Jennette McCurdy Discusses Child Stars’ Mental Breakdowns

Joshua and Ryan discuss the effect of fame on the mental health of young actors with actor, writer, and director Jennette McCurdy. Watch the full episode here: • Ep. 216 | Toxic Fame (...
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[@BrittanyH87]

“I don’t think young people should be allowed to be famous.” Jennette hit the nail on the head.

[@redscul129]

if theres no family or outside help then yes

[@sushiojo3888]

Exactly, this woman is woke

[@redscul129]

@@sushiojo3888 i wouldnt say woke because that has become something bad, i ll just say that people need to compare more between singers and actor to say something so heavy

[@yiemyi3136]

@@sushiojo3888 Nah, she just has common sense, people wanna label everything as ''woke''.

[@redscul129]

@social moron your what?

[@maggiekeeler6967]

I think parents who run family channels need to watch this. They don’t understand the impact of throwing their kid into the spotlight.

[@maggiekeeler6967]

@@boobooberry3926 exactly. The parents may not be considering ALL the impacts that going public can be on a child.

[@maggiekeeler6967]

@Karl M didn't say that. You've commented on every other comment.

[@hotsauceenjoyer2000]

Karl M literally get the fuck out dude

[@artisticbeautybyhanako6801]

Anyone offended by this, please explain why you think youre so entitled to seeing a child's every move in their private life?

[@arianaross5013]

I agree but there is a difference of a child growing up famous in the Hollywood entertainment industry and then growing up in a family youtube channel. I feel like on KZbin, people have more control over their child’s life and that fame isn’t as bad as it is growing up as a child star on popular tv shows like ICarly. I would say that some parents exploit their children for money on KZbin though.

[@grungyasscinema]

I swear there's nothing I wanted more during the ages of 9-13 than to be on Disney Channel or Nickelodeon, but I'm starting to think I dodged a bullet.

[@shy6681]

Me too....

[@phoebexxlouise]

Same. Shows like Hannah Montana or Sunny with a Chance or iCarly were literally about fame within the text. They were designed to make kids want to be famous. And that's one reason for the world we live in now.

[@barelyawake868]

you dodged a missile

[@stephaniarita952]

ME

[@vampirebarbie_]

I think it’d be worth it lol I’d still want it

[@HeyItsBonnieBee]

“I don’t get why she doesn’t like me. I don’t get why she doesn’t wanna smile for the camera.” That comment is just plain creepy.

[@katie5998]

Kyla Bella Uh, yes? Why there’s definitely some gender discrimination in the world of fame, everyone (including and honestly especially male children) are expected to suppress their emotions-especially if they’re negative-and put on a bright smile, even if they’re feeling bad. Mental health issues, or them feeling sad, isn’t something that the industry wants. They’re expected to always be the face of the brand/show they’re representing. Hence why they’re alwYs told to “smile”

[@hidinginthecommentsss]

That made me think of a serial killer / kidnapper telling that to their victim... So creepy

[@mellohi2899]

@@kylabella05 does it matter? this way of thinking is precisely why people overlook male sexual abuse victims. it happens more than you think.

[@imbornthiswaybaby12]

boxed water I’m confused as to what you’re saying “does it matter?” to. What is “it”?

[@mellohi2899]

@@imbornthiswaybaby12 hi confused. she said something along the lines of "they do this to women but they wouldn't do it to men". that is what im replying to.

[@bobcloneyproductions]

I always dug her vibe, she just radiates good & chill energy, always wanted to be her friend when I was growing up lol

[@itsbeebaby]

Same. Seems hella approachable.

[@sofiabravo1994]

I feel the same way about Miranda Cosgrove she seems down to earth

[@CorneliusBogfrollupFitzgerald]

SIMP!

[@CorneliusBogfrollupFitzgerald]

Sofia Bravo they fucking hated each other you know.

[@punkyagogo]

Same, fam.

[@EaglesMan710]

I’m glad Ryan Reynolds won’t let his kids go into acting, until they turn 18! He definitely knows how awful the industry can be!

[@arisofetch1527]

Karl M yes but that’s not the point it’s not about how they “crash” it’s also how people in that industry can be disgusting and cruel especially the men.

[@helpmegetto10kwithnovideos81]

How is it awful? explain

[@EaglesMan710]

Help me get to 10k with no videos Let’s just say that sometimes the reason people get certain roles in Hollywood is not because of how good of an actor they are.

[@helpmegetto10kwithnovideos81]

EaglesMan710 ohhh blackmailed

[@ArmorInfinity4529]

Thats a smart man💯

[@khadijjahmote355]

Every since she started her podcast I knew it was only a matter of time before she told her story. I am in your corner Jeanette. Waiting on Victoria Justice to find her voice, too.

[@psychedelicyeti6053]

She has her own podcast? I'm gonna a look for it now 😝

[@evelynnahsahahaahaha]

Psychedelic Yeti yo, have you found it yet bc i cba👺😔

[@flareon1828]

evelyn It’s called Empty Inside

[@evelynnahsahahaahaha]

Flareon18 tytytytyyttytyyt

[@flareon1828]

Mayra Alejandra Reyes Yes, that’s where I’m listening to it and I believe it’s also available on Apple podcasts

[@stusimon3469]

Jeanette rocks. She is articulate. She makes sense.

[@fewwok1966]

Because she’s rich and can afford the best education obviously

[@alexcorralgarcia]

Lou Wok WHAT AHAHAH you don’t have to be rich to be articulate buddy 😂

[@fewwok1966]

Ehhh but you kinda need to afford it

[@alexcorralgarcia]

Lou Wok not really... it’s just all about the persons mindset.

