Former Disney Channel child star Alyson Stoner has promised to expose the “dark” side of the industry in their brand new podcast, Dear Hollywood.
The 30-year-old – who uses the pronouns she/she – rose to prominence with movies like Cheaper by the Dozen and Step up, as well as the television series Drake & Josh and That’s So Raven, but she didn’t start performing until the age of three.
Alyson not only suffered from anxiety and was hospitalized, but has also spent time in rehab and struggled with anorexia and bulimia in the past.
In a trailer for Dear Hollywood, Alyson detailed some of their issues and teased what’s to come in the upcoming episodes.
“Drug addiction, psychiatric hospitalizations, decimated fortunes, sexual trauma, incarceration, suicide. Name something comparable to the pop culture phenomenon of child stardom,’ they began.
Speaking: Alyson Stoner has vowed to expose the ‘dark’ side of the film industry in their brand new podcast, Dear Hollywood
Back in the day: Alyson, pictured here in 2005, started working professionally in Hollywood at the age of seven
Not easy: The TV star, pictured here in 2005, struggled with anorexia and bulimia in the past
In the video, the actor sits on a velvet couch with a big microphone as they continued, “I’m Alyson, I started performing when I was three years old and was working professionally in Hollywood when I was seven.
“In Dear Hollywood, I’ll take you to every stop, from toddler to train wreck. Are you here for gossip and a conspiracy? For passive entertainment? For social activism?’
They ended by adding, “No one has ever called you to the call before and I need your help.”
When they shared the video on Instagram, the post was accompanied by a lengthy caption that began, “It’s time to expose Hollywood. Childhood stardom is a unique cultural phenomenon with a notoriously dark shadow.
Precocious young talent skyrockets to success, only to repeat horror stories of addiction, decimated fortunes and suicide. What’s behind the wreck pipeline from toddler to train? Why hasn’t it stopped? How are you connected to it at home?
“I will reveal intimate first-hand stories alongside extensive expertise and action plans to transform entertainment and inspire your own life path and healing,” added Alyson.
They were soon inundated with comments and praise from their friends and followers as Jordin Sparks wrote, “Wooooow! Pride doesn’t begin to cover it. Glad you are free and stepping into your power!’
Fellow child star Erin Sanders wrote, “Wow, I’m so proud of you — and you look amazing too.” Love your voice, your confidence, your hair, your styling.’
Their truth: Alyson told listeners to “get ready for candid conversations” with each episode
Years ago: Alyson on an episode of Nickelodeon TV show Drake & Josh in 2004
In the past: The brunette rose to fame at a very young age and eventually suffered from anxiety
One fan told Alyson, “This is unbelievable. Thank you for using your vote. I can’t wait to support you in this. I am so inspired by your courage and strength.”
And another added: “Great respect for removing yourself from the toxicity and using your voice to help others.”
In recent years, The Phineas and Ferb star has spoken out about their personal experience in the industry and also founded Movement Genius, a digital wellness platform that offers on-demand classes for mental, emotional, and physical wellness.
Alyson’s new podcast comes after they revealed they were fired from an unnamed children’s show after coming out as queer.
The Ohio-born star opened up about the aftermath and challenges they faced when it came to their careers after sharing their sexuality.
In an appearance on the podcast I literally scream with SpencewuahAlyson described the alleged discrimination they faced in Hollywood after coming out in 2018.
They revealed that they were considered “unsafe” by employers to work around children because of their sexuality, resulting in their dismissal and forever affecting their careers.
Alyson said of the time they were discussing coming out: “It was really nerve wracking and the reason I ended up doing it was because my girlfriend got to a point in our relationship at the time where it felt like it was a disservice to her to hide her.
Previous struggles: The actor, pictured here in 2009, first developed anxiety when he was six
Opening: Alyson will chronicle their journey from “toddler to trainwreck” in the new podcast
Shocking statement: Alyson has claimed they were fired from a children’s TV show after coming out as queer
“While there were other pressures and considerations about going public, I felt like I wanted to do this.”
The former dancer revealed that after revealing they were queer, they ended up being fired from their jobs, which led them to star in a children’s show.
“I ended up getting fired from a kids show because they thought I was unsafe now that they knew I was strange to be around kids.
“So there was definitely discrimination there, but the beauty far outweighs the hate comments and death threats,” Alyson said.