The actress Sadie Sink has candidly described the last day of filming the hit Netflix series Stranger Things as a 'horrible' experience, revealing it felt like saying a final goodbye to her own childhood.
An Emotional Farewell to Hawkins
Sadie Sink, who is now 23, shot to fame playing the resilient Max Mayfield in the sci-fi phenomenon. The show's fifth and final season is currently being released, with its climactic episode set to premiere exclusively on Netflix on New Year's Eve.
In a heartfelt conversation with Glamour magazine, the young star explained that she and her fellow cast members were 'genuinely grieving' when production wrapped. 'Oh, it was horrible. It was awful, just so emotional,' she confessed. 'It felt like we were genuinely grieving something, which we were because it's a huge chapter of our lives.'
Sadie elaborated that the bond formed on set was unlike any other, surpassing even typical school or university friendships. 'It's bigger than that because nothing else is like this,' she said. 'We're so connected on so many levels, and then also have this really singular experience. I still have these people and everything, but we have to say goodbye to what brought us together. It was like saying goodbye to your childhood.'
Growing Up in the Public Eye
The actress also reflected on the unique challenges of coming of age while starring in a global television sensation. She admitted that growing up in the public eye was 'hard' and that she often felt unable to voice her struggles.
'Looking back on my teenage years, growing up on the show, I was really protected by the people around me,' Sadie shared. 'And by myself too. I think I was super protective of who I was. It definitely was hard in all the ways you would expect it to be hard.'
She revealed a significant internal conflict, feeling that she couldn't complain about the pressures because she was living such an 'amazing thing.' 'I didn't really have an outlet for that,' she stated. 'Now I do. I know that I do need that and need to talk about these things.' Looking back, she can now see how those formative years have shaped the person she is today.
Embracing Her Signature Look
Beyond discussing the show, Sadie touched upon her personal identity, specifically her relationship with her famous red hair. She revealed she plans on never dying her hair.
'Anyone who has red hair knows the ups and downs of your relationship with it,' she said. 'Sometimes you're like, Yes, I love my hair. It's the best thing ever. And then sometimes you're like, Oh my God, I hate it.'
However, the advice she has heard her entire life has stuck with her: 'never dye your hair.' She joked, 'People pay so much money for that hair.' As someone with no piercings or tattoos, she concluded, 'I like the idea of never doing anything.'
