Drugs, Arrests & Rehab! Amanda Bynes' Breakdown To Comeback In 11 Clicks
The turbulent tale of the child star who hit rock bottom but turned it all around.
March 24 2020, Updated 2:04 p.m. ET
Things started out smoothly for Amanda Bynes — at least it seemed that way. She appeared in her first commercial at age 7, and it wasn't long before she was a household name. It was impressive enough to join the cast of Nickelodeon's sketch comedy show All That but Bynes was just getting started! She took on back-to-back projects for more than a decade. Bynes starred in The Amanda Show, What I Like About You, and she also played the lead character in Sydney White and She's The Man.
MORE: Amanda Bynes' Conservatorship Extended For Two More Years After Mom Files Status Report
Bynes became a young woman as her fame grew. She welcomed her early 20s with her girl-next-door reputation intact. It seemed Bynes was an exception to the rule that many child stars invariably come upon troubled times.
Then, just as suddenly as she had become a household name, Bynes became a household warning sign. Years of growing her brand and acting as a role model to young girls suddenly collapsed. From April 2012 to May 2013 Bynes made headlines for erratic behavior, "memorable" tweets and run-ins with the law.
MORE: Amanda Bynes' Dad Claims Troubled Star Is 'Wonderful' After Shocking Drug Confession
Many gave up on Bynes, but the story isn't over until it's over. Britney Spears, Drew Barrymore, Macaulay Culkin, Winona Ryder, Jodie Sweetin and countless other stars have had (often publicized) struggles with substance abuse, mental illness and major breakdowns. For many child actors there is an eventual toll — one major factor is the emotional weight of being in the spotlight at all times.
After some major roadblocks, Bynes fought her way back into the limelight. Though she enjoyed years of celebrity before taking a sanctioned break, the actress is still young, so it's conceivable that she has decades of movies ahead of her.
Commercial Cutie: 1993
It all started with a commercial. Pint-sized actress Bynes was so funny and charismatic that she landed a series role on Nickelodeon's sketch comedy show All That at just 8 years old.
Nickelodeon Royalty: 1994-2002
After finishing her time on All That Bynes became a regular on Nickelodeon's Figure It Out and then The Amanda Show.
Teen Queen: 2003-2007
Bynes didn't skip a beat. Her career flourished as she starred in countless TV shows and films.
Role Model
Bynes showed no cracks in her persona as she appeared in the limelight. Her image remained clean, and she had constant work.
All Smiles
No one knew what was brewing underneath ...
Mug Shot: 2012
Bynes was pulled over and booked for driving under the influence in April of 2012.
Erratic Behavior: 2012
In the span of just a few months Bynes was arrested for driving under the influence and accused of two hit and run car accidents. Instead of lying low Bynes tweeted directly to then President, Obama, declaring her innocence.
Wigging Out: 2013
After being dropped by her agents Bynes still failed to clean up her act. She became infamous for a tweet to Drake where she told him to murder her vagina. In an interview with In Touch in May of 2013, she stated that she didn't understand why people thought she was insane.
What Made Her Snap?
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Bynes has expressed that one major factor in her breakdown was her appearance. She became deeply depressed after seeing herself in drag in the film She's The Man because she hated the way she looked as a boy. She finally admitted in 2013, after much speculation, that she had had a nose job years earlier.
Conservatorship: 2013-?
In 2013 a judge granted Bynes' mother conservatorship. This meant that her mother would be responsible for major decisions about Bynes' health and personal affairs. The conservatorship was extended to 2018 and will continue until at least 2020. Another notable star to be placed under a conservatorship was Britney Spears whose father became responsible for her after her infamous 2008 breakdown.
Rebuilding: 2015-2018
Bynes dropped out of the limelight for a bit, but all signs point to her being back on the right track! She was a model student at FIDM, where she studied product development. In addition to hopes of finding success in the fashion industry, she plans to return to Hollywood!
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