Bella Thorne, a name synonymous with youthful exuberance and controversy, has carved out a multifaceted career in the entertainment industry. Whether you love her or not, there’s no denying that the former Disney star has made significant strides in television, film, and music. Here’s a comprehensive look at her life, career, and the myriad accomplishments that define her journey.
Born on October 8, 1997, in Pembroke Pines, Florida, Bella Thorne’s early life was marked by both joy and hardship. Raised by her single mother Tamara after her father Reinaldo Thorne tragically died in a car accident in 2007, Bella grew up in a family of performers. She is of Cuban descent on her father’s side and has three siblings—Remy, Kaili, and Dani—who are also in the entertainment industry. This vibrant family dynamic undoubtedly influenced Bella’s artistic pursuits from a young age.
Bella Thorne’s childhood was not without its challenges. Diagnosed with dyslexia in first grade, she faced bullying due to her learning disability and her ability to speak Spanish. In 2017, she opened up about her struggles with dyslexia on Chelsea Handler’s show, revealing how she overcame these challenges to succeed in school and beyond. Additionally, in a poignant revelation on social media in 2018, Bella disclosed that she had been sexually abused until she was 14. The outpouring of support from her fans highlighted her bravery in sharing her painful past.
Bella began acting at the tender age of six to help support her family financially. Her early career included minor roles in popular shows like “Entourage” and “The O.C.” These appearances paved the way for more substantial roles in series such as “Dirty Sexy Money,” “My Own Worst Enemy,” and “October Road.” Each role allowed her to hone her craft and gain invaluable experience in the industry.
Bella’s big break came in November 2010 when she was cast in Disney Channel’s “Shake It Up!” alongside Zendaya. Portraying CeCe Jones, a dyslexic dancer aspiring for stardom, Bella resonated with young audiences worldwide. The show was a significant success and ran for three seasons, establishing both Bella and Zendaya as rising stars. The bond between the two co-stars remains strong, often showcased through their endearing social media interactions.
While still starring in “Shake It Up!,” Bella embarked on a music career, releasing her first single, “Watch Me,” in June 2010. The track, featuring her and Zendaya, became a hit among Disney fans. Bella continued her musical journey with singles like “TTYLXOX,” further establishing her as a multi-talented performer. In 2013, she signed with Hollywood Records and planned to release a pop album. Although the album was eventually shelved, she released a five-song EP, “Jersey,” which included the dance hit “Call It Whatever.”
In recent years, Bella has ventured into a more mature sound. Her 2017 singles “Bitch, I’m Bella Thorne,” “GOAT,” and “Pussy Mine” marked a clear departure from her Disney roots, embracing a blend of EDM and hip-hop influences. She now records under her label, Filthy Fangs, showcasing her growth as an artist and her desire to take creative control of her music career.
Bella Thorne’s filmography is diverse, featuring roles in comedies, dramas, and thrillers. She starred alongside Adam Sandler in “Blended” and appeared in “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,” “The DUFF,” “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip,” and “Boo! A Madea Halloween.” In 2016, she explored darker themes with “Shovel Buddies,” a SXSW selection. Her penchant for horror and thriller genres continued with Netflix’s “The Babysitter” and “You Get Me.”
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2018 was a prolific year for Bella, with roles in five films, including “Assassination Nation” and “Midnight Sun.” She continues to challenge herself with diverse roles in upcoming projects like “Ride,” “Conrad & Michelle,” and “Exo.” Bella’s versatility as an actress is evident in her ability to switch seamlessly between genres, from light-hearted comedies to intense thrillers.
Post-Disney, Bella Thorne continued to make her mark on television. She had a notable appearance in MTV’s “Scream” series, choosing to play the iconic opening scene victim rather than the lead role. In 2017, she landed the lead role in Freeform’s “Famous in Love,” though the show was canceled after two seasons amidst rumors of conflicts with the network. Bella is set to appear in a feature-length episode of BET’s “Tales,” which will bring Lil Uzi Vert’s “XO Tour Llif3” to life.
In addition to her acting and music careers, Bella is also an author. She penned “Autumn Falls,” a YA novel about a redhead grappling with the loss of her father, which received favorable reviews and spawned a sequel, “Autumn’s Kiss.” Bella’s entrepreneurial spirit is further evidenced by her active involvement in creating content for her social media platforms, where she connects with her fans through unfiltered posts and personalized Cameo videos.
Bella Thorne’s personal life often makes headlines. She has been linked to several high-profile names, including Brandon Lee, Tyler Posey, Charlie Puth, and Scott Disick. Bella came out as bisexual in 2016 and has since dated YouTuber Tana Mongeau and rapper Mod Sun, showcasing her openness and authenticity in sharing her journey with her fans.