Millie Bobby Brown is inspired by inspired women
Written by Ashley Wehrs, Photo courtesy from Getty Images
Oct 8, 6 pm EST SCAD Maverick Award winner and Emmy nominated actress Millie Bobby Brown joined the Savannah Film Festival for an intimate panel: “In Conversation with Millie Bobby Brown”. Entertainment Weekly Senior Editor Brittany Kaplan moderated the conversation. Brown is well known for her work in the Netflix Original Series “Stranger Things” and her recent release “Enola Holmes”.
In this “In Conversation”, Brown shared how she was drawn to the entertainment industry, the stories and characters that inspire her and the excitement of producing and acting in “Enola Holmes”.
At eight years old, Brown realized she wanted to be an actress. Excited by the idea that she could entertain people, her passion led to a dedicated pursuit of an acting career. Prior to her success on “Stranger Things”, Brown had small guest roles on “Once Upon a Time in Wonderland”, “Modern Family” and “Grey’s Anatomy”.
As a newer actress, her ability to be picky with roles was limited, but she naturally gravitated towards complex characters. “I wasn’t as good at comedy and more bubbly, light stuff,” Brown said. Casting directors criticized her maturity. Fortunately, Brown has found roles that compliment her acting style.
When Brown read “Stranger Things”, she didn’t fully understand the scope of who Eleven was and what she would come to be. “I didn’t know that she had superpowers before [the read through],” Brown said, “I started to realize these were intense scenes.”
Despite the initial surprise, Eleven’s unique character and tone came quickly to Brown. “I don’t have to try and be Eleven anymore. She’s in my heart forever,” said Brown, “Don’t get me wrong, there are times I don’t know what to do […] but that’s what comes with being an actor.”
The science fiction and thriller genres have historically been associated with predominantly male audiences; “Stranger Things” stepped away from this. “I meet fans and young girls who are freaking out about how [Eleven] has superpowers, and she’s a girl and she has a shaved head,” Brown said. Although Brown has always been more of a thriller fan, seeing the positive impact Eleven has had on the science fiction genre and female viewership has been rewarding. “They want to be like her and honestly, I want to be like Eleven,” said Brown.
Brown feels the most fulfilling part of her job is showcasing female empowerment. “Inspired women, inspire women,” Brown emphasized, repeating an anonymous quote that has stuck with her. Angelina Jolie, Natalie Portman, Winona Ryder and Yara Shadidi are a few of her biggest inspirations.
These role models helped empower her take on “Enola Holmes”, which Brown had a big part in bringing to life. Brown’s sister fell in love with the “Enola Holmes” script, and her passion initiated Millie’s determination to make sure the story of Enola was shared with others. With the help of her dad, Brown worked to fight for “Enola Holmes” and earned her first producing credit along the way.
“Stick by the most corniest and cringiest quote […] Don’t give up,” Brown said. In the words of Enola, “It’s important for us to remember that the future is up to us.”