[@masocapalot5624]

Lou Wok learning is free

[@sug4rskullzz]

I have 100% respect for Jennette

[@nijohn12]

For all child stars tbh it's soo sad what they go through i watched showbiz kids on hbo and it's pretty awful how they get boxed in to this lifestyle

[@gratus0824]

She my best friend

[@tacoboutit_]

Why are almost all of the iCarly cast so unproblematic and chill lol. They’re literally just living their best lives and minding their business.

[@casuallym3]

They rain superior

[@tacoboutit_]

Casually Me Period

[@angela.luntian]

If you ignore the feet fetish danny, you could tell that the crew had a bubbly comedy type of vibe given the show they carried. Im betting the writers were so chill as well.

[@keishasims3192]

@@angela.luntian Dan was mean to people at work and a lot of people complained. He is creepy and a pervert.

[@keishasims3192]

That's because most of them have been through a lot. Most of them get molested, abused, ect., which affects them the rest of their lives. It's rough.

[@TimpossibleOne]

It should be illegal for paparazzi to follow underaged celebrities.

[@505-e3b]

Or celebrities in general

[@Ariana-yl3ww]

@@505-e3b right? like it should be considered stalking but it's not

[@505-e3b]

@@Ariana-yl3ww yeah I agree with you

[@elisatqm5234]

Deadass like respect people’s boundaries

[@psychxmania]

i agree

[@misslesley1677]

Paparazzi activity should be illegal when it comes to minors

[@AnErProduction]

Honestly illegal in general

[@rowancrowder3259]

Totally, I feel like it should be a given!

[@marisanya]

That seems like a pretty simple way to get at the problem, really.

[@kimmiedimmie3540]

It really should be. My husband is a health inspector, and whenever he has to inspect a facility with minors, he has to sign papers and isn't allowed to bring his phone inside. This is done to protect the minors privacies. There should be no difference between a regular minor and a famous one.

[@jonat523]

@@kimmiedimmie3540 mmmm! 👏👏👏 good ass point

[@nathanduarte_]

Gah, I missed her. One of the, if not the most genuine child star out there.

[@charismunnoch]

Love her so so so much

[@bobtheball5384]

@rick lake Even if that was true how is that relevant to this conversation...?

[@Rashy225]

rick lake obviously she isn’t. You’re just one of those people who think everyone in Hollywood is transgender for some reason.

[@NOCLUEinvalid]

Her and Miranda Cosgrove 😊

[@onlyhadiyaaaxo]

it’s her, the jonas bros, the sprouse twins, hilary duff, aly & aj, ariana grande, they all remained grounded & so many more 💕🥺

[@lanyc1013]

Dan Schneider sucks

[@Athena_420]

He’s a repulsive, degenerate bastard. Absolutely disgusting

[@jeremydiaz5172]

@@Athena_420 What did he do? Was he like Bob Saget?

[@jesuscortes6717]

Jeremy Diaz Danny tanner?? What he did. ?

[@sneekz07]

@@jeremydiaz5172 Look it up.

[@Syndixal]

Jesus Cortes just look it up, the fact you have to ask what he did annoys me, the fact he hasn’t been outed and the child stars wont speak up makes me angry

[@itsmeebree]

I think people wait for “failure” because we put celebrities on a pedestal and when suddenly they show their humanity as a person and become relatable to us it’s almost relieving in a way but is also an unhealthy way of looking at someone. I think this develops an envious and cruel outlook on someone else. If we started to view a celebrity as anyone else like ourselves maybe we wouldn’t care as much when they “failed”, or cared how they left the house without makeup, or their love life, etc. They would just be living life, just like we do.

[@aliyahbell3975]

💯 nailed it!

[@KellyyCoolCat]

This comment 💯✊

[@UltimateCowBoyCat]

You know that will never happen

[@stellac3047]

Thanks for explaining it. I never click on the ads or titles that involve child star success so the idea is way out of my bounds.

[@itsmeebree]

Sadly :/

[@Sbreslin59-js2zz]

Dan Schneider belongs in a wood chipper

[@pulloutsange]

Along with the rest of the Nickelodeon producers, and famous directors who've done it as well.

[@Andyatl2002]

Now very recently, Drake Bell

[@Sbreslin59-js2zz]

@@Andyatl2002 what for? Pease elaborate

[@Andyatl2002]

No tax no vax, kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHLSZIp-itmJhtE

[@deesenuts8730]

pulloutsange along with every hollyweird director who collectively hid behind MJ (who was innocent) and worked with the father of the guy who admitted it was all for extortion. The second one got caught on camera saying he never did anything then they use the same extortion mode after he finds out their kid doesn't have cancer & sees all the shit he's been paying for.

[@lilyliciousss]

i couldn't watch it all but I did wanna mention most of these former stars have mental breakdowns because they were abused in some form. Either overworked, treated like an adult when they were just kids, sexually abused, mentally, etc. and they're surrounded by people who probably didn't give them proper care. it's extremely sad their struggles go unseen and then the public/media ridicules them and make them seem like its their fault. It's fucked up but I think we're stemming away from that.

[@xavierarmstrong963]

Karl M but some do.

[@xavierarmstrong963]

Karl M yup

[@yippedoodah]

@Karl M And the actress who played Stephanie in Full House. She turned to hard drugs after the series ended because she didn't know what to do from that point on. It's like you're told you're no longer useful/"profitable" because you're too old (unlike the Olsen twins who were still young enough to be cash cows but that's another story). Miley Cyrus talked about how she developed body dysmorphia from what directors were telling her to do even though she was a teenager going through changes.

