Content Warning: In-Depth Discussions of Child Sexualization

Mara Wilson started acting at the age of 6 in the early 90s. She started her acting career off strong in Mrs. Doubtfire and then on to star in Matilda and the Christmas movie Miracle on 34th Street. Wilson, now 35, recalls her time as a child actor and the unwanted sexualization that comes with it.

Wilson’s parents stayed protective of her and only allowed her to work in family movies. On set, Wilson as a child, always felt safe since the film crew was welcoming. However, the outside world sexualized Wilson, even as a child, in children’s movies. Adult men specifically sexualized her, attempted to contact her, and sent inappropriate posts to her online.

Wilson’s pictures were displayed on porn sites and photoshopped onto other women’s bodies. Wilson states, “I made the mistake of googling myself when I was 12 and saw things that I couldn’t unsee.” 

However, it was not only the outside world affecting her. Journalists also sexualized her in interviews at 7 years old. In one interview, Wilson was asked if she knew about French kissing and what actors she thought were the ‘sexiest.’ 

Things took a turn when Wilson hit puberty at the age of 12. She remembers being asked by a director to flatten her chest with a sports bra. Wilson recalls, “It affected me for a very long time because I had this Hollywood idea that if you’re not cute anymore if you’re not beautiful, then you are worthless.” She believes this was the downfall of her acting career.

Since then, Wilson became a vocal advocate for other child stars, such as discussing the sexualization of Millie Bobby Brown from Stranger Things and how Britney Spears has been treated over the years.