From “The Amanda Show” to “Hairspray” and “She’s the Man,” Amanda Bynes has been an icon in the teen entertainment industry since the early 2000s. She’s one of my all-time favorite celebrities and her movies are so nostalgic of my childhood. In honor of the Y2K queen, here’s a deep dive into her life including her rise and fall in Hollywood.
Rise to fame
Amanda Bynes began her acting journey at seven but really rose to fame when “The Amanda Show” came out in 1999. This catapulted her into Nickelodeon stardom with Dan Schneider, the executive producer of “The Amanda Show.” Dan Schneider is well known for the many accusations against him from Nickelodeon child stars about inappropriate behavior.
The end of her acting career
Soon after her time on Nickelodeon, Amanda Bynes moved to the movie business where she starred in “What a Girl Wants” as her big break. After starring in movies for years, she suddenly quit acting after her film “Easy A” because of her appearance in the movie.
She said, “I literally couldn’t stand my appearance in that movie and I didn’t like my performance. I was absolutely convinced I needed to stop acting after seeing it.” She then quit her role in “Hall Pass” because of this.
Drug Use
2018 was the first time she publicly spoke about her drug use in an interview with Paper Magazine after being sober for four years. She started smoking marijuana recreationally at 16 and soon after began doing molly, cocaine and ecstasy occasionally and using Adderall regularly. After quitting acting she began using drugs more heavily to cope.
“I got really into my drug usage and it became a really dark, sad world for me.”
Conservatorship
Amanda Bynes was in a very similar situation to Brittany Spears because they both have been in conservatorships. Her conservatorship began in 2013 after she was in legal trouble after being accused of hit and run and a series of crazy tweets and appearances. Her mother was her conservator until 2022 when the conservatorship ended.
starting a new life
After years of relapses, Amanda Bynes became a public representative for the fall of celebrities due to drug use. This remained her reputation until 2022 when she seemed to be recovering after being released from her conservatorship. She was in a steady relationship and going to cosmetology school. Everyone on social media was so excited for and wishing her the best on her journey.
life as of 2023
Everything seemed to be okay for Amanda Bynes until she was found walking naked in L.A. the other week after a manic episode. She found someone in a car and asked them for help after calling the police on herself. She was then sent to the hospital where she was placed on an extended psychiatric hold.
A TikToker also spotted her in L.A. on Saint Patrick’s Day where she seemed to be confused as the woman walks with her.
This situation is yet another example of how toxic fame was for young celebrity girls in the early 2000s. Amanda Bynes deserved better in Hollywood. People took advantage of her youth and it has completely changed her life. I hope she gets the help she needs and finds happiness and peace in her life.