[@MsTinkerbelle87]

Karl M ughhh do you say this every comment?

[@kimmybrandt]

@Karl M No one is saying ALL child stars have breakdowns. The point is that there's a trend, and it's a fairly common occurrence. For obvious reasons.

[@Curlygirly777]

Jodie Sweeten (Stephanie from full House) talked about this same thing. People would ask her to say things that “Stephanie” would say and it made her feel awkward about her real identity. She ended up doing drugs for a while but I think she’s fully recovered now ❤️

[@chinuaalibatya7345]

Yeah I guess the problem with acting is reality versus fiction. The fans chat discern the difference due to the fictional version being what they normally see whereas the actor themselves just sees this as them playing the part in some show

[@michaeldietz9026]

No offense but you never "fully recover" from addiction, trust me.

[@deannaw9128]

@Karl M why are you so aggressive? About everything? What the hell is going on with you?

[@deannaw9128]

@Karl M lol. Oh are you now?

[@deannaw9128]

😎

[@Heart2016Sim]

I'm so glad I'm not famous. I didn't know she was going through this 😢 I'm glad she's in a better place now

[@Ishouldnthavebeensopublic]

Karl M doesn’t matter. You never know so ones story. That’s like saying someone who has never freaked tf out and talked about killing themselves in public isn’t suicidal. Don’t you know it’s the people always happy and well-adjusted going through the most ? You’re dumb and naive for thinking someone’s public behavior is a sign of whether or not they’re okay. You don’t even know how they are outside the media in a normal public setting, as in seeing them in Person at a store. Let alone how they are with acquaintances. Close friends. And most importantly how they are alone when the flashing Hollywood lights have been dimmed. Stop spreading a false narrative like that

[@cosodesign8953]

Karl M what’s the point of acknowledging child stars that are fine? When there is a multitude more that aren’t/weren’t fine. I’m glad the ones you mentioned “seem” okay, none of us really know, but there’s too many that got fucked up that pointing out the good ones isn’t helpful. If anything it comes off like you’re defending Hollywood.

[@annabelle3037]

@Karl M hilary duff had attended a camp set up by p3d0philic producers to be discovered, thank goodness she’s alright however she was still in a very dangerous situation

[@vicleiva1361]

You say it like she died

[@firemangan2731]

@Karl M Dude you’ve been saying that to ALOT of comments and seriously non of them even matters! We get that there are child stars who ended up fine like Ron Howard. The way you keep spamming sections with “but not all” comments is really annoying as non of them matches the points of the original comments in the first place. And also you make like as if its ok to be a star and getting constantly followed every day in your life with many secrets spilled to the public without concent. Many of the actors may seem to look stable but you don’t know anything that going on within their household or deep in their personal life.

[@Looooading...]

Such a good interview. I completely agree with her point that children should not be allowed to be famous. If you've seen Bojack Horseman, they talk about this a lot through Sarah Lynn, a character that is based off of a lot of child stars

[@kaitlyncollison6908]

Hey, is that the horse from Horsin’ Around? i love BoJack so much and I totally agree with this. Ironically I was thinking about BoJack during this interview lol

[@ChikoMontez]

Rip Sarah Lynn

[@deannaw9128]

Not the horse from Horsin' Around though, right?

[@violetrose34]

Jennette McCurdy is beautiful inside and out.

[@astoldbyeva]

Most people are miserable &/or generally dissatisfied with their lives, so they revel in other people’s “fall from grace” - especially when it’s people they grew up watching & fawning over. I’d guess they feel like “ahh, look at them, they’re just like me now” - which is bizarre, because for starters: other people’s success or failure has ZERO impact on their own quality of life.

[@vannakinder352]

I think this fall from grace obsession is heightened by the internet and then taken into a whole other world when we realize we can find anything and everything about a person (doxxing) when they do have their fall from grace and exploit it. \Not to be pretentious but James Cameron was right when he said T2 was about people becoming more mechanical less sympathetic to other people just in general. I wish people knew how to deal with their misery in a much better way especially in the internet age and the post-80s tabloid explosion. Honestly, there are people that are miserable/dissatisfied with their lives and channel it into fighting for a good cause/finding something to dedicate their lives too. It is cheesy but if more people did this the world would be a better place.

[@selinkorkmaz1019]

THISSSS

[@mellohi2899]

hit the nail on the head

[@bananahat3350]

I think there’s also something about the drama and scandal of it all. Like, it’s something for people to talk about and just go “How tragic” and clutch their pearls. Almost like a 21st century freak show.

[@ruya789]

@John Doesy There are some that feel comfort in other people being miserable if they feel miserable inside. Not all, but some.

[@brabbit3389]

Bill Murray “ if you wanna be rich and famous, just try rich”

[@katiekatie19]

Love the River Phoenix profile pic ❤️

[@Gintaras64]

Its strange, but I started watching iCarly when I was 20. And I really liked the setup of pure friendships without sexual aspect, great jokes and overall just tons of possitivity. All adult comedies are centered around love, romance and sex. iCarly felt clean from that aspect. Just comedy, just friendship. Its sad to know that Jennete wasnt all that happy at that time. And now I'm hearing strange things about Dan Schneider...

[@MrPenetroso]

I mean, once you discover the foot fetish, you'll notice how uncomfortable the actors are, doing those things.

