It all began, as it did for many of us, in the upside-down. When Stranger Things premiered on Netflix in 2016, it was a perfect blend of nostalgia, mystery, and unforgettable synth music. But at the center of it all was a then-12-year-old British girl with a shaved head and a piercing gaze who barely spoke for most of the first season. As Eleven, Millie didn’t need words. She expressed more emotion with a quivering lip or a single tear than most actors could with an entire monologue. She became a sensation overnight, earning an Emmy nomination at just 13—one of the youngest nominees in history—and proving she was more than just a cute kid; she was a formidable performer.
But here’s where Millie’s journey takes a different turn from the usual child star narrative. Instead of simply riding the wave of Stranger Things, she began crafting her own empire. While still portraying the telekinetic hero in Hawkins, she was also:
Launching a Beauty Brand: At just 15, she took the leap and founded Florence by Mills, a clean beauty line aimed at Gen-Z, named in honor of her great-grandmother. This wasn’t just another celebrity cash grab; it was a brand born from genuine thought and care, designed to resonate with her peers and champion self-expression and skincare for everyone. It was a brilliant example of building a business alongside her audience, rather than just for them.
Becoming a Producer: Fed up with waiting for the perfect roles to come her way, she decided to create them herself. She took on the role of executive producer and star in the Enola Holmes films for Netflix, where she played Sherlock’s wonderfully rebellious younger sister. These films turned out to be huge successes, solidifying her reputation not just as a talented actress but as a creative powerhouse behind the scenes. She wasn’t merely accepting roles; she was crafting a film franchise.
Authoring a Best-Seller: She also released her debut novel, Nineteen Steps, a historical fiction piece inspired by her grandmother’s experiences during World War II. Because, of course, she did.
This isn’t just a career; it’s a full-on multi-platform takeover. Somehow, she’s managed to be the relatable teen on Instagram, dancing in her kitchen and promoting acne patches, while also being a serious player in the industry, negotiating major deals. She’s the girl who’s best friends with Drake and a UN Goodwill Ambassador advocating for children’s rights.
And yes, she’s had her fair share of public scrutiny that comes with growing up in the limelight—the odd critiques, the unfair judgments, the never-ending commentary on her personal life. But through it all, she’s shown a resilience that feels very much like… Eleven. She’s leaned on her incredibly supportive family, married her childhood sweetheart, Jake Bongiovi, and has consistently used her platform to spread positivity and uplift her fans.
So, what’s the magic behind the MBB phenomenon? It’s that unique blend of incredible talent and sharp business sense. She’s got the artistic credibility from Stranger Things and the commercial clout from her own projects. Millie gets her generation in a way that no studio executive ever could—because she lives it.
Millie Bobby Brown isn’t just Hawkins’ beloved hero; she’s the mastermind of her own journey—a producer, entrepreneur, author, and advocate, all while being one of the most recognized actors of her generation. She took the key to the upside-down and used it to open every door in Hollywood. And the craziest part? She’s only 20. This is just the beginning for her.
🎬 Want to keep up with Millie? Check her out on Instagram or binge-watch Enola Holmes while we all eagerly await the final season of Stranger Things.
What’s your favorite Millie Bobby Brown role? Are you Team Eleven or Team Enola? Sound off below! 🔥
Image Credit: Instagram