Millie Bobby Brown lifts lid on lonely side of child stardom

Millie Bobby Brown has opened up about the hidden downside of growing up in Hollywood.

The 22-year-old actress admitted that she still finds it difficult to relate to people her own age after spending her teenage years on busy film sets.

The Stranger Things star confessed that she missed out on the normal social experiences most young people enjoy because she was surrounded by adult crew members from an early age.

Speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Millie revealed she often feels awkward when fans her own age approach her, saying she never really learned how to interact with people in her generation.

The Enola Holmes actress explained that she grew up listening to conversations between crew members, most of whom were men over 40, instead of chatting about school, friendships or teenage life.

She joked that while she can happily discuss camera lenses, lighting and filming techniques, she's far less confident talking about everyday topics such as favourite bars or restaurants.

Thankfully, she says her husband, Jake Bongiovi, has helped change that. 

Describing him as a "social butterfly" thanks to his boarding school and university experiences, she admitted he's encouraged her to become more outgoing.

"I'm in my social era," she said with a smile.

Elsewhere in the interview, she also revealed that she shares a close friendship with Hollywood icon Tom Cruise, calling the action star a "dear friend". 

She even recalled flying in one of his helicopters, joking it would be the last time she ever used any of his equipment.

The Damsel actress also spoke passionately about performing her own stunts, saying she hopes more young women will feel empowered to learn the skills safely. 

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