[@timmywashington3315]

And how often they made out with boys

[@Daniel-boy737]

omegaorgun lmao yes

[@cynthiaromero3260]

There was a lot of sexual innuendos in that show I feel. At least from what I remembered.

[@Unownzone]

I started watching after 20 too. It was so stupid, silly and clever. I needed something lighthearted like that at the time.

[@AdventuresInTimeandPlace]

Man I wish they didn't talk over her at 6:13, she was saying something really interesting

[@esme_melody]

SAME pissed me off so much

[@vanessajohnson4220]

Yeah! They just broke in to talk about themselves.. She's talking about it being a bad thing and then they complain/brag about their own clout.... Like they're not listening to her to understand but rather just to respond.

[@Postmortementrails]

Typical male interviewer cutting off a woman

[@darthbanana2110]

Right?? It was so frustrating because she would describe her actual, lived experience and they'd turn the subject to talk about their own theories about her actual lived experience. She responded so graciously with, "I don't really relate to that but I wonder what this person went through to bring them there" but the minimalists totally sabotaged the conversation so they could have a circlejerk about how intellectual/famous they are.

[@flyingeekhoorn1692]

@@Postmortementrails It has nothing to do with gender? Do you even know how hard it is to maintain an interesting interview. Accidents happen and sometimes you want to mention a topic before losing your train of thought. I myself am a male with ADD and once I get a thought in my head I need to speak it out otherwise all other impulses from the outside have no way of getting in. I'm not assuming this is the case for him. But please stop trying to blame everything on the opposite gender and try to use common sense.

[@mason6610]

I got an offer to start an acting career at 11. I turned it down and all my friends said I missed an opportunity of a lifetime and I made a bad decision. I knew in my heart that I would have been happier just to live a normal childhood.

[@bigmiki2620]

0:50 "The one thing they love more than a hero, is to see a hero fail, fall, die trying."

[@ArmorInfinity4529]

Reminds me of Green Goblin

[@bigmiki2620]

@@ArmorInfinity4529 that's because that's whom I got the line from

[@ArmorInfinity4529]

@@bigmiki2620 "in spite of everything you've done for them eventually they will hate you"

[@ArmorInfinity4529]

@Martin Luther that as well

[@oomay1925]

I appreciate how the main cast of iCarly decided not to continue high level of fame. Not that there is anything wrong with choosing to stay in the celeb scene after Nick or Disney but I always worry that child celebs feel like there's no other lifestyle for them but the celeb life they grew up in that it's all they chase which leads to mental breakdowns.

[@thrillington2008]

i know that Jennette is a very intelligent and brave soul.

[@crichton397]

This is the first time I've heard Jennette actually speak out of character. It's fascinating to hear an actor share their thoughts.

[@gracemurray103]

i met her when i was very young and she seemed very overworked and exhausted, this girl put her all into her work and it shows. she deserves a lot more credit

[@dutchyisa]

I’m glad to see Jennette doing well ❤️

[@vannakinder352]

The one Nickelodeon show I will give credit to for avoiding this child star creation is Big Time Rush the creators were smart bc they made this a show that was not really set as a show centered on older teenagers (who were played by adults) and only one character who the show was not centered around was a kid. Any kid featured was a very minor character or extra and at the very least was 12. All Nick and Disney did were cast younger kids every 5 years and it will screw them up. A fucked up example of this is the abusive show known as Dance Moms centered around a teacher who threw a chair at a kid and having kids witness awful drama/shit while the added pressure of competing/growing fame these kids had over the course of the show. Almost every other episode the cameras just stay on a crying kid. The difference between watching this vs the Disney channel is no one knew what was going on but with Dance Moms it is mainly adults who are fully aware of how fucked up it is on a kid and they just turn a blind eye. We have known this for a long time when you see how the actors on Diff'rent Strokes, Judy Garland, Jake Lloyd (especially the obsessive hate he got compared to everyone else in that cast) and Tatum O'Neal had their lives ruined growing up with fame (R.I.P Dana Plato). This shit has been well documented for now five decades and no one uses it as some sort of reflection on Hollywood. Ironically you can be a child actor without being child famous and we need to do that more often look at how Anna Paquin (mainly bc she was in a film that was not Hollywood being the Piano which is amazing)/Natalie Portman turned out b/c they avoided the Hollywood thing while they were young which is hard to do. We need to stop with the Hollywood bs and the idolization it leads to the child star culture. I wish we could just have entertainers without having celebrities even though now more than ever it seems like that will never be the case. We can have kids cast in roles without the whole celebrity thing. Maybe with a small act of not letting it be their focus maybe have them shoot only in the summer and get to go to school/have fun with people their age.

[@beterotato6757]

@Lisa Swayne did he work on it? He didnt create it

[@AtrocityEquine01]

@@beterotato6757 I don't think Dan had any involvement in BTR. At best, the _actresses_ who did work with him (Erin who played Quinn) were on the show as secondary characters but other than that, I don't think he had any involvement considering the show was made by Scott Fellows, who made Ned's Declassified.

[@beterotato6757]

@@AtrocityEquine01 thats what i thought but for some reason that other person thought he did

[@JazzyB9481]

I agree certain things should be off limits for child actors. People (I'm talking about Hollywood execs and the parents of the child stars) value money over the mental health of the children. Dance Moms was a great example...so many of them have talked about how traumatized they are from being on the show and it's sad!

