Amanda Laura Bynes, more prominently known as Amanda Bynes, was born on April 3, 1986, in Thousand Oaks, California. Her acting journey began in 1996 when she successfully auditioned for a role as a newcomer on “All That” (1994).
Amanda Bynes on May 17, 2005, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Amanda Bynes on February 13, 2009, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Her magnetic presence in skits, notably in the popular “Ask Ashley” segment, where she portrayed a little girl managing an advice column with a penchant for becoming irate, quickly became a fan-favorite.
At the tender age of 13 in 1999, Bynes achieved another milestone in her career by headlining her own variety show, “The Amanda Show,” where she showcased her talent in various skits, excluding “Totally Kyle.”
Amanda Bynes in Los Angeles, California, United States, on September 6, 1998 | Source: Getty Images
Several years after the show, Bynes’ co-stars alleged that they had been abused on the Nickelodeon TV series set. They shared their stories in the “Quiet On Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV,” documentary.
Bynes and her family were approached to also appear on the doccie but they refused to participate. Per media reports, the star said she was not interested in looking back at those times because she did not have a bad experience. Instead, she is appreciative of the network that launched her acting career.
Amanda Bynes in April 14, 2000 | Source: Getty Images
However, in June 2010, she announced her retirement from acting via Twitter. Despite retracting the announcement in August of the same year, Bynes has not yet made a comeback to the entertainment industry.
Bynes’ recent transformation has sparked curiosity about the procedure she underwent.
Hilary Duff and Amanda Bynes with Sponge Bob Square Pants on April 20, 2002 | Source: Getty Images
In a 1999 interview with Howie Mandel, the then-12-year-old Bynes shared a charming anecdote about her introduction to the world of acting. As the youngest of three children, Bynes inherited her sense of humor from her father, Rick Bynes, a dentist who also pursued stand-up comedy.
Hilary Duff and Amanda Bynes in Los Angeles, California, United States, on May 31, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
Amanda Bynes in Westwood, California, United States, on March 8, 2006 | Source: Getty Images
She recalled how her dad saw an article about kids participating in a comedy camp, which sparked her entry into the realm of acting and entertainment. Encouraged by her father, Bynes ventured into acting, securing roles in commercials and local theater productions. When she was 10, Nickelodeon executives scouted her at a comedy camp for kids hosted at the Los Angeles comedy club, “Laugh Factory.”
Why Amanda Bynes Couldn’t Stand Her Own Appearance?
In November 2018, Bynes expressed deep remorse for her past actions, specifically regrettable messages about fellow celebrities and family members. She conveyed that she was truly ashamed and embarrassed by the things she had said.
Bynes apologized, stating that she was sorry for whoever she had hurt and whoever she had lied about because it truly ate away at her. She also expressed that everything she had worked her whole life to achieve, she had kind of ruined.
Amanda Bynes on September 14, 2009, in New York | Source: Getty Images
Amanda Bynes on March 11, 2009, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
Despite finding humor in her retirement announcement via tweet, Bynes hesitated to delve into more distressing episodes. A crucial factor in her retirement decision was her dissatisfaction with her appearance and performance in her last film, “Easy A.”
Bynes disclosed that a combination of being “so high that I couldn’t remember my lines” and disliking her appearance led her to withdraw from the film. Contrary to reports of being fired, Bynes clarified that she chose to leave, acknowledging the unprofessionalism of her departure.
Amanda Bynes on October 6, 2014, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Amanda Bynes on July 9, 2013, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Months after stepping away from Hall Pass, Bynes attended a screening of “Easy A,” where she confessed, “I literally couldn’t stand my appearance in that movie and I didn’t like my performance. I was absolutely convinced I needed to stop acting after seeing it.”
Amanda Bynes on October 6, 2014, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
She attributed this intense aversion to a drug-induced state, possibly a form of psychosis, which significantly altered her perception and reinforced her decision to retire from acting.
Amanda Bynes’ Mental Health Journey
Bynes, renowned for her prominence as a Nickelodeon star in the early ’90s and early 2000s, has been candid about her mental health journey. In 2014, she disclosed that she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Additionally, in 2018, the teen idol revealed that she had also grappled with substance abuse issues.
Amanda Bynes on April 6, 2012, in West Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
By 2020, Bynes marked a significant milestone, celebrating one year of sobriety. During this time, she also introduced her on-again, off-again fiancé, Paul Michael. However, concerns arose when her then-fiancé mentioned that Bynes had ceased taking her medication.
Amanda Bynes on July 9, 2013, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
In 2013, Bynes, a former beloved child artist, faced significant challenges related to mental health and substance abuse. The legal system became involved when her parents sought court control through a conservatorship.
