in the industry. Brown believes that the treatment of child actors often lacks sufficient regulation, stating, “I think everybody’s a little bit too lax about the way that children are brought up in the industry,” citing concerns over leaked contracts that could expose young stars to potential dangers.
The impact of Stranger Things extended beyond the screen; it also influenced the perception of friendship and personal identity for Brown. “Eleven’s identity was a huge thing that we were kind of fighting with,” she shared, discussing her character’s evolving look and style. This struggle resonated with Brown as she navigated her teenage years. “At that time in my life, I didn’t know what I wanted to look like, if I preferred more feminine looks, more masculine looks, more androgynous, more grunge. So I implemented that confusion.”
In her personal life, Brown expressed her love for musicals, often playing songs from Wicked during production. She reminisced about a specific request made to the show’s creators, stating, “I’m a big musical girl.” Her admiration for the arts is evident as she recalls, “My dream was to be Hannah Montana. I loved Hairspray and Mamma Mia!“
Matt Duffer, co-creator of Stranger Things, shared a lighthearted moment from the set, revealing Brown’s unique approach to her scenes. “She asked us to play ‘Defying Gravity’ while she was hovering midair in a harness so she could pretend to fly like Elphaba,” he recalled. Duffer noted the playful spirit Brown brought to the set, highlighting how she seamlessly transformed into her character when the cameras rolled.
As anticipation builds for the premiere of Stranger Things Season 5 on Netflix in 2025, Millie Bobby Brown’s journey illustrates the profound impact the series has had on her childhood, friendships, and personal identity. Her story serves as a reminder of the complexities faced by child actors navigating fame while seeking to grow in a world that can often be overwhelming.
