The End of an Era: Millie Bobby Brown’s Stranger Things Journey
It truly feels like the end of an era. For nearly a decade, audiences have watched the young cast of Stranger Things grow up on screen. At the heart of this journey has been Millie Bobby Brown, who brought the powerful and enigmatic Eleven to life. From her first appearance as a scared child with a shaved head to her evolution into a formidable hero, Brown’s performance has been a cornerstone of the show’s massive success. As the final season wraps, we look back at her incredible journey, her heartfelt goodbye to the series, and the unique bonds she formed along the way.
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Who is Millie Bobby Brown?
Born on February 19, 2004, Millie Bobby Brown is a British actress who became a household name at just 12 years old. Before landing her breakout role, she had appeared in shows like Once Upon a Time in Wonderland and NCIS. However, it was her portrayal of Eleven in Stranger Things that catapulted her to global stardom. Her ability to convey deep emotion with minimal dialogue in the first season earned her critical acclaim, including two Emmy nominations.
Beyond Hawkins, Indiana, Brown has expanded her career significantly. She starred in and produced the Enola Holmes films, showcasing her talent and business sense. She also founded her own beauty brand, Florence by Mills, and became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, the youngest person to hold the title.
The Bittersweet Goodbye to Stranger Things
As Stranger Things 5 marks the final chapter, Millie Bobby Brown has been open about her feelings. She penned a heartfelt tribute, reflecting on the role that defined her formative years. Brown thanked the show’s creators, the Duffer Brothers, for taking a chance on her and giving her the opportunity of a lifetime.
Wrapping up a project that has spanned her entire adolescence is understandably emotional. In an interview, Brown compared the experience to a “breakup,” a period of grieving for a chapter that is now closed. She has spent more time with her on-screen family than her real one at times, making the farewells particularly difficult. Yet, she is also looking forward to the future, proud of the work she has done and ready for what comes next.
One of the most talked-about aspects of her role was shaving her head for Season 1. Did Millie Bobby Brown shave her head again for flashback scenes in later seasons? While she famously did buzz her hair for the initial season, visual effects were used to recreate the look for younger Eleven in Season 4, sparing her the clippers a second time.
The Bond with Noah Schnapp
A significant part of Brown’s Stranger Things experience is her close friendship with co-star Noah Schnapp, who plays Will Byers. Their bond, which fans have watched blossom both on and off-screen, is genuinely heartwarming. The two met before filming even began and felt an immediate connection.
In a recent joint interview, they shared that they view each other as siblings, with Brown even joking that she’s Schnapp’s “triplet,” alongside his real-life twin sister. They admitted to having childhood crushes on each other, but their relationship quickly evolved into a deep, platonic friendship that has been a support system for both as they navigated fame at a young age. Schnapp is even the godfather to Brown and her husband Jake Bongiovi’s baby. Their on-screen chemistry as Eleven and Will is a reflection of their real-life connection.
Answering Your Questions About Millie Bobby Brown
Fans have many questions about the star’s life, from her age to her personal life. Let’s clear up some of the most common queries.
- How old is Millie Bobby Brown? As of late 2025, Millie Bobby Brown is 21 years old.
- Is Millie Bobby Brown married? Yes, she is married to Jake Bongiovi, son of rock legend Jon Bon Jovi. They tied the knot in a private ceremony.
- Is Millie Bobby Brown pregnant or did she adopt a baby? There has been a lot of online speculation, but Millie Bobby Brown has not announced a pregnancy or an adoption. The rumors appear to be just that—rumors.
- Is Millie Bobby Brown deaf in one ear? Yes, the actress was born with partial hearing loss in one ear, which eventually faded to complete deafness in that ear. She has spoken about how it doesn’t hold her back from her passion for acting and singing.
- Where is Millie Bobby Brown from? She was born in Marbella, Spain, to British parents. She is British.
- How old was she in Season 1 of Stranger Things? Millie was just 12 years old when the first season premiered in 2016.
- What is the “011” tattoo? The “011” tattoo on Eleven’s wrist is a key part of her character’s backstory, marking her as a test subject in the Hawkins lab. The tattoo is not real; it’s applied for filming.
Get the Look: Effortless and On-Screen Ready
Throughout her career, Millie Bobby Brown has become a style icon, known for her fresh and youthful makeup looks. Whether she’s on the red carpet or in a scene, her skin always looks radiant. Achieving that flawless finish starts with a great base. For a smooth canvas that grips your makeup all day, a primer like the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer is essential.
To even out your complexion without a heavy feel, a lightweight concealer can do wonders. The NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is perfect for brightening the under-eye area and covering blemishes, giving you that camera-ready look.
A hint of natural color on the cheeks brings any look to life. For a dewy, buildable flush, try a liquid blush like the NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush. It blends seamlessly into the skin for a healthy glow reminiscent of Brown’s signature style. Finish with a hydrating lip product, such as the Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oil, to keep your lips nourished and glossy.
Looking Beyond the Upside Down
The end of Stranger Things is not the end for Millie Bobby Brown. It is a launching pad. With her production company, beauty line, and proven acting chops, she has already built an impressive empire. Her journey from a child star to a multi-talented force in Hollywood has been inspiring to watch. While we will miss seeing her as Eleven, we are excited to see which new characters and stories she will bring to life next.