Noah Schnapp has spoken candidly about the pressures of growing up in the spotlight, saying child actors should have access to mandatory mental health support to help them navigate an “abnormal” way of life.
The Stranger Things star, whose career began at the age of 11 when the Netflix series premiered in 2016, said he initially believed he did not need therapy. With time, however, he has come to see its value and now agrees with fellow actor Ariana Grande that counselling should be standard for young performers.
Speaking to USA Today, Schnapp said growing up under constant public scrutiny makes it difficult for young actors to understand themselves or make mistakes in private. He noted that missteps made at a young age often follow actors for years, preserved online as they continue to grow and change.
“You are still figuring out who you are, yet you are expected to have all the answers,” he said, adding that learning and maturing in front of an audience can be emotionally challenging.
Schnapp reflected on how his perspective has shifted with age, saying he now better understands why some people in the entertainment industry struggle with depression, substance abuse and eating disorders. He described Hollywood as an environment that can intensify pressure, particularly for children, and stressed the need for a support system beyond family.
