Millie Bobby Brown’s Family Dreams: From Eleven to Motherhood
Millie Bobby Brown, the celebrated actress who catapulted to fame as Eleven in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, is sharing her aspirations for the future, which include building a family with her husband, Jake Bongiovi. At just 21, Brown is balancing her thriving career with a deep-seated desire to become a mother, revealing a personal side that resonates with many young adults navigating their professional and personal lives.
In a candid conversation on the SmartLess podcast, Brown expressed her yearning for children, emphasizing the importance of family in her life. "Jake knows how important it is to me [to have children]," she stated, highlighting the mutual understanding and shared vision within her marriage. While acknowledging the significance of solidifying her position as both an actor and a producer, Brown underscored that starting a family is a "huge thing" for her personally.
The actress revealed that her and Bongiovi’s shared desire for a family played a pivotal role in their decision to marry. Bongiovi, the son of music icon Jon Bon Jovi, apparently held a traditional view, setting marriage as a prerequisite for starting a family. "Jake was like, ‘We cannot do that until we get married,’" Brown explained. This commitment to tradition resonated with Brown, who also expressed her desire for a large family. Coming from a family of four and Bongiovi also having three siblings, the couple clearly envisions a bustling household filled with love and laughter. "I really want a family. I really want a big family. I’m one of four. He’s one of four. So it is definitely in our future," she confirmed.
Brown and Bongiovi officially tied the knot in 2024, marking a significant milestone in their relationship. The ceremony was made even more special by the presence of Matthew Modine, Brown’s Stranger Things co-star, who officiated the wedding. The couple’s journey began through a mutual friend, leading to a confirmed relationship in 2021, and has since blossomed into a deeply committed partnership.
Beyond her own family, Brown also spoke warmly about her relationship with her father-in-law, Jon Bon Jovi, on the SmartLess podcast. She described him as a supportive and guiding figure in her life. "It has been so great having Jon Bon Jovi as a father-in-law," Brown shared. She emphasized his consistent support and the wisdom he offers. "When I need him, he is very much there for me in the best ways, always making sure I’m OK." Brown appreciates his ability to provide guidance and perspective, especially during challenging situations. "If there’s anything that’s ever going on, I’m always like, ‘Can you help me out in this situation?’ And he’s so informative. His wisdom is ridiculous."
Brown’s career trajectory has been remarkable, rising to prominence as a child actor with her compelling portrayal of Eleven in Stranger Things, which premiered on Netflix in 2016. The series quickly gained a global following, catapulting Brown into international stardom. As the show prepares to conclude with its final season later this year after five thrilling seasons, Brown reflected on her experience with a mix of gratitude and emotion.
After wrapping filming for the final season of Stranger Things, Brown delivered a heartfelt speech on set, expressing her bittersweet feelings about the show’s conclusion. "Isn’t graduation supposed to bring relief, like you’re glad to leave behind the teachers and classmates? Not me," she said in a video shared on Instagram. "I am nowhere near ready to leave you guys." Her words highlighted the deep bonds she formed with the cast and crew over the years, transforming a professional environment into a close-knit family.
Brown further delved into her relationship with Bongiovi during an appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast. She revealed that their conversations about the future, specifically their desires for raising children, solidified her belief that he was the one. These deep and meaningful discussions, which extended beyond superficial topics, allowed her to envision a shared life with Bongiovi. "Bigger things that I had never spoken about" with anyone else, she explained, underscoring the profound connection they share.
Recalling her wedding, Brown enthusiastically described their elaborate first dance, a meticulously choreographed routine that lasted six minutes. The couple paid homage to the classic film Grease, dressing up as Sandy and Danny and performing a medley of songs from the movie. "We dressed as Sandy and Danny," she said. "It was epic. It was unbelievable. People could not believe what they were hearing. … We had been practicing for a year and a half. We went to dance lessons." The dedication and effort they invested in their first dance symbolized their commitment to each other and their willingness to embrace joy and creativity in their relationship.
Brown also revisited her iconic decision to shave her head for the role of Eleven in Stranger Things, a bold move that significantly contributed to the character’s distinctive look. On the Call Her Daddy podcast, Brown shared her plans to shave her head again when she has her first child. "Maybe like right before I’m about to give birth," she said. She explained her rationale, emphasizing the practicality and convenience of short hair during the early stages of motherhood. "Hair is such an ordeal anyway to deal with. I’m going to nurture my child. Why deal with my hair?" This decision reflects Brown’s pragmatic approach to motherhood, prioritizing her child’s needs and simplifying her own routine.
Millie Bobby Brown’s journey from child star to young adult is a testament to her resilience, talent, and grounded perspective. As she embarks on this new chapter, balancing her thriving career with her dreams of motherhood, she continues to inspire fans worldwide with her authenticity and unwavering spirit. From captivating audiences as Eleven to expressing her desire for "little Elevens" of her own, Millie Bobby Brown is poised to leave an enduring impact on both the entertainment industry and the world at large.
