Ariana Grande Calls for Better Protection for Child Stars in Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Pop sensation Ariana Grande has opened up about the challenges of working in Hollywood as a child star, advocating for better protections for young actors in the entertainment industry. During a candid interview with BBC World Service‘s ‘Arts Hour,’ the 31-year-old singer and actress reflected on her early career, including her breakout role as Cat Valentine in the Nickelodeon series ‘Victorious.’

“Playing Cat Valentine was my very first experience getting absolutely lost in a character. I loved it so much,” Grande said, recalling her time on the show, which aired from 2010 to 2013. She also praised her co-star Elizabeth Gillies, who played Jade West, for sharing a similar experience. “My best friend Liz Gillies had the same experience with Jade, her character. There were so many beautiful things that we learned. But I think being in this industry, you need that support. Every single thing about it is quite strange and is quite alien.”

Grande highlighted the unique challenges of balancing work and education as a child actor. “Even just the experience of acting in and of itself, you’re not yourself. It’s a very strange thing. Just working like an adult as a child is an adjustment as well,” she explained. “Doing school in a little tiny room and having to take certain exams to graduate early so you can work adult hours sooner.”

While Grande acknowledged that these were choices she and her peers made, she emphasized the need for greater safeguards in the industry. “These are all choices that we made. But it definitely, I think, this industry should be a more protected place for kids, for adults, for anyone,” she said. “I worry about those who don’t have that support, and it’s something I hope we can be a part of positive part of that change together by talking about it.”

Grande’s comments come amid renewed scrutiny of the treatment of child actors in Hollywood, particularly following the release of the documentary ‘Quiet On Set,’ which exposed allegations of a toxic work environment under former Nickelodeon executive Dan Schneider. Grande, who has since transitioned to a successful music career and starred in the film adaptation of ‘Wicked,’ expressed her concern for those without adequate support systems.

This week, Grande received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Glinda in ‘Wicked.’ Overwhelmed by the recognition, she took to social media to express her gratitude. “Picking my head up in between sobs to say thank you so much to @theacademy for this unfathomable recognition. I cannot stop crying, to no one’s surprise,” she wrote. She also thanked her co-star Cynthia Erivo, director Jon M. Chu, and her family for their support.

Grande’s advocacy for better protections in the entertainment industry reflects a growing conversation about the well-being of child stars. Her willingness to share her own experiences adds a powerful voice to the call for change.