Millie Bobby Brown recently shared some candid insights into her unique upbringing in a new interview. Growing up surrounded by older men on film sets, the young star admits to missing out on some crucial "life skills." During her appearance on the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast, Millie explained how skipping public school and being immersed in the adult-dominated world of film crews has left her lacking in socialization.
Starting her acting career at the tender age of 10, Millie quickly became a household name with her role as Madison O’Donnell in the BBC America thriller series, Intruders. Her journey continued with appearances in popular shows like NCIS, Modern Family, and Grey’s Anatomy, before skyrocketing to fame with Netflix's Stranger Things in 2016. This fast-paced career meant she bypassed the typical high school experience, leaving her feeling somewhat disconnected from her peers.
“I grew up with primarily men on crews, men over 40 years old. So I heard a lot of adult talk growing up, and didn’t really talk about the things you’re meant to talk about as a kid,” Millie shared.
Millie admits that she finds it challenging to connect with people her own age, sometimes feeling awkward when approached by fans. "Sometimes, when fans come up to me, they’ll be like: ‘Millie!’ And I’ll be like, ‘Ahh!’ I just don’t know how to react sometimes to people my own age," she confessed.
Her experiences on set were vastly different from the typical teenage interactions. Instead of discussing school gossip or weekend plans, her conversations revolved around "adult talk" like lens changes and shot setups. This has left her feeling somewhat out of place in more casual social settings.
In contrast, Millie's husband, Jake Bongiovi, enjoyed a more traditional upbringing, attending boarding school and college. His social skills have inspired Millie to embrace her own "social era" and try to be more outgoing. However, she admits that being a "social butterfly" doesn't come naturally to her, despite her efforts.
Millie's story is a reminder of the unique challenges faced by young stars growing up in the limelight, navigating the complexities of adulthood while missing out on the simple joys of teenage life.