Noah Schnapp makes an important statement about child stars

Noah Schnapp gets candid about growing up in the spotlight and why he thinks stronger mental health support should be the norm for young actors in Hollywood.

Almost a decade after gaining fame Stranger Thingsthe actor talks about the emotional challenges of becoming a global star at such a young age.

In a recent interview, Schnapp reflected on how his perspective has changed over time.

He admitted that when he was younger, he didn’t think therapy was something he needed.

“It’s hard to grow up in the public eye,” he said. “You don’t know yourself, you haven’t understood anything, and now you’re expected to know everything and have all the answers.”

The actor explained that being constantly watched and judged made growing up more complicated than he imagined at the time.

“I kept saying the wrong things or embarrassing myself because I didn’t take certain things as seriously as I should have, and then it just stays forever,” she shared.

“People grow and learn, and it’s not easy to do that publicly.”

Schnapp, who was only 11 years old when Stranger Things premiered in 2016, she said that as she got older, she began to understand why so many young performers struggle behind the scenes.

“Over the years, it becomes like, ‘No, this is an abnormal life and you need some kind of support system outside of your parents,'” she explained.

He also reflected on how his understanding of mental health has evolved.

“Growing up, I never understood why people were depressed or turned to drugs or had eating disorders,” Schnapp said.

“As you get older, you realize how the pressures of Hollywood can create that.”

Now, as its final season Stranger Things begins to roll, Schnapp says he believes therapy should be encouraged for young actors navigating fame.

He added that while he is grateful for his journey, he recognizes how important it is to have guidance and balance. “I always tell my parents, ‘I could never live in Los Angeles,'” she said. “I think I’m going to get lost.”

With the show’s final episodes winding down, Schnapp’s musings serve as a reminder of the emotional toll that can come with growing up in the public eye and the importance of behind-the-scenes support.