Millie Bobby Brown Says She Doesn’t Know ‘How to React’ to People Her Own Age Because She ‘Grew Up with Primarily Men on Crews’

Millie Bobby Brown has spoken candidly about the challenges she faces in social situations, citing her unconventional upbringing in the entertainment industry as a significant factor in her struggles. In a recent appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, the 22-year-old actress revealed that growing up surrounded primarily by older men on film sets has impacted her ability to connect with peers.

The Young performer, who rose to fame portraying Eleven in Netflix’s critically acclaimed series Stranger Things, shared that she often feels out of touch when interacting with her contemporaries. During the podcast, she reflected on the lack of typical childhood experiences due to the demanding nature of her filming schedule. “Sometimes when fans come up to me, they’ll be like ‘Millie!’ and I’ll be like ‘Aah!'” she expressed, highlighting her difficulty in responding to fellow 20-somethings.

Brown’s experience of missing milestones, particularly socialisation, has been evident. She explained that her schooling was atypical, opting for home tutoring rather than attending a traditional school. This decision, combined with her work schedule, has left her feeling disconnected from peer groups. “I have a harder time,” she admitted, attributing this to the fact that her interactions on set were largely with crew members who were generally older, often over the age of 40.

Describing her conversations in those settings, Brown noted how they revolved around technical aspects of filmmaking rather than the subjects typical of her peers. “I heard a lot of adult talk growing up. I didn’t really talk about the things you’re meant to talk about as a kid,” she recalled, adding that her knowledge of topics like “different lens changes and shots” means she struggles with casual discussions about things like favourite restaurants or bars.

Brown’s life began to shift socially when she met her husband, Jake Bongiovi, whom she described as “the most social butterfly.” She emphasised that Bongiovi’s background—having attended boarding school and college—has introduced her to a different social dynamic, prompting her to embrace a more outgoing lifestyle. “When I met him, I really tried to lean more into that,” she admitted, suggesting that this relationship has encouraged her to engage more actively in social situations, which she now refers to as her “social era.”

The couple, who married in May 2024, have continued to navigate life together, recently announcing the adoption of their first child. They shared their excitement with fans in an Instagram post in August 2025, expressing their joy about entering parenthood together.

As a prominent figure in Hollywood, Brown’s unique experiences have led her to a perspective that many young adults may not share. Her reflections resonate with those who have also faced challenges in fitting in, whether due to extraordinary circumstances or personal circumstances. It remains clear that while her career has afforded her significant opportunities, it has also come with costs not immediately visible to the public eye.

Brown’s journey serves as a reminder that the path to adulthood can vary greatly, influenced by the environments and circumstances we are raised in. The actress’s openness about her social struggles sheds light on the complexities of growing up in the public eye, as well as the importance of forging genuine connections with others.

As she continues her career in acting, it will be interesting to see how Brown navigates her newfound commitment to socialisation and whether her experiences can bridge the gap between her unique background and the everyday realities faced by her peers.