Noah Schnapp, who embarked on his Hollywood journey as a child star, offers a rare and profound piece of advice to his fellow industry peers. In an interview with USA Today on Wednesday, the Stranger Things star exhorts young actors to seek therapy, emphasizing the intricacies of navigating the public eye while still finding one's footing.
"It's challenging to mature under the microscope of public scrutiny," laments Noah, "where you're expected to possess all the answers and knowledge before you've even had the chance to figure yourself out." The 21-year-old actor recalls instances where he "constantly said the wrong things" or "was embarrassed by not taking certain things seriously," all of which "live on forever."
"People grow and learn, but doing so while under the public eye is not an easy feat," he adds. For those who may not be aware, Noah was just 11 years old when he filmed for Season 1 of Netflix's acclaimed series, Stranger Things. Over the years, he realized "this is an abnormal life and you need some type of support system beyond your parents."
As he grew older, Noah began to comprehend the pressures of Hollywood that can lead to depression, drug addiction, or eating disorders. He shares, "I always tell my parents, 'I could never live in LA. I think I would get lost.'" His words carry a poignant reminder of the isolating nature of fame and the importance of mental health in the midst of it all.