[@awefawn7793]

I find dance moms to be not as good of an example to compare to a nick show, because dance moms was supposed to be “reality tv” and they did extra things that yes absolutely were horrible and disgusting, but they did that to add to the “”drama””. 90% of the worst stuff on dance moms is between the moms anyway. A nick show is an environment that is scripted, has a set schedule for the entire day. Most of the time a nick or disney star walking on set knew what they were getting into that day. the dance moms girls had to walk into a new definition of hell every day, and they had no CLUE how bad it was gonna be on that particular day until it rolled out in front of them. So yes, both are completely fucked up, but i would argue that dance moms girls got the worse end of the stick on that one without competition.

[@TheSaintedOne]

FYI she doesn't talk about the thing you expect her to. And that's ok.

[@mortigus2878]

maybe she would've if they let her talk

[@kimmybrandt]

Maybe I'm out of the loop but what is that thing?

[@Halzabalza]

What thing?

[@likebabystopit2182]

Lua dan schneider

[@kimmybrandt]

likebabystopit Ooooohh. Yes that makes sense. Thnx

[@jamesryan2464]

Jenette Mccurdy shd continue to work and expand her horizons...people will watch because shes talented and genuine...

[@AlexisdjgcAKASonny]

I love this girl! She came to the Denny’s I worked at a few years ago, three days in a row! It was during Xmas time and she was visiting family. She was super sweet and nice!!!!!

[@natalieking2780]

I think that with time Jeanette will be a leading voice in the advocacy for young actors & actresses in Hollywood. Until then I’m praying for her continued healing and strength ☺️

[@natalieking2780]

Karl M It’s a sad but true reality that young stars feel the need to lock themselves up in order to be safe. :(

[@ghost-bb3lx]

I heard her voice and got choked up. I'm ashamed to say that during the first few minutes all I could recognize was Sam from iCarly, but hearing Jennette talk, herself, is comforting. I wish I could give her a hug. She is so intelligent and strong. I'm proud of her.

[@fire12731]

“Child stars are pieces of meat and River was a filet mignon.” Hollywood agent Iris Burton on her famous client River Phoenix. She said this quote to River’s parents when he was a young teenager. River’s dad John said , after River’s passing , that Iris sounded harsh but she was only telling the truth . He’s right . Pitfalls of stardom

[@ramona6505]

John Phoenix never felt like River’s father... He told this to William Richert in front of River. I just felt like i need to add this.

[@fire12731]

@@ramona6505 could that be because River was the bread winner ? I think when River was young they were probably close but the relationship became strained by River’s pre teen years I’m sure. I didn’t know he said that to Bill in front of River . Or I forgot ... that’s a sad statement to make

[@ramona6505]

“John said very directly: ‘You know, I think that you are River’s real father’ I almost froze, it was such a sudden and strange thing to say, and I turned to River who looked back at me with an expression I’d never seen before. I realised this was a momentous event. To prevent River suddenly becoming some kind of orphan, I couldn’t allow River’s father to abandon him like that. I said: ‘No. I am not River’s real father. But I am his real friend.’ “ You can read it here: rivjudephoenix.tumblr.com/post/613475092296564736/john-phoenix-and-i-lit-a-joint-after-dinner-i Maybe because he was breadwinner but he didn’t choose this. Also Martha Plimpton said that River always felt like he (River) is his siblings’ real father. So I don’t know.

[@fire12731]

@@ramona6505 oh yes I remember this now once you stated the quote . Thank you for this . That is a strange thing for John to say . John must have been feeling like River and Bill had a special bond , which they certainly did . I’ve heard River’s friend say in interviews that John felt usurped by River’s capability of taking care of the family . Now that I think of it , Martha also said they put River on a pedestal from a young age so he felt like the father of the family and yes , he would call his younger siblings “his kids.” I think they put him on a pedestal bc of his talent and being the oldest son ... he was smart and wise on many ways plus so sensitive and caring . He was very special to so many people

[@ramona6505]

He was a beautiful soul. I wish he didn’t have that much of responsibility. I wish his parents didn’t treat him like an another parent. You’re welcome! And thank you for Iris’ quote! I never heard that before

[@vinniepande1658]

Jennette is truly so articulate and intelligent. I have so much respect for her

[@PeterPrankster]

Jennette is one of the first celebrities I've met and she was the sweetest. I adore her and wish her the best.

[@Twoideas915]

This is intense! She's one of my favorite actress!

[@elisecombs8928]

Twoideas same am I the only that thinks her voice sounds a little different

[@charismunnoch]

Elise Combs that’s because in iCarly, in the first four seasons I believe, her voice was still developing so it was a bit more high pitched. Later on, it sounds exactly the same as now.

[@cobeyc.b5946]

Maybe, just maybe, children shouldn’t be put to work and become a commodity.

[@ambitious6039]

That wouldnt really work ,but I think it depends on the environment of the situation

[@stephanim2436]

In what other world besides Hollyweird do normal people accept babies and children having actual JOBS?!?.. Always never sat right with me. We're all so used to it we're desensitized..😟

[@dhrgkbqxtjr2743]

Child labor has actually always been a thing. During the agriculture era, parents would have lots of kids so that they would have free labor to help maintain the farm, raising crops and tending to flocks of animals like sheep, goats, cows, pigs, etc. During the Victorian era, children were coal miners because they could squeeze into small spaces. During the industrial revolution, children had to work in factories. It's only in the 1800s that the elite decided they wanted to separate families so they created the school system so that the government could take children away from their parents and put them into a large building and a standardized education rather than allow parents to teach their own children about how to make money in business and maintain a productive house. Children all over the world today are still forced to work in sweatshops, btw.

