Millie Bobby Brown has opened up about one of the unexpected challenges of growing up as a child actor, revealing that she sometimes struggles to relate to people her own age because she spent much of her childhood surrounded by adults on film sets.

Brown Reflects on Missing Social Experiences

Speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, the 22-year-old actress said she believes she missed out on important social milestones because she did not experience a traditional school environment.

Brown explained that she often feels unsure how to react when meeting fans or interacting with people her own age, saying most of her childhood conversations revolved around the day-to-day work of movie and television production rather than the typical experiences of other children.

Growing Up Around Adult Film Crews

The Stranger Things star said that many of the crew members she worked alongside throughout her career were men over the age of 40. As a result, she became familiar with filmmaking terminology and behind-the-scenes discussions instead of the topics many children and teenagers naturally bond over.

Brown joked that she could easily discuss camera lenses and production techniques but found it harder to join conversations about favorite restaurants, bars, or other social experiences common among young adults.

Finding Balance Through Marriage

Brown said her outlook began to change after meeting her husband, Jake Bongiovi, whom she described as naturally outgoing and highly social.

According to the actress, Bongiovi’s experience attending boarding school and college helped encourage her to become more comfortable in social settings. She added that she now considers herself to be in her “social era” as she continues building confidence outside of work.

From Child Star to Adult Life

Brown rose to international fame playing Eleven in Netflix’s Stranger Things, a role she began as a young teenager. Like many child performers, she has grown up largely in the public eye while balancing demanding filming schedules with her personal development.

In addition to her acting career, Brown and Bongiovi married in 2024. The couple later announced they had welcomed a daughter through adoption in 2025, choosing to keep much of their family life private.

Why Her Comments Resonate

Brown’s reflections highlight a challenge that many former child actors have discussed over the years: achieving career success at a young age can sometimes come at the expense of ordinary childhood experiences. Her comments offer a glimpse into the less visible side of growing up in the entertainment industry and adapting to adulthood after years spent on professional sets.