Millie Bobby Brown marked her 22nd birthday on February 19 with a celebration at Maison Close Restaurant in New York City, surrounded by close friends, family, and her Stranger Things co-star David Harbour. The event took place in SoHo on February 20, where Harbour, alongside Brown’s husband Jake Bongiovi, her grandparents, and mother, attended the gathering in a display of unity despite recent tensions reported between the leads.
Context of Previous Reports and Ongoing Friendship
Earlier reports from November indicated that Brown had filed a bullying and harassment complaint against Harbour prior to the start of Stranger Things season 5 filming, sparking a lengthy investigation that allegedly included extensive accusations. Despite these developments, Brown has publicly reaffirmed her strong bond with Harbour, emphasizing the value of their friendship over the years.
Shared Reflections on Their Relationship
In interviews following the reports, Brown highlighted the mutual respect and camaraderie she shares with Harbour, particularly given their decade-long working relationship on Stranger Things. She described their collaboration as “united,” expressing deep appreciation for the show and the connection they have cultivated over many years on set.
Brown noted the dynamic between their characters, Eleven and Jim Hopper, which echoes the challenges of parenting and growing up. She described scenes from the new season as nostalgic, recalling moments reminiscent of earlier seasons involving conflicts and personal growth.
Expressions of Gratitude and Safety on Set
Alongside birthday wishes on social media, Brown shared heartfelt gratitude for her loved ones and expressed the importance of feeling safe while working with her co-stars. She assured that her sense of security on set has remained intact throughout their collaborations, emphasizing her trust in Harbour and others during filming.
Emotional Farewell in Final Season Script Reading
During the Stranger Things season 5 script reading, Brown became emotional while delivering her character’s final lines to Harbour’s character, reflecting the deep father-daughter bond portrayed on screen. The moment, captured in the Netflix documentary
“One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5,”
revealed Brown’s tearful connection to the story and her co-star.
Close-Knit Circle Joins the Festivities
The birthday celebration included appearances by Harbour as well as fellow Stranger Things cast members Jamie Campbell Bower, Shawn Levy, Whitney Leavitt, Conner Leavitt, and Elena Taber. The event highlighted the blend of professional and personal relationships that underpin the show’s ensemble, reinforcing connections beyond the set.
Looking Ahead to Stranger Things Season 5
The reunion and public show of support from Brown and Harbour come as fans await the much-anticipated final season of Stranger Things. Their enduring partnership and shared enthusiasm for the project hint at a meaningful conclusion to their characters’ complex journeys as well as the series itself.
22. grateful for my husband and daughter. for my family and friends. all of my animals,
Millie Bobby Brown wrote on Instagram on February 19.
I am so blessed. thank you for the birthday wishes.
We have always been united in that,
Brown stated in a November 26 interview regarding her relationship with Harbour.
We love this show with everything, and we value our friendship more than anything.
It was quite nostalgic because it reminded me so much of season 2 and 3, where we’re both kind of butting heads and she’s growing up, she’s trying to find her own voice and he’s trying to parent, and that dynamic definitely comes back into play once again, and I’m really excited for people to see that,
Brown commented about their characters’ dynamic.
Of course I felt safe. I mean, we’ve worked together for 10 years,
Brown confirmed in a late November interview.
I feel safe with everyone on that set. You naturally just, you know … you’ve been doing it for so long.
We also play father and daughter, so naturally you have a closer bond than the rest, because we have had some really intense scenes together, especially in season 2,
she added.
When you found me in the woods, I was just a kid,
Brown read emotionally during the final episode script reading.
I was scared. I didn’t understand this world, didn’t understand people. But you took me in and you taught me.
She then looked at Harbour with a sad smile, choking up as she said,
You protected me, you raised me, you became my dad.
