From a small town in England to global stardom, Millie Bobby Brown didn’t just act — she created a phenomenon. Eleven from Stranger Things isn’t just a character; she’s a pop-culture icon. Millie’s talent and discipline earned admiration from her co-stars, directors, and audiences. She inspired millions at just 12 years old and quickly became a fan favorite.
“I know this sounds crazy, but once I find something I want to do, nobody’s stopping me. That’s also with acting. So here I am.” – Millie Bobby Brown, Variety, 2017
Early Life of Millie Bobby Brown: (From Marbella to Hollywood Dreams)
Millie Bobby Brown was born on February 19, 2004, in Marbella, Spain. She is the third of four children. When she was four, her family moved to Bournemouth, England. At nine years old, Millie decided she wanted to pursue acting, so her family moved again to Orlando, Florida, in 2011.
Millie was born with partial hearing loss in one ear and later lost all hearing in that ear, but it never stopped her from acting or singing.
Millie Bobby Brown first roles, TV debut:
Guest appearances on Once Upon a Time in Wonderland, Modern Family, and Grey’s Anatomy marked the start of Millie Bobby Brown’s acting journey.
Her major break came when she landed the role of Eleven in the Netflix series Stranger Things (2016). The role earned her worldwide recognition. She shaved her head at age 11 and created her signature intense stare — a look that became instantly iconic.
Despite having fewer than 250 words in Season 1, she made every moment unforgettable.
Breakthrough Role: Eleven in Stranger Things
Eleven, a girl with telekinetic powers, became a symbol of strength and individuality. Millie transformed a largely non-verbal character into a legendary figure in pop culture by filling her silence with emotion, depth, and expressive acting.
“If you give her a lot of responsibility or a difficult task, she will be able to handle it.” – Finn Wolfhard, Variety, 2017.
Millie received two nominations for the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.
Millie Bobby Brown’s Film Career:
Millie began her film career after rising to fame on television. She played Madison Russell in Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019) and Godzilla vs. Kong (2021). She then played Sherlock Holmes’ sister, Enola Holmes, in Enola Holmes (2020) and its sequel (2022), portraying a brilliant young detective solving mysteries in London.
She later starred in the action film Damsel (2024) and the sci-fi film The Electric State (2025).
Entrepreneurship: Florence by Mills
Millie launched her own makeup and skincare brand, Florence by Mills, created for young people who value self-expression and acceptance. In an interview with Teen Vogue, she said her goal was to build a brand that helps young people feel real, confident, and comfortable with themselves.
Personal Life:
Millie tries to keep her personal life private and away from the spotlight. She began dating Jake Bongiovi, son of rock legend Jon Bon Jovi, in 2021. The couple married in 2024 and welcomed a baby girl in 2025. Millie shared their excitement in an interview, especially during the process of adopting their daughter.
Millie intentionally lives in Atlanta to avoid Hollywood chaos and enjoy a calm, family-centered lifestyle. She says Hollywood feels too fast-paced, while Georgia keeps her grounded. Her sister, Charlie Brown, often accompanies her on set, providing support and stability.
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Work
Millie also advocates for children’s rights and education as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador (UNICEF, 2018).
Why Millie Bobby Brown Inspires Millions?
Millie Bobby Brown stands out for her exceptional talent, professionalism, and advocacy. She has reshaped what it means to grow up in Hollywood. Millions of people are inspired by her performances, her business ventures, and her philanthropy.
“To live in the moment and to make mistakes is a big part of being a person. I’m still just a kid. Making mistakes is OK.” – Millie Bobby Brown, Variety, 2017.
References / Sources
Britannica – Millie Bobby Brown Biography, 2025
Variety – Cover Story: How Millie Made Eleven Iconic, 2017
Variety – Adoption Announcement, 2025
Teen Vogue – Florence by Mills Interview, 2020
UNICEF – Goodwill Ambassador Press Release, 2018
Our Commonly Asked Questions?
She was born with partial hearing loss in her left ear and gradually lost all hearing in that ear over several years.
Alongside David Harbour, Ryder ranks as the show’s highest-paid cast member.
Brown’s new name is to reflect her marriage to Jake Bongiovi, the son of New Jersey rock legend Jon Bon Jovi. Additionally, she changed her middle name from Bobby to Bonnie. For context, Brown was born Millie Bonnie Brown, but was given the nickname “Bobby” by her father to help her in the acting industry.
