Millie Bobby Brown has rarely spoken publicly about her daughter, but in a recent interview on Jay Shetty's podcast On Purpose, she opened up about the life-changing moment she and her husband, Jake Bongiovi, received the call confirming the adoption of their baby girl.

"It was a really surreal feeling," the actress said, describing the call that came about a year ago. The couple, who have been together since 2021 and married in 2024 in an intimate ceremony at Villa Cetinale in Tuscany, are now proud parents to a little girl whose name they have chosen not to share publicly.

Brown, 21, has faced criticism for becoming a mother at a young age and for choosing adoption. In her conversation with Shetty, she explained that adopting a child had always been one of her primary goals. "I have a lot of friends who are adopted. I always wanted to be a mother—it was a dream—but for me, adoption was the first step," she said. "I don't have some particular explanation, but when you have something deep inside you, it doesn't leave you. It's always been like that; I always knew it would be part of my journey."

The Stranger Things star revealed that her passion for adoption grew during her studies in social work. "I studied social work for two years and fell in love with it. I mainly studied adoption, and that's when my interest really sparked. I discovered the perspective of social workers, which I find fascinating. Hats off to all social workers for their work! I think it's extraordinary and incredible. Changing the course of children's lives forever is a wonderful thing, so kudos! Discovering all of that was fantastic."

Brown's husband, Jake Bongiovi, the son of musician Jon Bon Jovi, was equally on board from the beginning. "I would say Jake was on board from the start. Maybe that's why I married him. You know, sometimes, to be with someone, you have to show them who you are and they show you who they are. But we were on the same wavelength; there was no need for explanations. It was wonderful to know that we wanted to start a family based on love, but through adoption. I find that really exceptional."

The adoption process was lengthy and meticulous. The couple had to go through a rigorous evaluation to be matched with a child. When they finally got the call that they had been matched with a baby girl, the emotions were overwhelming. "At that moment, we knew we had found each other. We said, 'Oh my God, that's the baby for us!'" When Shetty asked if she captured that moment on video, Brown replied emotionally, "No, and I think that makes it even more precious because, you know, my whole life has been filmed. But in this particular case, it wasn't necessary. My husband and I will never forget those words. Where we were, what we were doing, what we felt."

Recalling a conversation with another adoptive mother, Brown shared a poignant phrase that has stayed with her: "There are two ways to have a child: through the belly and through the heart. My little girl was born through my heart."

The actress has been fiercely protective of her daughter's privacy. In an earlier interview with Vogue, she explained her reasoning: "It's not my place to intentionally expose her against her will. If one day she decides to share her personality with the world, like I did when I was young, we would support her. But right now, when she's so young, as parents, it is our duty to protect her."

Millie Bobby Brown first gained global fame at the age of 12 for her breakthrough role as Eleven in the Netflix series Stranger Things, which premiered in 2016. Since then, she has become one of the most recognized young actresses in the world, starring in films such as Enola Holmes and its sequel, as well as Godzilla: King of the Monsters and Godzilla vs. Kong. In 2021, she released her debut novel, Nineteen Steps, which is based on her grandmother's experiences during World War II. She also launched a beauty line, Florence by Mills, which emphasizes clean, cruelty-free products for young skin.

Brown's decision to adopt at a relatively young age reflects a growing trend among celebrities to expand their families through adoption. Many stars, including Angelina Jolie, Sandra Bullock, and Charlize Theron, have adopted children and spoken about the profound impact it has had on their lives. Adoption allows parents to provide loving homes for children in need, often with open or semi-open arrangements that maintain connections with birth families. In recent years, celebrity adoptions have brought increased visibility to the process, but they also raise questions about the ethics of international and domestic adoption, particularly when wealth and fame are involved. Brown, however, has emphasized that her journey was deeply personal and not about publicity.

The actress also addressed the harsh criticism she has received online, particularly for becoming a mother at 20. "People can be really cruel," she said in the podcast. "But at the end of the day, I know what's right for my family. We are a strong unit, and we love each other unconditionally. That's all that matters."

Brown and Bongiovi met on a dating app in 2021 and quickly formed a strong bond. They got engaged in 2023 and married in a small ceremony in Tuscany in May 2024. Bongiovi, a model and student, has often been seen supporting Brown at premieres and events. Their partnership appears to be built on mutual respect and shared values, which Brown noted when discussing their alignment on adoption. "We wanted the same things," she said. "That's rare."

The couple's daughter, who is now around a year old, is being raised away from the public eye. Brown has made it clear that she wants her child to have a normal childhood, despite her own fame. "I grew up in the spotlight, and I know how hard it can be. I want her to have a chance to discover who she is before the world decides for her."

In her interview, Brown expressed gratitude for the adoption process and the social workers who facilitated it. She praised the system for its thoroughness, noting that while it was challenging, it ultimately ensured the best match for everyone involved. "The home visits, the interviews, the waiting—it was all worth it. Every second of it. Because now we have our daughter, and she is everything."

The actress also touched on her own childhood, which was marked by bullying and health issues. She was born in Marbella, Spain, in 2004 to British parents and grew up in Bournemouth, England. She started acting at a young age, moving to Hollywood with her family to pursue her career. Despite early successes, she faced personal struggles, including a diagnosis of partial hearing loss in one ear. These experiences have shaped her perspective on resilience and empathy, qualities she hopes to pass on to her daughter.

As for the future, Brown said she might have more children, both biological and adopted. "I'm open to whatever life brings. Right now, I'm just enjoying being a mum. It's the best job in the world."

The full interview on On Purpose offers deeper insights into Brown's philosophy on motherhood, love, and family. It's a candid, heartfelt conversation that reveals a mature young woman who has chosen to build her family on a foundation of intentionality and love.

Source: MSN News