Bella Thorne Reflects on Growing Up in Hollywood
Bella Thorne, known for her early start in the entertainment industry, has shared some of the challenges she faced as a child star. In Hollywood, there seemed to be a pressing expectation for her to act like a child on screen while being an adult off it.
Thorne began her career as a model before landing roles in television shows, notably on HBO’s “Big Love.” Her breakout role was in 2010 when she played CeCe Jones on Disney Channel’s “Shake It Up,” alongside Zendaya.
During a recent podcast appearance, Thorne discussed the unique dynamics of working on a set filled with adults. “You’re spending every hour of your day on set with the adults. It’s like a different animal, and your brain is just trying to figure out how to do it,” she explained.
Concerns from Hollywood Veterans
Goldie Hawn has spoken about the troubling culture surrounding child celebrities, calling it a “nightmare.” Thorne echoed similar sentiments, explaining that she was expected to navigate complex adult conversations while still being treated like a child. “When I fail, it’s my fault. Just like you’re an adult, it’s your fault,” she noted.
Navigating these expectations wasn’t straightforward for her. Thorne said, “Well, I think people can see how I managed it publicly. They have pictures of it. I don’t know if I’ve ever handled it correctly and balanced it.” She acknowledged that it’s been a journey to reach a point where she feels mentally clear and ready to make changes in her life.
Over the past couple of years, Thorne has focused more on her mental health. She realized this was crucial after feeling drained while working on her project “Color Your Hurt.” At 28, she shared that she’s learned to give herself some grace and necessary breathing space.
Reflecting on her transition into adulthood, Thorne described a profound sense of liberation when she turned 18. “I was like, ‘I’m free.’ It felt so strange to have that freedom, no one questioning my movements,” she recalled.
Handling Comparisons and Expectations
Thorne also talked about being compared to other Disney stars like Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez, which started when she was just 12. Such comparisons, she felt, created unnecessary pressure. “Playing with Zendaya was in a different era, but it still intersects,” she said, noting how people wondered whether she’d become Disney’s next “bad girl.”
Feeling uncertain at a young age made it challenging. Thorne emphasized that the question of what type of person she was going to become, especially in comparison to others, loomed large in her mind.
As she navigated her identity, Thorne gradually moved away from her Disney roots, taking on various roles in film and television as well as pursuing creative projects behind the camera. She recently announced her involvement in “Spring Breakers 2,” set to be a significant milestone in her career.
