As the final episodes of “Stranger Things” drop on Netflix, a retrospective look reveals the remarkable trajectory of Millie Bobby brown, who rose to superstardom with the series. From a young actress navigating early roles to becoming a global icon and entrepreneur, Brown’s career has been one of rapid ascent. This article examines her journey, from early appearances to producer and buisness owner, and her growing influence both on and off screen, including a recent public moment asserting her boundaries with photographers at the London premiere.
AUTOPSIE D’UNE SÉRIE CULTE (3/3) – As the final episodes drop, a look back at the Netflix phenomenon that launched Millie Bobby Brown to superstardom.
“Smile”? You just have to smile!” And with that, the young actress walked away from the red carpet. On November 13th, at just 21 years old – and with 12 years already spent in front of cameras – Millie Bobby Brown made a statement with her resolve as photographers requested she smile at the London premiere of the final season of “Stranger Things.” With an already impressive career, the actress knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to stand her ground.
Born in Malaga, Spain, in 2004, but a British national, Millie Bobby Brown first appeared on screen in “Once Upon a Time in Wonderland.” However, she truly gained recognition at just 12 years old in “Intruders,” playing the villain in the little-known 2014 fantasy series – a young girl who is actually the reincarnation of a dangerous guru! It was a risky role, but Millie tackled it with remarkable talent. She followed that with appearances in several episodes of “Grey’s Anatomy,” “NCIS,” and “Modern Family.”
Netflix’s Rising Star
Two years later, she found global success with the character of Eleven in “Stranger Things,” a young girl who escapes from a mysterious laboratory and is taken in by a group of boys with whom she battles creatures from the “Upside Down.” With its 80s vibe reminiscent of Stephen King and Steven Spielberg, the series became a surprise hit in 2016. The show quickly became a cultural touchstone, influencing fashion, music, and pop culture references for years to come.
The actress rapidly became the face of the show, and then Netflix’s new leading lady. Between seasons, she’s starred in exclusive films for the platform, beginning with the “Enola Holmes” franchise, which she also produces. She plays Sherlock Holmes’ younger sister, who solves mysteries of her own; a third installment is already in the works. She then appeared in “The Damsel,” a fantasy film that subverts the damsel-in-distress trope, and the science fiction film “The Electric State,” directed by the filmmakers behind “Avengers: Endgame.” When her career ventures beyond streaming, it’s into blockbuster territory with monster movies like “Godzilla II: King of the Monsters” and “Godzilla vs. Kong.”
Married to Jake Bongiovi
Thanks to “Stranger Things,” Millie Bobby Brown has amassed 67.5 million followers on Instagram, a platform she uses to promote her own brands of cosmetics, clothing, and coffee, all under the label “Florence by Mills” (“Mills” being her nickname). Her financial success has also grown dramatically: her salary went from $10,000 per episode for the first season of “Stranger Things” to $10 million for “Enola Holmes 2” – a thousandfold increase! She is the youngest person ever named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and is a representative for Louis Vuitton. Her personal life is also filled with high-profile connections: her husband, actor and model Jake Bongiovi, is the son of rock singer Jon Bon Jovi! The couple recently welcomed a child.
Millie Bobby Brown and her husband Jake Bongiovi.
© SMG/ZUMA/SIPA
So it doesn’t matter that she didn’t land a role in “Game of Thrones,” another hit series for which she auditioned. And rumors of a strong disagreement with David Harbour, her co-star in “Stranger Things,” who plays her adoptive father, Sheriff Hopper, are now in the past. Millie Bobby Brown’s career is firmly on track. The question now is whether she can continue to build on her success beyond the “Upside Down.”
“Stranger Things” Season 5, Volume 2 (3 episodes): streaming on Netflix in the overnight hours between Thursday, December 25th and Friday, December 26th, at 2:00 AM. Season 5, Volume 3 (the final episode): streaming on Netflix in the overnight hours between Wednesday, December 31st and Thursday, January 1st, at 2:00 AM.
