Amanda Bynes was once one of the entertainment industry’s most sought-after, bright, young stars. The teen queen had seemingly made a smooth transition from child actor to leading young lady but as with many of Hollywood’s children, trouble seemed inevitable. In 2007, Bynes was seen behaving erratically in public, sleeping in public spaces looking disorientated and dishevelled. She developed an alarming habit of Tweeting at strange hours, reaching out to celebrities with bizarre and often obscene accusations and insults. Amidst wild speculation surrounding the actress’s mental state, Bynes soon retreated from the spotlight.
Four years have passed and Bynes is now gracing the cover of Paper magazine’s latest issue looking healthy and self-possessed. In the revealing magazine interview, the former star has divulged her regrets, humiliations and hopes for the future. Bynes reported that her mental breakdown was fuelled by narcotics and deep-seated insecurity surrounding her appearance. After abruptly announcing her retirement from acting on Twitter, Bynes shared that she began “hanging out with a seedier crowd and isolated a lot… I got really into my [narcotics] usage and it became a really dark, sad world for me.”
But Amanda’s world has taken a turn for the better. “I’ve been sober for almost four years now,” says Bynes, crediting her doting parents with “really helping me get back on track.” The 32-year-old is currently enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in downtown Los Angeles. She is receiving her Associate’s of Art degree in Merchandise Product Development and is loved by her peers and professors. The star has also spoken about making a return to acting once she obtains her degree. Bynes optimistically gave insight into her current state of mind, “I have no fear of the future. I’ve been through the worst and came out the other end and survived it so I just feel like it’s only up from here.”