Millie Bobby Brown, the actress who first captured global attention as Eleven on Netflix’s Stranger Things, has entered a new chapter of her life. Brown, 20, and her husband Jake Bongiovi have adopted their first child, according to the couple’s announcement this week. The news has been met with an outpouring of congratulations from fans and industry colleagues alike, many noting how the actress, who has grown up in front of the camera, is now stepping into her most personal and important role—parenthood.
The couple confirmed that the adoption had been finalized and that they were settling into life as new parents. While they have chosen not to disclose details about the child’s identity or background, they emphasized the joy of expanding their family through adoption. “This is the beginning of the most important role of our lives,” they shared in a statement. “We are grateful for the love and support we’ve received and look forward to this journey together.”
For Brown, who began her career in acting as a child, the decision to adopt reflects values she has often described in interviews: the importance of love, family, and building a secure foundation even as she navigates fame. Those values have been evident in her career trajectory, where she has consistently taken roles and projects that highlight independence, courage, and responsibility.
Her rise began in 2016, when Stranger Things premiered and became a global phenomenon. Brown’s portrayal of Eleven, a mysterious young girl with psychokinetic powers, was instantly iconic. It was a role that required maturity well beyond her years, balancing emotional vulnerability with fierce determination. By the second season, she was one of the breakout stars of the series, drawing critical praise and multiple award nominations. The character’s evolution from a frightened child into a powerful young woman mirrored Brown’s own journey into adolescence under the scrutiny of international stardom.
Beyond Stranger Things, Brown has broadened her career in ways that suggest a deep sense of ambition and preparedness for adulthood. She starred as the title character in Enola Holmes and its sequel, playing Sherlock Holmes’s younger sister. The films, which she also helped produce, showcased her commitment not only to acting but to shaping the kinds of stories she wanted to tell. Taking on producing responsibilities at such a young age demonstrated an understanding of the larger mechanics of storytelling and the kind of control she hoped to wield over her career.
Her entrepreneurial spirit also led her to create Florence by Mills, a beauty and skincare line targeted at young consumers. The brand has been celebrated for its inclusive approach and accessible price point, further establishing Brown as more than an actress—she is also a businesswoman, balancing creativity with commercial savvy. In interviews, she has said she wanted the brand to give young people confidence and self-expression, signaling the kind of nurturing instincts that align with her new role as a parent.
Brown’s marriage to Jake Bongiovi, son of musician Jon Bon Jovi, earlier this year brought her personal life into sharper focus. The couple has been together since 2021, often appearing publicly with a mix of glamour and relatability. Their wedding was described as a private and intimate event, reflecting their preference for keeping milestones close while still acknowledging public interest. Now, their adoption announcement underscores their commitment to building a family together on their own terms.
The adoption also places Brown among a growing number of high-profile figures who have chosen to build families through nontraditional paths. While the couple has kept many details private, the decision itself speaks volumes about their priorities—emphasizing love and stability over convention. Fans have responded with admiration, noting that Brown’s openness about her new role could inspire others who are considering adoption.
The announcement comes as Stranger Things nears its much-anticipated final season, a moment of closure for both the series and Brown’s formative years as its star. For nearly a decade, she has been synonymous with Eleven, but now she is carving out a future that extends far beyond Hawkins, Indiana. In many ways, the adoption marks a symbolic passing from one era of her life into another: from child star to global celebrity, and now from young adult to parent.
For those who have followed her career from the beginning, Brown’s ability to juggle acting, producing, entrepreneurship, and now family life is a testament to her focus and determination. She has already accomplished what many twice her age aspire to achieve. Parenthood, as she and Bongiovi noted in their announcement, is the most important role yet—and one for which her experiences seem to have prepared her well.
As she embraces this new chapter, Brown has asked for privacy, but there is little doubt that her fans will continue to watch her journey closely. Having built a career defined by independence and creativity, she now embarks on a personal journey defined by love and responsibility. For Millie Bobby Brown, adoption is not simply the start of a family; it is the continuation of a life lived with purpose, one that resonates with millions who have grown up alongside her.
