British actress Millie Bobby Brown has recently expressed her frustration and disgust with the constant scrutiny and obsession surrounding her appearance, particularly stemming from her portrayal of Eleven in Stranger Things. The 21-year-old star, who gained fame at a young age for her role as the telekinetic girl in the hit Netflix series, has become the target of harsh remarks from both the media and the public.
According to Brown, these comments go beyond just superficial criticisms—they reflect a broader issue of people refusing to acknowledge her growth and personal evolution.
In a candid conversation on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Brown revealed her deep dissatisfaction with how she is often portrayed in the media. She shared her anger over what she considers a form of "bullying" and pointed out how the press seems to dissect her every move, appearance, and even her body.
A significant part of the criticism revolves around the public's unwillingness to let go of her childhood image, and the insistence that she should remain frozen in time as the young Eleven. This pressure, Brown said, is both unfair and exhausting, particularly when it affects her ability to grow as both an actress and an individual.
The obsession with her being stuck as the child star of Stranger Things has also been compounded by remarks about her physical appearance. Brown mentioned that she is often told she looks "like 40" when, in reality, she is only in her early twenties.
The actress was quick to point out the absurdity of these kinds of comments, which seem to ignore the natural process of aging. She has been subject to the relentless scrutiny of growing older, and as she now lives in the United States, her accent has evolved as well, leading to even more criticism from those who seem to miss the days when she first appeared on screen.
The media's fixation on her childhood image of Eleven has often overshadowed her current identity as a young adult. Brown emphasized how the industry and the public seem to want her to remain as a symbol of that younger, innocent role.
This fixation ignores the reality that she, like many other actors, has grown and changed over time. It's not just a matter of personal preference—it's a part of the natural progression of her career and life.
For Brown, this issue is deeply frustrating because it reduces her to a single character from her past. While she acknowledges the significance of Eleven in her career, she also wants to be seen as more than just that role.
Over the years, she has proven her versatility as an actress, taking on different projects and roles that showcase her growing talent. However, it seems that many continue to focus solely on her early success, refusing to let her evolve in the public eye.
In addition to the comments about her appearance, Brown also touched on how the media has consistently scrutinized her every move, particularly the way she expresses herself. She mentioned how, as a woman, there is often a double standard in the industry, where her choices—whether they relate to her career, her personal life, or even the way she dresses—are often criticized or dissected.
This level of attention and criticism can be overwhelming, especially for someone who is still in their twenties.
Despite the challenges she faces, Brown is determined to continue advocating for herself and others who may be subjected to similar treatment. In her conversation on the Call Her Daddy podcast, she made it clear that she will not allow the pressure from the media and public to define her.
While she acknowledges the role that the media plays in shaping public perceptions, she remains committed to her own growth and refuses to let others' opinions dictate her path.
As an actress, Millie Bobby Brown has already achieved tremendous success at a young age. Her portrayal of Eleven made her a household name, and she has since expanded her career into other ventures, including her own production company. However, she is not just a child star, and she does not want to be seen as one.
As she continues to navigate the pressures of fame, she hopes to be recognized for the person she is now, not just the character she played years ago.
Ultimately, Brown's comments highlight a larger issue in the entertainment industry: the constant pressure placed on women to remain youthful and to conform to specific expectations. The media often fails to acknowledge the complexity and individuality of the women they report on, reducing them to a single moment in time.
For Millie Bobby Brown, this fixation on her past is not only frustrating, but it is also a barrier to her personal and professional growth.
In the end, Brown's message is clear: she is not the same person she was when she first appeared as Eleven. She has grown, evolved, and continues to chart her own course in the entertainment industry.
The public should take note of her individuality and maturity, recognizing that she is more than just the character that made her famous.