Amanda Bynes on July 23, 2015, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Her parents expressed profound concerns about their daughter’s well-being, who was 27 at the time, asserting that there was a risk of self-harm or harm to others unless they were granted authority over her medical care and finances.
Lynn Bynes and Rick Bynes, Amanda Bynes’ parents, on August 9, 2013, in Oxnard, California | Source: Getty Images
Amanda Bynes on May 24, 2013, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
During the court proceedings, Bynes’ parents reportedly detailed disturbing behavior on her part. They revealed her conviction that she was under constant surveillance through smoke detectors and her car’s dashboard. Furthermore, there were apprehensions about her contemplating unnecessary and hazardous cosmetic surgeries.
Getting Back on Track & Finding Love
In November 2018, the “What a Girl Wants” actress shared that she had been sober for nearly four years. She credited her parents with playing a significant role in helping her get back on track.
In March 2022, after nearly nine years, Bynes was anticipated to be liberated from her conservatorship. A court hearing officially confirmed the termination following a judge’s tentative ruling that declared the conservatorship “no longer required.”
Amanda Bynes with parents Rick and Lynn Bynes, circa November 4, 2004 | Source: Getty Images
Bynes’ attorney, David A. Esquibias, expressed excitement for her newfound freedom. Speaking before the hearing, Esquibias stated, “I’m excited for her. She is excited. We’re all excited and we’re all anxiously looking forward to Amanda living a life as a private and normal citizen.”
Discussing Bynes’ future plans, Esquibias mentioned, “Besides normalcy as a person and a student, I know that she is looking forward to what her next step is going to be. One of the things that she’s talking about is a fragrance line and possibly a clothing line while she is concentrating on school. She is very creative, so she’s trying to find an outlet for that.”
Amanda Bynes with sister and mom in Hollywood, California, on April 30, 2006 | Source: Getty Images
In February 2020, the “Sydney White” alum made a joyous announcement, declaring that she had found “the one.” The then-33-year-old actress revealed her engagement on Valentine’s Day, sharing a close-up photo on Instagram of her hand adorned with the engagement ring, held in what appeared to be her fiancé’s hand.
Although details about her new mystery man were limited, a source close to the actress confirmed that the couple had met towards the end of 2019. Describing Bynes’ demeanor, the source noted, “She seems happy.”
In March 2023, Bynes, unfortunately, couldn’t attend the second annual ’90s Con, where her former “All That” co-stars made a heartfelt gesture of support in her absence. When he took the stage, Kel Mitchell, 44, requested attendees to “send a prayer” to Amanda, wishing her a swift recovery while refraining from providing further details about her health.
She Feels More Confident Now
On December 12, 2023, Bynes shared a video on TikTok, disclosing that she underwent a blepharoplasty, a procedure aimed at removing excess eyelid skin.
The 37-year-old former teen sensation, who was seen debuting a brand new buzz-cut mullet, conveyed to her social media audience that the results of the surgery significantly bolstered her confidence.
Amanda Bynes sporting her new hair and look, as seen in a video dated December 12, 2023 | Source: tiktok.com/@amandaamandaamanda1986
A close-up of Amanda Bynes’ face, as seen in a video dated December 12, 2023 | Source: tiktok.com/@amandaamandaamanda1986
In the video, the “Big Fat Liar” actress expressed, “It was one of the best things I could’ve ever done for my self-confidence, and it made me feel a lot better in my skin, so I just wanted to post about that just to clear up that rumor as to why I have a new look.”
Amanda Bynes sporting her new hair and look, as seen in a video dated December 24, 2023 | Source: tiktok.com/@amandaamandaamanda1986
Bynes, whose photos from Instagram and TikTok have been removed, stated that she felt a lot better about herself now. She was glad she had the blepharoplasty surgery, considering it one of the most incredible things she could have ever done.
Amanda Bynes sporting her new hair and look, as seen in a video dated December 19, 2023 | Source: tiktok.com/@amandaamandaamanda1986
Bynes’ recent transformation has sparked curiosity about the procedure she underwent. Renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Peter Lee, who specializes in blepharoplasty and serves as the CEO at Wave Plastic Surgery, shared his thoughts on the Hollywood star’s appearance.
Amanda Bynes sporting her new hair and look, as seen in a video dated December 19, 2023 | Source: tiktok.com/@amandaamandaamanda1986
Amanda Bynes in a screengrab from her social post | Source: Instagram/@amandaamandaamanda1986
Amanda Bynes pictured on January 9, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Though Dr. Lee did not personally treat Bynes, he expressed approval of her results, mentioning that they appeared natural and had given her a fresher look.
According to him, the crucial aspect is that the procedure doesn’t alter one’s identity but rather restores a more youthful version of oneself, which seems to be the case for Bynes.
