Dakota Fanning Recalls Facing "Super-Inappropriate" Questions as a Child Star in Early Interviews

Dakota Fanning, now 30, recently opened up about the challenging aspects of being a child star, revealing that she faced "super-inappropriate questions" during interviews at a young age. In an interview with The Cut, Fanning shared her experiences of stardom after her breakout role at age 7 in the 2001 film I Am Sam. "In interviews at a young age, I remember journalists asking me, 'How are you avoiding becoming a tabloid girl?' People would ask super-inappropriate questions," she said. Fanning also recalled being asked, "How could you possibly have any friends?" which she found bewildering as a child.

Fanning, who starred alongside her sister Elle in I Am Sam, credited her family for helping her avoid the pitfalls often faced by child actors. "I have a lot of compassion for people who have been made into examples," she said, reflecting on how society and the media impact child stars. She added, "My family is comprised of very nice, kind, protective people." Fanning specifically praised her mother, Hannah Joy Arrington, for ensuring she was always treated with respect on set.

Despite the pressures of growing up in the spotlight, Fanning said she remains focused on her acting career rather than celebrity status. "I am just an actor. And the other things that come with it are things that you kind of deal with," she said, explaining that her main focus has always been her work.