[@diana23456]

@@dhrgkbqxtjr2743 she didn't say it didn't exist she's saying its mindblowing that those people think its normal

[@dhrgkbqxtjr2743]

@@diana23456 she said in what world besides Hollywood do normal people accept babies and children having jobs. This world. Normal people aka the masses have been putting their children to work since the dawn of civilization, and only stupid ignorant people don't know that.

[@nightwingfan9649]

Avishek Saini What an absolutely atrocious attitude to have towards other people. Not everyone goes to college or otherwise takes time memorizing history textbooks. You could argue that perhaps everyone should do those things to become informed citizens, however, some people not doing so doesn’t make them stupid, ignorant regarding history, but not stupid. Also, in the modern-day U.S. (which is where Hollywood is located) child labor is considered a bad thing and far from viewed as normal practice. That is what the original commenter was addressing, not the history of child labor across all of civilization and you know that.

[@dhrgkbqxtjr2743]

@@nightwingfan9649 I didn't have to go to college to learn any of that dumbass. I already knew it by the time I was in the 5th grade. I went to college to learn accounting and finance. Do you even know what they teach in college? It is in fact NOT considered unusual in America, as child labor was commonplace even into the 20th century and even today in rural farmlands kids wake up at 4 AM to work on the farm so that they know how to run operations should anything happen to their parents. You just live in your own bubble of privilege knowing nothing about how the real world works because everything you learned in your life comes from TV as you sit on the couch munching on junk food watching Netflix during your spare time.

[@stoppickingurnose7852]

Well, I didn't expect this at all. Great job, guys!

[@MelaineT]

I’ve dreamed being her friend when I was a child and it’s so heartbreaking to know what she had to go through to be a big, positive impact on my childhood. I wish nothing but the best for her and, that people will hear what she has to/wants to say about her experiences as a child.

[@derekthompson346]

She made some really good points when she was discussing how people know others. It was extremely true when she was discussing how people get used to the actor's screen image and they love them for who they play on screen but it's not who they really are off screen. I Really enjoyed listening to her point of view. It made so much sense and she had an amazing response to the questions at hand.

[@Joe_Parmesan]

The scary thing is that it can go the other way with disliked characters. The guy who voiced Jar Jar Binks was driven to the point of near-suicide because people loathed the character and took it out on him personally

[@Spaceface3]

I will always respect Jenette, she’s so real and honest.

[@bealis7]

I love Jenette so much she's always honest and open about her feelings with us and she's been through so much and you can truly understand her 💖😔

[@MintyFreshCupcakes]

I always looked up to Jeanette so much as a kid and even had a little crush on her. I’m so impressed, and admire who she is. Smart, strong, accomplished. I’m glad I get to hear her talk to you guys!

[@dontreadmyprofilepicture8635]

I love her so much she is so honest and I’m so proud of her

[@haz8280]

for someone who played a ruthless characters that seemed to not give a fuck about people's feelings, she sure is a understanding, kind person.

[@cam9943]

Me and my band at the time were mildly famous in our home town when I was about 13 to 14, Even just walking around there and being recognized was a bit much for me at that age I cant imagine what child stars deal with day to day much respect to those who made it through

[@OdaKa]

Being famous like that is basically mass-stalking. People should think about it like that.

[@MercurialIris]

That’s hyperbolic.

[@OdaKa]

@@MercurialIris Maybe to an outsider it is, but not for the person who has to deal with it. A person isn't going to be able draw much emotional distinction between a bunch of paparazzi following and photographing their every move versus just one person doing it. There is a difference, but the psychological effects must be very similar. I was specifically commenting on the part where McCurdy talked not being able to even go outside of her house without having to deal with paparazzi

[@MercurialIris]

OdaKa that’s a choice she made when she decided to go to Hollywood and star in television shows for hundreds of thousands of dollars. She wasn’t grabbed off the street and forced to be famous, these celebs made their choices and now they live with them. And they compound the problem by continuously being in the public eye, chasing after fame while pretending it’s awful and that they hate it. Dude, life is hard. It’s either get your picture taken and live in a big Hollywood hills home, or work a 9-5 and die in your 60s like everyone else. Which sounds preferable? Really, being upset that there are people taking your picture is about as “first world” a problem can get. There are people actually suffering with no food and no future, celebs are mad they can’t walk their dogs without someone taking a photograph. Good lord 🤣

[@OdaKa]

@@MercurialIris what are you even talking about? All this is irrelevant soapboxing. It's not about "someone wants to take their picture" or "a choice she made" or "decided to go to Hollywood" or $$$$$. "choice" for a child is o complicated thing. And anyway, you don't know what she did or didn't know, or how informed her choices were. You reduce it to "get your picture taken" and "someone wants to take their picture" when it's so much more than that, and you know this. Think about children dealing with an overbearing parent who constantly invades their privacy and micromanages and micromonitors everything... And then imagine having to deal with dozens of people doing that for years and not even having to escape it when you move out on your own as you enter adulthood... That would screw anyone up, and people just don't really think about it like that. And even third-world citizens get annoyed with constant photography and meddling, I'm sure. Yes, life is hard, but not every hardship is equivalent in significance or end result. You're an idiot if you think constant monitoring and meddling doesn't drive you crazy. It's like having dozens of obsessed mothers-in-law. And to your point about staying in the public eye... Not everyone seeks that attention. Paparazzi follows them around. And even for the ones who do continue to do things with media... People do what they know. Habit, people set in a path usually will continue on that path rather than completely reinventing themselves from the foundation up. They'll try to adapt what they know. Just because a person doesn't like being stalked by people with cameras, doesn't mean they don't like making entertainment or engaging in social media or influencing. Those are mostly just normal things most normal people do without having to deal with obsessive media following them around.

