Millie Bobby Brown Says She Doesn't Have 'the Best Social Skills' or Many Friendships: 'I Struggle with That Quite a Bit'

Millie Bobby Brown is sharing new insight into who she is off the big screen.

In Vanity Fair's cover story for its March 2025 issue, the Stranger Things actress shared how essentially growing up on set —albeit, with a group of actors roughly her age — impacted her ability to socialize.

Brown, now 20, was 11 years old when she joined the Netflix sci-fi show's cast. In Stranger Things' five seasons, she's been surrounded by costars Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo and Sadie Sink — those of whom comprise a "bubble" that she believes hindered her social development.

Related: Millie Bobby Brown Slams Negative Comments About Her 'Older' Appearance in Latest Selfie

“I don’t have many friends, because of who I am. I didn’t go to school, so I don’t have the best social skills when it comes to people my own age and friendships," she said. "I struggle with that quite a bit."

She added, "I missed out on a few things. But I’m working through them.”

The cast was educated privately while on set, Brown said, and between shooting, she and her costars played games. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, however, the young actors grew further isolated — and while this helped bolster their individual careers, Brown now recognizes the social impact of that time.

Brown also reflected on her many interactions with media and fame, especially from a young age. The Florence by Mills founder specified that she doesn't often address how she grew up with her costars on set and why she prioritizes her own privacy.

“I don’t allow many people into my life, and when I do, I think it should be super moderated. I started this really young, and I felt that the press specifically was very, very harsh on me," she told Vanity Fair. "And so I just like to make sure that I’m advocating for myself.”

Related: Finn Wolfhard Compares Stranger Things' Final Season to Toy Story 3 'Moment of Leaving Your Toys Behind'

After establishing itself as a unique, beloved and nostalgic show, Stranger Things will release its final season this year. Brown shared a video to Instagram in December 2024 — days after Netflix revealed the series had wrapped filming — of her emotional goodbye note to her cast.

“And isn't graduation supposed to bring relief? Like you're glad to leave behind the teachers and classmates. Not me. I am nowhere near ready to leave you guys,” she said, adding, "I love each and every one of you and I will forever carry the memories and bonds we created together as a family. I love you, thank you.”

Stranger Things seasons 1-4 are now streaming on Netflix.

Read the original article on People