Millie Bobby Brown’s journey to becoming a global star through Netflix’s Stranger Things was far from simple, shaped by the realities of hearing loss and anxiety. Born with partial hearing in her left ear, she eventually lost all hearing on that side, facing a significant personal challenge alongside her rising fame. Despite these obstacles, Brown’s determination helped her deliver powerful performances while navigating the pressures that come with widespread attention.
Her struggles with anxiety have been ever-present, amplified by the intense scrutiny social media can bring. From being bullied as a child to dealing with relentless online criticism, Brown has shown resilience in confronting these issues while never allowing them to overshadow her career.
Understanding Millie Bobby Brown’s Battle with Self-Identity
Facing constant attention from a young age, Millie Bobby Brown has openly discussed her early struggles with self-identity. Acting became a way for her to explore different personas and find refuge in a life that often felt isolating. She admitted the challenge of knowing who she truly was amid her evolving public image and personal growth.
Brown recalled feeling alone even when surrounded by others, describing the disconnect between how she saw herself and the world’s perception. Early industry feedback, such as being called “too mature” for her age, only intensified her doubts and made her question her place in the acting world.
I enjoyed being different people because I always struggled with self-identity and knowing who I was.
—Millie Bobby Brown, Actress
Though setbacks like these could discourage many, they only deepened her determination to find roles that allowed her to express herself and connect with others.
I got really down about that. My parents told me, ‘Just do this one last audition on tape and then you can go outside and play with your friends again.’ So I said, ‘Okay, yeah, I should do this one because it looks cool.
—Millie Bobby Brown, Actress
How Anxiety and Public Pressure Affected Brown’s Youth
Despite stepping into the spotlight confidently at just ten years old, Millie Bobby Brown’s experience with fame soon revealed an undercurrent of anxiety. By her mid-teens, public scrutiny and the pressure from social media criticism had taken a significant toll, leading to panic attacks and a daily battle with mental health.
Brown has candidly acknowledged how harsh the impact from online negativity and media coverage was on her psyche, underscoring the importance of support from loved ones during difficult times.
The influence of social media and the press had a negative effect on my mental health and anxiety is still a huge battle I’m dealing with today. Luckily, with the love and support from my friends and family, I feel strong enough. I do not feel alone anymore.
—Millie Bobby Brown, Actress
Her early years in England were complicated by bullying severe enough to force her to change schools. This experience added to her anxiety and has motivated her commitment to speak openly about bullying’s damaging effects.
I was bullied at school back in England. So, it’s extremely important for me to speak out against bullying. I actually switched schools because of it, it created a lot of anxiety and issues that I still deal with today.
—Millie Bobby Brown, Actress
Her unconventional education, mostly conducted between filming schedules and under strict child labor laws, limited her interactions with peers, making it difficult to build lasting friendships. She has spoken about her social struggles and how that shaped her sense of isolation.
I don’t have many friends, because of who I am. 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.
—Millie Bobby Brown, Actress
The COVID-19 pandemic further isolated her when physical separation from her castmates cut off an important source of social support.
The Impact of Hearing Loss on Brown’s Performance and Work Environment
Millie Bobby Brown’s hearing loss presented unique difficulties on the set of Stranger Things, where clear communication is essential. Losing hearing in her left ear meant she often had to rely on visual cues rather than audio prompts to respond during filming.
She described the challenges she faced with production assistants and assistant directors, who had to raise their voices or use hand signals to ensure she caught their calls.
Filming stranger things was hard because I would have ADs or PAs near me to say ‘action’ because they’d have to say it really loud or like make a sign so that I could watch them. Because I would never be able to hear them.
—Millie Bobby Brown, Actress
The show’s creators, the Duffer Brothers, provided cues too softly for her impaired ear, while director Shawn Levy’s louder calls were easier for her to catch. These adaptations helped Brown perform her role despite the physical limitations caused by hearing loss.
Her performance as Eleven not only earned critical acclaim but also marked her as a formidable presence in Hollywood, paving the way for various high-profile projects across film and television.
Navigating Friendships and Social Pressures Throughout Adolescence
Growing up in the public eye presented another layer of difficulty for Brown, especially as she faced adult critics during press tours and interviews. As a teenager, she was often unfairly judged for behaviors common among kids, such as talking over others or expressing herself energetically.
Brown reflected on how these moments led to harsh online backlash and unfair labeling, which forced her to adapt her behavior in public settings to avoid criticism.
We’re kids — we talk over each other. I was just penalized for overtalking and oversharing and being too loud.
—Millie Bobby Brown, Actress
Even with this negativity, Brown’s career moved forward steadily. She expanded her role in the industry by taking on responsibilities behind the camera as an executive producer on projects like Damsel and starring in upcoming films directed by renowned filmmakers.
Her upcoming Netflix romantic comedy, Just Picture It, sees her collaborating alongside Gabriel LaBelle under director Lee Toland Krieger, further demonstrating her growing influence and control within the entertainment world.
Millie Bobby Brown’s Journey of Resilience and Growth
From partial hearing loss and anxiety to bullying and public judgment, Millie Bobby Brown’s path has been marked by numerous challenges that tested her resilience. Despite these hurdles, Brown has turned these struggles into sources of strength and empathy, shaping her into a determined and vocal advocate for mental health and anti-bullying efforts.
Her candidness about hearing loss and anxiety provides valuable insight into the realities faced by many, illuminating a personal side to fame often hidden from public view. As her career continues to evolve with promising new projects, Brown’s story serves as a reminder of the fortitude behind the spotlight and the power of perseverance amid adversity.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Millie Bobby Brown deaf in 1 year?
A. She was born with some hearing loss in her left ear. Over time, she completely lost her ability to hear with that ear.
Q. Is Millie Bobby Brown deaf in one year?
A. Few people realize that Millie Bobby Brown shared she is deaf in one ear. She was born with some hearing loss, which gradually got worse over time. Regardless of this challenge, Millie Bobby Brown hasn’t let it hold her back and continues to advance in her career.
Q. How deaf is Millie Bobby Brown?
A. Millie Bobby Brown is entirely deaf in one ear. Here’s what to know about how she deals with hearing loss.
Q. How is Millie Bobby Brown deaf?
A. Millie Bobby Brown is a British actress and model. She is famous for her role as Eleven in the TV show Stranger Things. She was born with partial hearing loss in one ear and, over time, she lost hearing completely in that ear.
