Amanda Bynes, once the beloved star of Nickelodeon's All That and The Amanda Show , has navigated a complex and challenging path since her rise to fame in the late 1990s. Bynes began her career at just 10 years old and quickly became a household name with her energetic and comedic performances.
Career and Early Success
Bynes' success on Nickelodeon led to several feature films, including Big Fat Liar , What a Girl Wants , and notable roles in Easy A and Hairspray . However, in 2010, she announced her retirement from acting at the age of 24, citing a loss of passion for the profession.
Struggles with Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Following her retirement, Bynes faced significant challenges, including struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues. She was diagnosed as bipolar in 2018 and had several public incidents, including a DUI and a psychiatric hold in 2013 after starting a small fire in a stranger's driveway. Her parents, Rick and Lynn Bynes, became her conservators to help manage her care.
Bynes spent several years in treatment and eventually celebrated four years of sobriety by November 2018. However, her recovery was not linear, and she experienced a stress-related relapse in January 2019. She graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in June 2019.
Current Life and Pursuits
In March 2022, Bynes' conservatorship was terminated, marking a significant step towards independence. Since then, she has been working towards a career in cosmetology, aiming to obtain her manicurist license. Bynes has expressed a preference for the consistency of a regular job in this field over her brief stint as a podcast host.
In recent months, Bynes has kept her fans updated through occasional Instagram posts. She has shared her struggles with depression, including a significant weight gain, and her efforts to improve her mental and physical health. Despite a setback in March 2023, when she was admitted to a psychiatric hospital, Bynes has continued to work on her well-being and career goals.
Bynes celebrated her 38th birthday in early April 2024 and has been focusing on living a healthy life. Her journey, marked by both highs and lows, has resonated with many who grew up watching her and continue to support her in her quest for happiness and stability.
