Millie Bobby Brown has rapidly become a defining presence in television due to her compelling performances across various roles. Best known for her portrayal of Eleven in the Netflix hit series Stranger Things, Brown’s career showcases a range of characters that reflect her growth from brief appearances to major starring roles. This ranking explores the Millie Bobby Brown roles that have shaped her journey, offering insight into her development as a Hollywood A-lister.
Minor but Memorable: Ruby in Grey’s Anatomy
Brown’s earlier TV work includes her role as Ruby in the medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, set in the busy Grey Sloane Memorial Hospital of Seattle. In season 11’s episode “I Feel the Earth Move,” Ruby is an 11-year-old girl who contacts the hospital for help after her mother collapses during an earthquake. Brown’s performance captures the tension and fear of the situation as Ruby receives first aid instructions from doctors over the phone.
Although this episode features intense emotional moments and Brown effectively portrays both panic and calmness, her screen time is limited to a few minutes. With multiple storylines running simultaneously, Ruby’s subplot remains secondary and does not allow Brown to fully expand her role.
Brief Appearance as Lizzie on Modern Family
In the critically praised sitcom Modern Family, Brown briefly appeared as Lizzie during season 6’s episode “Closet? You’ll Love It!” The character is part of a brief street scene where two boys attempt to get her attention while she rides by on a bicycle. This cameo was so short and subtle at the time of airing that it went mostly unnoticed, especially since Brown had not yet risen to fame.
This fleeting role remains largely obscure, with little public information about how Brown secured it or her perspective on the experience. However, the performance marked her early presence on one of the most popular comedic TV shows of its era.
The Complex Rachel Barnes in NCIS
In NCIS, a long-running procedural drama centered on criminal investigations involving Navy and Marine personnel, Brown portrayed Rachel Barnes in season 12’s episode “Parental Guidance Suggested.” Rachel is a pivotal character suspected in the investigation of her mother’s death, escalating the dramatic tension of the episode.
Here, Brown’s role allowed her to demonstrate greater emotional depth, shifting from ignorance to exposure of hidden truths. Despite the episode being self-contained, her nuanced performance highlighted her ability to embody complicated characters. Procedural dramas like NCIS, however, often receive limited award recognition despite strong acting work.
Young Alice’s Fantasy Journey in Once Upon a Time in Wonderland
Millie Bobby Brown’s very first television role came as Young Alice in Once Upon a Time in Wonderland, a fantasy series exploring the magical world and its conflicts. Her character is shown returning from Wonderland to Victorian England, struggling to convince skeptics about the existence of the magical realm.
Brown expressed in interviews her fondness for fantasy, making this role personally significant. She convincingly portrayed the innocence and frustration of a girl dismissed as delusional by adults, capturing a relatable sense of disbelief and isolation. Despite some pacing issues in the show, Brown’s performance remains a standout in the fantasy genre.
Haunting Duality in Intruders as Madison O’Donnell
In the supernatural drama Intruders, based on Michael Marshall Smith’s novel, Brown played Madison O’Donnell, a 9-year-old girl who becomes possessed by an assassin’s soul. The show follows an LAPD detective’s pursuit of a secret cult granting immortality through body possession.
Brown’s portrayal of Madison is both terrifying and sympathetic, blending innocence with chilling aggression. The blurred lines between the two personas add complexity to the narrative, demonstrating Brown’s ability to handle intense, psychological roles. Unfortunately, Intruders was canceled after one season, but this absence cleared the path for Brown’s breakthrough in Stranger Things.
Defining Role as Eleven in Stranger Things
Millie Bobby Brown’s role as Eleven in Stranger Things has been the turning point of her career, setting a new standard for young actors in science fiction television. Set in 1980s Hawkins, Indiana, the series begins with the mysterious disappearance of Will Byers, as his friends encounter Eleven, a girl with extraordinary telekinetic powers who escaped from a secret government facility.
Eleven’s character unveils a dark world involving parallel dimensions, sinister experiments, and dangerous creatures. Brown’s portrayal is both powerful and nuanced, anchoring the show’s blend of suspense, supernatural thrills, and heartfelt friendships. The ensemble cast, including Noah Schnapp as Will Byers and Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler, complements Brown’s performance, creating a rich tapestry of youthful resilience and courage against adversity.
The success of Stranger Things is reflected in the 39 collective awards its cast has won, an unprecedented achievement for a contemporary TV series. Fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming fifth and final season, expecting Brown to continue delivering her compelling interpretation of Eleven.
