Bella Thorne says Hollywood treated her like a kid on screen and an adult off camera
Thorne began working in entertainment as a child, appearing as a model before taking on television roles in shows including HBO's "Big Love." Her major breakthrough arrived in 2010 when she was cast as CeCe Jones opposite Zendaya's Rocky Blue in Disney Channel's "Shake It…
Bella Thorne reflected on the pressures of growing up in Hollywood during a recent appearance on Alexandra Cooper's podcast. But navigating those adult expectations while growing up in the public eye didn't come easily for Thorne.
Bella Thorne rose to Disney Channel fame alongside Zendaya after starring in "Shake It Up" as CeCe Jones. Thorne said she spent the past two years working to prioritize her mental health, a shift that became especially important after "Color Your Hurt" left her.
What Happened
The now 28-year-old actress revealed she finally gave herself "some space to breathe" along with grace. While Thorne struggled to give herself that same grace as a child star, she recalled feeling a dramatic shift when she turned 18.
Thorne began working in entertainment as a child, appearing as a model before taking on television roles in shows including HBO's "Big Love." Her major breakthrough arrived in 2010 when she was cast as.
In August 2026, she signed on to write, direct and star in "Spring Breakers 2," following her feature directorial debut, "Color Your Hurt."
Thorne has also made a bigger push behind the camera.
Key Details
Bella Thorne said she felt a sense of freedom when she turned 18 after years of working as a child actor.
Thorne later moved beyond her Disney image with a steady mix of film and television roles.
She said people questioned whether she would become Disney's next "bad girl," something she struggled to comprehend at such a young age.
'Shake It Up' was in a different time when Miley and Selena and Demi and those shows – They were all, I think 16, 17 when we were starting.
Why It Matters
Thorne also spoke candidly about being compared to her fellow Disney Channel stars, including Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato.
Like I'm walking into this house and no one's asking me when I'm like, when I'm gonna be there, when this time or when I'm gonna leave.
What Reports Say
Coverage of the story so far points to:
Continued reporting by Yahoo as more details emerge
