Here’s Why People Are Worried About Amanda Bynes, Former Nickelodeon Starlet

By: ScreenGawk Staff | Published: Dec 26, 2023

Amanda Bynes, once a prominent child star, was notably absent from her scheduled appearance at 90s Con, sparking public concern. 

Bynes, now 36, had her career beginnings on Nickelodeon and rose to fame in the early 2000s. In 2010, she announced her departure from acting, stating on Twitter, “I don’t love acting anymore so I’ve stopped doing it.”

Early Stardom and Acting Career

Amanda Bynes began her acting career at a young age, securing an agent by the time she was 7. She became a well-known figure in the entertainment industry, with significant roles in both television and film during the 1990s and 2000s.

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Amanda Bynes stands at a podium on stage during a Nickelodeon awards show. She smiles and waves to the audience, holding an orange Nickelodeon blimp-shaped trophy

Source: Getty Images

Her early career included notable performances on Nickelodeon’s “All That,” “The Amanda Show,” and in films like “She’s the Man” and “Hairspray.” However, in 2010, Bynes took a step back from her acting career. Her last film role was in “Easy A,” after which she announced her retirement from acting on the social media platform X.

Retirement from Acting and Personal Struggles

In 2010, Amanda Bynes made a sudden announcement on X, retiring from acting. She later explained her decision in a 2018 interview with Paper magazine, saying, “I saw [Easy A] and I was convinced that I should never be on camera again and I officially retired on Twitter, which was, you know, also stupid.” 

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Hilary Duff and Amanda Bynes engaged in conversation at a social event. On the left Hilary Duff has her hair in a sleek updo, dressed in a black sleeveless top, smiles as she looks towards the other woman. On the right, Amanda Bynes, with long blonde wavy hair, is wearing a cream strapless dress and a black blazer, and smiles

Source: Getty Images

This period marked the beginning of Bynes’ public struggle with mental health and substance abuse, which became more apparent in the following years.

Bynes' Battle With Substance Abuse

In a 2018 Paper magazine interview, Amanda Bynes opened up about her history of substance abuse. She admitted to smoking marijuana at 16 and later experimenting with drugs like ecstasy.

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A close-up of Amanda Bynes smiling at a Lifetime network event. She has long, wavy blonde hair and is wearing makeup with prominent eyelashes

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Bynes also talked about abusing Adderall, which she obtained by pretending to have attention deficit disorder symptoms. She described this phase of her life as a time when she was heavily involved in drug use, leading to a decline in her public and personal life.

A Downward Spiral Into Legal Troubles

Following her retirement, Amanda Bynes faced numerous legal challenges. Her behavior led to multiple hit-and-run incidents, a DUI arrest in 2012, and charges of reckless endangerment and criminal possession of marijuana in 2013 as reported by Entertainment Weekly. 

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Amanda Bynes is being escorted outside by two police officers and a man in a suit. She is wearing large sunglasses and has bright turquoise blue hair

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These incidents culminated in a 5150 psychiatric hold in 2013, after which her mother was granted a temporary conservatorship over her. Bynes’ increasingly erratic behavior and legal troubles signaled a troubling period in her life.

The Conservatorship

Amanda Bynes was placed under a conservatorship in 2013, following a series of legal and personal issues.

A photograph captures Amanda Bynes inside a car, with her long blonde hair obscuring her face as she turns away from the camera. Outside the car, a photographer with glasses and a blue headband is taking pictures

Source: Getty Images

This decision came after a psychiatric hold and a series of concerning incidents, including setting a fire in a neighbor’s driveway. The conservatorship, managed by her mother, Lynn Bynes, was intended to protect Amanda and her assets during a period of vulnerability.

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Seeking Independence: The End of Conservatorship

In 2022, Amanda Bynes took legal steps to end her conservatorship. Her attorney, David A. Esquibias told People, “She believes her condition has improved and protection of the court is no longer necessary.”

Lawyer Tamar Arminak, the attorney for Amanda Bynes' parents Lynn Bynes and Rick Bynes, departs after a hearing which granted them temporary conservatorship and extended Bynes hospital stay

Source: Getty Images

This move was indicative of Bynes’ progress and her desire to regain independence after nearly a decade under conservatorship.

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Conservatorship Terminated

On March 22, 2022, a judge officially terminated Amanda Bynes’ conservatorship. This marked a significant moment in Bynes’ life, representing both an end and a new beginning. 

Amanda Bynes, wearing large dark sunglasses and a white lace garment, is pictured exiting a venue. She is surrounded by several people

Source: Getty Images

The termination of the conservatorship was a testament to her progress and recovery, offering a glimpse of hope for her future.

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Bynes' Journey to Recovery

Amanda Bynes’ journey through fame, mental health struggles, and substance abuse highlights the challenges faced by child stars.

Amanda Bynes stands in an elevator with mirrored walls reflecting a starry light effect. She is taking a selfie with a smartphone, which has a black and white checkered case. Amanda has long blonde hair and is wearing a black T-shirt with text on it

Source: Amanda B/Instagram

Her experiences, particularly post-retirement, illustrate the immense pressures and difficulties in navigating life in the public eye.

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What's Next for Amanda Bynes?

As Amanda Bynes moves forward post-conservatorship, the public and her fans are curious about her next steps.

A split image of Amanda Bynes facing the camera, showing her with platinum blonde hair styled in a top knot. She has bold blue eyebrows, a septum nose ring, and a small heart tattoo on her cheek

Source: Amanda B/Instagram

Whether she returns to acting or chooses a different path, her journey has been closely followed. Her experiences have shed light on the challenges faced by those in the entertainment industry, especially at a young age.

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Bynes' Impact Beyond Entertainment

Amanda Bynes’ career and personal struggles have had an impact beyond her roles in television and film. 

Amanda Bynes is seen outdoors, smiling over her shoulder at the camera. She has long, highlighted blonde hair and a natural makeup look

Source: Getty Images

Her openness about her battles with mental health and substance abuse has contributed to a broader conversation about these issues, especially regarding young celebrities.

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A Story of Resilience

Amanda Bynes’ life story is one of resilience and hope. Despite facing numerous challenges, her journey towards recovery and independence is a powerful reminder of the human capacity to overcome adversity.

A close-up image of Amanda Bynes smiling directly at the camera. She has straight blonde hair with darker roots, clear skin, and her makeup includes mascara and a glossy lip

Source: Getty Images

Her experiences continue to inspire those facing their struggles, demonstrating the importance of support, understanding, and perseverance in the face of hardship.

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