Stranger Things has gained immense popularity and opened new doors for young child actors to start their careers early. Among the cast of the, Noah Schnapp played the role of Will Byers throughout the runtime. And now, almost a decade later, the actor is speaking candidly about the struggles child stars encounter in the entertainment industry.
Noah Schnapp recently shared his thoughts on the struggles of growing up in the public eye. He emphasized the cruciality of therapy for child stars. The performer admitted that she initially thought he did not need professional help. He described himself as a joyful kid who felt fine. However, his perspective has undergone a significant transformation over the years.
The performer explained that developing under consistent public scrutiny presents eccentric challenges. Young stars are expected to have all the answers before they truly understand themselves.
The challenge of growing up publicly in Stranger Things
Noah Schnapp put it with ease when he said it's difficult to grow up in the public eye. He said the following to USA Today
"It's hard to grow up in the public eye,You don't know yourself, you haven't figured anything out, and now you're expected to know everything and have all the answers."
The performer discussed how every misstep turns into a permanent fault when viewers are famous. He recalled moments when he said the wrong things or failed to take situations seriously.
These moments do not simply go away like that for most teens. Instead, they remain online forever. People can judge and revisit them years later, and this reality makes normal growth much more complicated.
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Understanding mental health struggles during Stranger Things
While growing up, the Stranger Things star did not comprehend why some people struggled with depression or turned to harmful coping mechanisms.
He failed to understand eating disorders or substance abuse issues. As he grew older, his perception underwent a dramatic transformation. He started to observe how Hollywood's intense pressure can push people toward these problems. The environment creates unique stressors that most people never observe, and Hollywood's intense pressure can push people into this pit.
The environment creates eccentric stressors that most people never experience. The constant attention and scrutiny wear on mental well-being. Young performers often lack the tools to process these feelings healthily.
The need for support systems for the cast of Stranger Things
The Stranger Things actor shared that his lifestyle was anything but ordinary. He emphasized the importance of having a support system beyond one’s parents, noting that professional help offers perspective and tools that family members may not always be able to provide. Therapy, he explained, gives young actors a safe and neutral space to process and make sense of their experiences.
Noah Schnapp pushed Ariana Grande's suggestion that therapy should be an important part of the lives of child performers. It would normalize mental health care in the industry. Such an approach could prevent many of the mental health struggles that have plagued former child performers.
Looking to the future after Stranger Things
Noah Schnapp was only eleven years old when filming started for Stranger Things first season. The series became a massive hit on Netflix. It is concluding with its fifth season. The first four episodes of the final season are currently available. Three more episodes were released on Christmas, culminating in a two-hour finale that concluded the show.
The performer also shared his concerns about living in Los Angeles in the long term. He stated that his parents believe he would get lost in that environment. The city represents the fact that it sits at the centre of the entertainment industry. Its pressure and culture easily overwhelm someone trying to maintain their sense of self.
Noah Schnapp's genuine reflection sheds light on the mental health challenges young stars face in the present day entertainment landscape.