Amanda Bynes: Child Stardom, Leaving Hollywood & Where She Is Now

Amanda Bynes: Child Stardom, Leaving Hollywood, and Where She Is Now

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re discussing Amanda Bynes’ breakout as a generation-defining child star, her exit from Hollywood, and where she is now.

Amanda was the third-born of Rick and Lynn Bynes, both dental professionals. As her parents worked on patients’ teeth, Amanda developed a knack for making others smile. Catching the acting bug at a young age, Bynes channeled her energy into theater, playing Scout in “To Kill a Mockingbird” and Mary in “The Secret Garden.” She found work on the small screen as well, making her debut at age seven in a Nestlé Buncha Crunch ad. Bynes also appeared in a Barbie commercial, but her career forever changed after a Laugh Factory performance where Arsenio Hall introduced her. Participating in the chain’s comedy camp, the ten-year-old Bynes did a standup bit about her parents, school, and a pimple, showcasing her sharp delivery and expressive face.

Seeing Bynes perform, a Nickelodeon producer motivated her parents to let her try out for “All That.” Although somewhat hesitant, Bynes was a fan of the sketch comedy show and decided to audition. In a 2018 interview with Paper, Bynes described becoming a cast member as “a dream come true.” Bynes’ first sketch set a tone for her comedy style. Initially seeming perky and sweet, Amanda shows her devious side when long-suffering stage manager Kevin becomes the target of her prank. Amanda is thus embraced by her castmates and the audience. At a time when most child actresses mimicked the Olsen twins, “All That” allowed Bynes to develop a unique comedic identity, being adorable one second and mischievous the next.

This was exemplified through characters like Ashley, whose sweet persona melted away when answering letters from viewers, unleashing epic takedowns. Demonstrating her range, Bynes also paid homage to her comedy inspirations like Lucille Ball. As Bynes rose as arguably the show’s most popular cast member, another was phased out. One of the original “All That” players, Katrina Johnson was known for playing short characters with lively attitudes, most notably Ross Perot. By the time Bynes arrived, Johnson had grown up significantly with the show’s higher-ups criticizing her body image. Johnson didn’t express animosity towards Bynes, complimenting the Laugh Factory routine that got her discovered. Yet, Johnson got the sense that the showrunners were replacing her and by the beginning of Season 4, she was gone.

Nickelodeon once considered the idea of “The Katrina Johnson Show.” This never came to fruition, but “All That” head writer Dan Schneider later created “The Amanda Show.” This sketch comedy launched the careers of Drake Bell and Josh Peck, among others. Like “The Carol Burnett Show,” though, the series would be anchored by its star. Bynes had been a scene-stealer on “All That” and the game show “Figure It Out.” “The Amanda Show” confirmed that she had the makings of a leading lady with her gifts as a physical comedian and impressionist on full display. She portrayed an assortment of memorable characters like Judge Trudy, Courtney, and her own #1 fan, Penelope Taynt. Are we the only ones who thought it was Tate growing up?

Uncomfortable innuendos aside, “The Amanda Show” could be a clever source of slapstick and satire. Reflecting that Bynes was no longer a little girl, the show tackled teen dramas in the recurring segment “Moody’s Point.” Imagine the crying “Dawson’s Creek” meme, but intentionally funny. After ruling the small screen for several years, Bynes made her cinematic debut in 2002’s “Big Fat Liar.” Playing Kaylee, she starred alongside fellow rising star Frankie Muniz and character actor Paul Giamatti, who was on the verge of mainstream stardom. Even after becoming an Oscar nominee, many 90s and 2000s kids still fondly recognize Giamatti as the blue guy. “The Amanda Show” ended that same year, but Bynes had another show lined up with “What I Like About You.”

Starring opposite Jennie Garth, this “Odd Couple” sitcom centered on two sisters living in New York. Airing on The WB, this was Bynes’ most teen-oriented project yet, suggesting that she was ready to move on from Nickelodeon. The same can be said about Schneider, who co-created the series. On “The Amanda Show,” Schneider gained a reputation for abusive behavior, especially toward female writers. While Schneider had a fair deal of unchecked power at Nickelodeon, he was outranked by fellow “What I Like About You” creator Wil Calhoun, allegedly getting left out of the writer’s room. Bynes had been close to Schneider throughout her upbringing. Schneider supported Bynes when she sought emancipation during her late teens. After that proved unsuccessful, Bynes and Schneider grew further apart.

Schneider remained at Nickelodeon until his inevitable downfall. Meanwhile, Bynes continued to mature as an actress. Throughout her sitcom’s four-season run, Bynes won her sixth Kids’ Choice Award for “What a Girl Wants,” lent her voice to the animated film “Robots,” and starred in a modern-day take on Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.” “She’s the Man” was a breakout for co-star Channing Tatum, whom Bynes fought to get cast. Bynes’ performance also received praise from critics like Roger Ebert, but the film marked a difficult turning point for her. The story centers on Bynes’ Viola posing as her twin brother Sebastian. Seeing the film, Bynes didn’t like her appearance as a boy, enduring months of depression. Just as Viola concealed a side of herself, so too was Bynes.

Few sensed that Bynes was struggling as she continued to find success with “Hairspray.” As Penny Pingleton, Bynes shared in a SAG nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. Although Bynes described “Hairspray” as “the most amazing experience [she] ever had on a set,” it was around this time she learned about a drug called Adderall. Bynes had tried other substances, but Adderall likely had the most damaging effect on her. After starring in “Sydney White,” Bynes was set to play the lead in 2009’s “Post Grad,” exiting the project for unknown reasons. Bynes also dropped out of playing a babysitter in the comedy “Hall Pass,” later attributing this to her struggles with substances and mental health.

While she voiced a character on “Family Guy” and appeared in the Lifetime film “Living Proof,” Bynes was absent from the silver screen for three years. She returned in 2010’s “Easy A,” playing the religious rival of a then-relatively unknown Emma Stone. Although many found her to be a great comedic foil, Bynes was dissatisfied with her performance and appearance. Looking back, Bynes believes marijuana might’ve clouded her judgment, but it convinced her to quit acting. Retiring via Twitter, Bynes had various run-ins with the law over the following years. After her mother attained a conservatorship over her, Bynes made shocking accusations about her father, which she later confessed to be false. In 2014, Bynes revealed that she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

That same year, Bynes started attending the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. By the time she graduated in 2019, Bynes announced that she had been sober with help from her mom and dad. Although her conservatorship ended in 2022, she continues to struggle with mental health. Back in 2018, Bynes hinted at a potential acting return. Since then, she backed out of appearing at a '90s Con “All That” panel and exited a podcast with Paul Sieminski after one episode. While Bynes has made appearances on the Cameo app, she’s currently seeking a career as a manicurist.

“Moody’s Point” notoriously ended with the revelation that the titular character was switched at birth. Just as we’re about to meet the real Moody, viewers were left on an unresolved cliffhanger. Likewise, Bynes’ exit from Hollywood was sudden with fans wanting more. At the peak of her comedy career, Bynes expressed interest in returning to theater and even taking on dramatic roles. As one of her generation’s most versatile young stars, it felt like she was just getting started. That said, it’s understandable why Bynes would want to leave the spotlight behind in favor of a steady, less stressful career. Whether Bynes pursues acting or fashion and beauty, we only hope that she finds happiness, just as she brought audiences happiness for so many years.

What’s your favorite Amanda Bynes role? Let us know in the comments.