[@MercurialIris]

OdaKa sorry man, but that comes with the territory. Either embrace the people with cameras or don’t go to Hollywood and pursue a career in entertainment. Once again, it’s either live the life she picked, which is full of influence and money, or work at a Walmart and make 20 thousand a year. She can easily move out of LA and never be bothered again, but it’s obvious she enjoys the fame and money. You can’t have those things and not be pursued by the people who make famous people famous in the first place. You act like their lives are miserable, they’re a lot better off than most. Newsflash - most people are pretty miserable. I’ll gladly trade my privacy in for financial stability. And that’s what this girl did. She’s not so mega famous she can’t just move to Wisconsin and never escape the paparazzi. She can easily leave it all behind. She chooses not to for a reason. Regular life sucks. And no, people without medicine and running water don’t care about their pictures being taken. How sheltered are you?

[@Mikkirose1]

People told me all the time that my girls could be on TV when they were younger. I even started getting offers in the mail after taking them to get professional pictures taken. One time a lady even handed me her card and told me that my daughter has the "look" and that she could get her work. But I always said no thanks or threw away the offers. When my girls were older they asked why? And I told them everything that this young lady confirmed in this interview. I just wanted them to be kids and enjoy their childhood. I'm glad this side of the industry is being put out there so that parents can make a more informed choice. I sensed there was something off about children being in this industry but you never saw anything like this interview. It wasn't talked about back then. Thanks.

[@arebutwords5102]

This just makes me appreciate BoJack Horseman so much more, no other show crafts such an accurate image of the realities of fame, especially child fame

[@vmoonbeam6571]

I’ve always liked her. Very down to earth and never afraid to speak her truth. A great icon to look up to

[@twenty1stpilot]

My respect for her has gone way up after watching this interview.

[@taintedfairies]

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[@katies1652]

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[@nataIieatbest]

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[@fxorest3938]

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[@kaitlyncollison6908]

||-// (honestly loving the amount of clikkies in the comment thread when the original comment is only a week old)

[@pipergenkin1688]

Theres a reason that kids aren't allowed to be police officers or firefighters at age 12. Theres a reason we don't let kids choose to be doctors or astronauts as glamorous and fun as it seems. When you're a kid you can't make decisions for yourself. Being rich and famous seems like it's the solution to all of the life's problem, it seems like it's absolutely amazing and something anyone would be lucky to be. But if you're 12, 13, even 16 and you're famous, it doesn't mean that when you're 25 you're going to like it. You have to live a life you never really understood or could imagine and no matter what you will always have that part of you. It's not like you can just switch jobs. For the rest of your life you will be in the public eye. it's really scary how at 12 you could be trusted to make a decision that could absolutely change your life

[@thugshaker4]

@Piper Genkin you are very, very wise.

[@pipergenkin1688]

@@thugshaker4 thank you omg that’s so kind of you

[@thugshaker4]

Karl M who is Alexa Vega, and what roles did she play?

[@thugshaker4]

Thx

[@pipergenkin1688]

@Karl M oh sure, but a lot do

[@paulmoore7064]

There is an old story of a rich man who left his fortune to the children of his worst enemy, knowing that it would ruin them.

[@LuckyAkita]

Always felt a good and genuine energy from her.

[@chubbybunny6975]

Bless Jennette, she grew into such a sweet, smart, and strong woman

[@MZNO]

5:47 this part about child actors identity crisis

[@maryj7423]

Finally someone talking openly about how mentally detrimental fame can be for children and teenagers. Many lose their minds and no one does nothing to protect them. That's how far the mental health stigma goes. We don't just need to aknowledge current problems people have, we need a strategy to prevent mental health issues. It takes decades to recover.

[@mel1923]

I've always loved Jenette, she's too real for the hollywood industry but also so talented. Wish there was a way to share your craft without having to experience other people's entitlement that comes with it

[@alexguerrero8272]

Came here from Alyson Stoner’s part of the conversation. I’m glad there’s technology to share more of behind the scenes and hold people accountable

[@biomech9751]

I remember years back I was asked if I wanted to audition for this show to play as a little girl in a family. Her age group was around four/five-ish, to ten/eleven-ish. I was around 5 or 6 at the time. I remember the woman explaining everything to my parents, and they would nod and smile but when we left the place they didn’t want to let me audition for “certain reasons”. Now I can see those reasons.

[@PlebianGorilla]

This video definitely humanized Jennette for me. It’s just a weird phenomenon to grow up with someone on a tv show; they sorta become an object in your head subconsciously.

[@sheenisweird]

I especially feel this way when i look at people like britney spears. it's just heartbreaking to see that even when they have mental breakdowns, it's not their own personal hardship that they've got to work through, it's everybody's because of the media. I feel like that probably makes it all the more difficult to bounce back from it since everybody decides they want to share their opinion on your struggles.

[@AmandaLMorin]

Oooof this is heavy. I hope that parents watch this and really dissect her message before considering having their children live this lifestyle. Good job speaking out, hopefully this message will change a parents mind while also saving the child’s childhood and mental state!

[@komengav]

Seeing somebody "higher" than us come crashing down in front of us "normals"... is what makes us feel equal or feel better even.. Human nature.

