In a recent interview, Noah Schnapp, best known for his role as Will Byers in Netflix's hit series Stranger Things, has voiced his support for providing mental health resources to young actors. Schnapp, who was only 11 years old when he began filming the series, reflected on the unique challenges of growing up in the public eye and why he now believes therapy should be encouraged for child actors navigating fame.
Schnapp shared that he didn't initially think he needed therapy. However, as he matured, he began to understand the pressures of Hollywood and how they can affect young performers. "Growing up, I never understood why people were depressed or turned to drugs or had eating disorders," Schnapp said. "As you get older, you understand how the pressures of Hollywood can create that".
He explained that growing up under constant public scrutiny made adolescence more complicated. "It's hard to grow up in the public eye," he stated. "You don't know yourself, you haven't figured anything out, and now you're expected to know everything and have all the answers". Schnapp also noted the difficulty of making mistakes and learning in the public sphere, where missteps are often permanently recorded online. "I was constantly saying the wrong things or being embarrassed by not taking certain things seriously that I should've, and then that lives on forever," he shared. "People grow and learn, and to do that publicly is not easy".
Schnapp emphasized the importance of having a support system outside of one's parents, suggesting that professional help can provide perspective and tools that family members may not always be equipped to offer. "Through the years, it becomes like, 'No, this is an abnormal life and you need some type of support system outside of your parents,'" Schnapp explained. He also recalled how students would wait outside his dorm room when he was a freshman in college.
Schnapp's comments come as Stranger Things prepares to release its final episodes, with new episodes dropping on Christmas Day and the series finale on December 31. As he prepares to say goodbye to the character of Will Byers, Schnapp is also set to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been studying film. He reflected on the mix of emotions surrounding this transition, from nostalgia and sadness to excitement about new beginnings.
Schnapp's advocacy for mental health support echoes similar sentiments expressed by other young actors who have grown up in the industry. His willingness to speak openly about his experiences highlights the need for greater awareness and resources for child actors navigating the unique challenges of fame.
