Bella Thorne’s journey as a child star revealed the challenges of navigating Hollywood’s demands. Starting as a child model, she transitioned into television, notably in HBO’s “Big Love.” Her fame skyrocketed in 2010 with her role as CeCe Jones in Disney Channel’s “Shake It Up” alongside Zendaya.
Thorne shared her experiences on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, highlighting the unique pressures she faced. “You’re spending all of your hours a day on set with adults,” she noted, expressing the difficulty of balancing adult work expectations with her status as a child.
“I’m expected to be this child, but I’m also working hours like an adult,” Thorne stated. “When I mess up, it’s not viewed as a kid’s mistake.”
Thorne’s public life illustrated her struggles with these adult expectations. “People can see how I managed it publicly,” she told Alexandra Cooper, reflecting on her lack of clarity while growing up.
Recently, Thorne focused on her mental health, which became especially crucial after “Color Your Hurt” left her emotionally exhausted. Now 28, she has given herself “some space to breathe.” This was something she rarely allowed herself in her younger years.
Turning 18 marked a turning point for her. “I was like, ‘I’m free,'” Thorne recalled. She described the newfound independence of adulthood after years in the spotlight.
Thorne also compared her experiences to fellow Disney stars like Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, and Demi Lovato. This comparison began at age 12, and people often wondered if she would become Disney’s next “bad girl.”
“At 12, people asked if I was gonna be like Lindsay Lohan,” Thorne said. This pressure was confusing and intense at a young age.
Post-Disney, Thorne diversified her career with various film and TV roles. She also took on roles behind the camera. In August 2026, she will write, direct, and star in “Spring Breakers 2,” following her feature debut with “Color Your Hurt.”
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