Dakota Fanning Reflects on Life as a Child Star: "I Remember Journalists Asking Me, 'How Are You Avoiding Becoming a Tabloid Girl?'

Dakota Fanning, who rose to fame as a child star in films like "I Am Sam" and "Uptown Girls," recently opened up about the inappropriate questions she faced from the media during her early career. The actress also shared her thoughts on the fascination with troubled child stars and her own strategies for avoiding the pitfalls that often accompany childhood fame.

Dakota Fanning, who began her acting career at the tender age of five, has grown into a respected actress in her own right. Despite being in the spotlight for over two decades, Fanning has managed to avoid the dramatic rise and fall that has plagued many other child stars.

Dakota Fanning Reflects on Life as a Child Star: "I Remember Journalists Asking Me, 'How Are You Avoiding Becoming a Tabloid Girl?'

In a recent interview with The Cut, Fanning spoke candidly about her experiences as a young actress, recalling the inappropriate questions she was asked by journalists. "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.

"I was in an interview as a child and somebody asked, 'How could you possibly have any friends?' It's like, huh?" Fanning continued.

Dakota Fanning Reflects on Life as a Child Star: "I Remember Journalists Asking Me, 'How Are You Avoiding Becoming a Tabloid Girl?'

Despite the scrutiny she faced, Fanning says she was able to dodge the tabloids due to a combination of factors, including her strong family support and her own refusal to let public perception influence her choices.

"I have a mother who taught me how to treat other people and also how to treat myself. And she was there every second. I was always treated with respect. It was never 'Bring the kid in! Get her out!' I wasn't working with people who treated me that way — I was being respected as an actor and as equal as you can be for that age," she explained.

Dakota Fanning Reflects on Life as a Child Star: "I Remember Journalists Asking Me, 'How Are You Avoiding Becoming a Tabloid Girl?'

Reflecting on the challenges faced by child stars, Fanning expressed concern over the public's fascination with their struggles. "People would ask super-inappropriate questions. I was in an interview as a child and somebody asked, 'How could you possibly have any friends?' It's like, huh?" — Dakota Fanning

"That's the thing. It's like, 'Is that what you want to happen to me somehow? Is that what you want to happen to these people?' I've definitely felt this kind of vibe from people almost wanting me to fail or something. It makes you feel a little bit guarded," Fanning said.

Dakota Fanning Reflects on Life as a Child Star: "I Remember Journalists Asking Me, 'How Are You Avoiding Becoming a Tabloid Girl?'

However, she also acknowledged that society has become more aware of the importance of treating child stars with respect. "People couldn't get away with that kind of thing so much anymore. By the time I got to that age, it was sort of being recognized as probably not the best way to treat people."

Fanning also emphasized the importance of separating her work from her personal life. "I have some separation. I think that's maybe something particular to me. The work is the thing that I like. So the stuff that comes with it, this part of it, it's not the thing that I like as much. I don't get dressed to walk down the street. That's just not me. I am just an actor. And the other things that come with it are things that you kind of deal with."

Dakota Fanning Reflects on Life as a Child Star: "I Remember Journalists Asking Me, 'How Are You Avoiding Becoming a Tabloid Girl?'

Now, 25 years into the industry, Fanning has no regrets about her childhood stardom. "I'm pretty happy with who I was then. I don't look back and have any regrets," she told The Cut. "I never let public perception or any of that stuff really influence the choices that I made, and I just tried to stay true to myself. I'm pretty proud of my past self."