Bella Thorne, once a beloved Disney star, is now charting a new path as a filmmaker, advocate, and entrepreneur. At just 27 years old, Thorne has already experienced more than many do in a lifetime. From her breakout role on Disney Channel’s Shake It Up to her rise as an outspoken advocate and burgeoning director, Thorne has navigated the highs and lows of fame with resilience, creativity, and determination.
Despite her early success, Thorne’s journey has not been without its challenges. Raised in the spotlight, she faced significant personal hardships, including the death of her father when she was only 9 years old, and the pressures of growing up in the public eye. However, Thorne is steadfast in her belief that her story is far from over.
“I’ve been doing this so long that it’s second nature,” Thorne told PEOPLE in a recent interview. “Now healthy, happy, and in love, I feel like I’m just getting started.”
Overcoming Adversity and Shaping Her Own Path
Thorne’s early years were defined by both success and struggle. The actress, who starred as CeCe Jones on Shake It Up, was thrust into the limelight at a young age. But beyond the fame, she faced deep personal challenges, including the loss of her father, financial instability, and the emotional toll of growing up in the spotlight.
In her candid interview, Thorne acknowledged the difficulty of balancing fame and childhood. “I think I always felt like I didn’t necessarily have a voice,” she said. “It was like everyone else’s voice was on me.” The pressure of growing up in the public eye, Thorne believes, can be overwhelming, especially without proper mental health support. She emphasized the importance of therapy, which, she said, wasn’t widely accepted when she was younger but could have made a significant difference in her life.
“I think there should be real therapy mandated for children growing up and becoming famous overnight,” she said. “You’d be crazy not to go crazy because it’s just too much at points in your life.”
Navigating Dyslexia and Childhood Struggles
One of the lesser-known aspects of Thorne’s childhood was her battle with dyslexia. The actress shared how, prior to her time at Disney, her learning disability made school difficult and led to bullying. “I was embarrassed about reading because I was so bad at it,” she recalled.
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Thorne’s experience with dyslexia, however, was met with understanding and support from Disney, which took steps to integrate her condition into her character, CeCe, on Shake It Up. “Disney was so smart and sweet. They were the first people to make me feel good about my dyslexia,” she said. “They made an episode about it, and that was such a sweet moment.”
Family Tragedy and the Resilience It Fostered
Thorne’s father passed away when she was just nine years old, an event that dramatically altered her family’s trajectory. Raised by her mother alongside three siblings, Thorne quickly became a primary contributor to the family’s financial stability through acting. The loss of her father, Thorne explained, instilled in her a sense of resilience that has propelled her throughout her career.
“I think about him every day,” she said. “It’s his energy that pushes me to keep going, even when things get hard.” One of her fondest memories of her father involves mornings spent making him coffee, which Thorne fondly remembers as a time of warmth and connection.
Transitioning from Actress to Director
While Thorne has experienced considerable success as an actress, her focus has now shifted toward directing and filmmaking. Her upcoming project, Color Your Hurt, marks her debut as a director. She described her creative evolution, explaining that directing has allowed her to explore the emotional depth of storytelling in a new way.
“I think it shifted a lot in a very emotional way,” she said of her directing experience. “The movie I’m working on right now uses color throughout the entire film to help tell the story. For me, blue represents childhood, red is anger, and orange is badness. It’s all about capturing emotion through visual elements.”
Advocacy and Social Justice
In addition to her creative endeavors, Thorne is an outspoken advocate for several causes. She has worked with organizations like amfAR and PETA, using her platform to raise awareness about issues such as HIV/AIDS and animal rights.
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Thorne’s work with amfAR, particularly her efforts to educate younger generations about HIV and AIDS, is a cause close to her heart. “I wanted to make something people could watch and feel comfortable talking about with their families at the dinner table,” she said, describing the impactful campaigns she directed for the organization.
Her work with PETA also speaks to her deep commitment to activism. Thorne shared her personal connection to PETA’s campaigns, particularly those focused on raising awareness about the mistreatment of animals at SeaWorld. “It messes with your head,” she said, reflecting on her childhood visit to the theme park. “Activism is my way of creating change, even if it’s just sparking a conversation.”
A Future with Mark Emms
Thorne’s personal life is also thriving. Engaged to producer Mark Emms, the couple shares a supportive, fun-loving relationship that balances Thorne’s often chaotic work life. She describes Emms as her emotional anchor, someone who provides her with the support she needs to weather the emotional ups and downs of life.
“I think what I appreciate most is his emotional and physical support,” Thorne said. “He’s so great at meeting me where I am, no matter what’s going on in my life. He also keeps things light with his humor, which is perfect for me.”
Though wedding planning has yet to begin, Thorne is excited about the prospect of a unique, creative celebration when the time comes.
Looking Ahead
Bella Thorne’s journey is far from over. With a growing career behind the camera, a passion for activism, and a fulfilling personal life, she is continuing to redefine herself both as an artist and an advocate. As she steps into this new chapter, Thorne remains focused on what’s next, both in her career and in her personal life, always striving to make her mark on the world.
“I feel like I’m just getting started,” she said. “And I’m excited for what’s to come.”