[@metaspherz]

Jennette is so beautiful, I find it hard to understand her pain, as real as it is, but I understand that she is also improving. Bless her! Here's the problem in a nutshell: failure is a part of life. Failure makes you a better person if you don't magnify it out of proportion because you can learn a valuable lesson from it. If you identify with failure then it will loom large, but if you accept it and learn from it, you can move on down the highway of life with it in your rearview mirror. There will always be those jealous persons that will revel in your failures as it somehow gives them better self-esteem that they could not otherwise achieve on their own. Don't let their delusion deter you from achieving happiness. Failure only hurts when you give up and stop trying. Success can only grow from failure.

[@Shady_Fungus]

Good to see she’s got a good head on her shoulders. She was successful enough to get a lot of good in life but not to let it take over her. I wish her all the best.

[@caroldelosangeles3621]

This is so important to talk and having Janette doing this is just 100%excelent..protect children please!so many of them trying to get them through the industry of music or tv/mainstream please lets stop it

[@Revilkappa]

They have mental breakdowns because they're expected by Disney to keep this family friendly image and it suppresses their personality, and after a while they "explode" to break free

[@Revilkappa]

@Karl M what about her?

[@botchedbladejob]

@Karl M she had her issues too bro

[@jayc7171]

Karl M Dosent mean she had breakdowns behind closed doors

[@mjd4287]

most were sexually abused

[@dork3132]

I don’t want someone to crumble down, I love when someone in the industry defies the odds and makes it out just fine.

[@FragmentJack]

I remember social media and the news abused the hell out of Justin Bieber. They were relentless in making him look like he was crazy when he was growing up. He was a teenager. And it was dumb that people hated the fact he was a pop singer.

[@fggyleafexist1753]

They're all so patient with each other, I love it

[@alvythicc]

Keep doing Jennette-McCurdy videos!

[@onlyritahere]

If I saw you guys in person, I’d probably be speechless and just hug you both and run away happily 😂 you guys rock! Much love from New Zealand 🇳🇿 x

[@sierraarmstrong5163]

I feel like they could've let her talk more :/

[@cloroxbleach8986]

@@growing_boy so? If you’re going to bother having guests on a podcast, you should be giving them enough time to actually answer questions and not talk over them.

[@nfdhje38743m]

@@cloroxbleach8986 i didn't see any interruptions

[@mads8172]

@@nfdhje38743m they interrupted at 6:13

[@myraa4817]

She actually got a pretty good amount of talking in! I liked how they actually listened to her and after she spoke they shot back with something meaningful! They also didn’t ask any rude questions or questions that were too personal like others do!

[@njyawndra8609]

I agree. I absolutely hate it when people talk over me and it happens almost all the time.🤦🏾‍♀️

[@DangerouslySavvy]

This video brings up a bunch of wonderful points, and I appreciate them providing her with a platform to discuss this. On another note, though... anyone notice that she's really starting to resemble Linda Cardellini?

[@jerrettbarkley456]

I definitely didn’t want Lindsay Lohan to fail. I was sad when I saw her starting to breakdown

[@mybuffysummers]

Thanks for the recommendation youtube this was a great interview! So proud of Jeanette for everything.

[@ameliabickford64]

I remember meeting her years ago in DC for Kids Day of Play. I had an interview with her and kick myself cause the video got deleted on KZbin my accident. She definitely had good things to say in the interview but looking back she was acting like Sam. Even in public. Now I want to hug her ❤️ I hope her story comes out and other celebs come out too about their time with Dan. It sounds like another Harvey situation again sadly 🥺

[@davidpeters2625]

Honestly, Jeanette, I feel incredibly sorry for you, and everything, that you have to go through. I really wish I could give you a hug...

[@amywalsh4006]

On New Zealand we call it "tall poppy syndrome" when people find satisfaction out of pulling someone else down and not wanting them to succeed

[@LoveHestia_]

She was always a favorite icon of mine I always related to Jennette a lot. She's super cool well spoken and chill. Glad she's in a better place now.

[@gabby7992]

Jennette is so strong and amazing❤️

[@goodvibes9410]

Hope you feel better Jennette, you were a good star on the show though it was different from your personality. hopefully you break that cycle of depression of how you feel about being on the show regardless of your decision because you seem strong enough for it!

[@carylmaluping9632]

This was so interesting. Loved it

[@laurakichler7107]

I loved iCarly (and still do) and it was one of my favorite shows. However, I never bought into the tabloid industry that was stalking young children because I find it destructive. Jennette, if you get a chance to read this, I love you as an actress, but as an individual, I see that you're deep and cogent in your thoughts. I hope you've found a way to cope with the pandemic as a performer and I wish you all the best.

[@growingoaks]

6:05 “who am i underneath that” Jim Carrey has said in interviews “if Jim Carrey was so easy to lose in the [movie] role, then who is Jim Carrey?”

[@alyssagriffin5781]

Jeanette spoke so profoundly. This is an amazing little podcast excerpt.

[@smallpupper]

Unrelated but her outfit looks so cute, I need to get something like that!

[@anthonyi784]

Cool, thanks for letting us know.....

[@jackielendel1530]

Wow I now know so much about her from these 8 minutes than I ever have

[@danielmcgarel5105]

Macaulay Culkin is actually much better now, good for him :)

[@sabinahoudkova1417]

And Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen too

[@moralkombat66]

Jennette Mccurdey is someone I look up to a lot. She's so brave and open about her life. I'm glad she's still doing stuff.

[@PhillyCh3zSt3ak]

I'd love to see a no holds barred interview with Jeannette where all of the behinds the scenes crap is revealed. We, as the audience, only see what the actors do and what they put on the screen, not much else.

[@alexbeckett3564]

I'm glad she remained strong. I am glad that I was able to hear her out.