Winona Ryder Reveals She Was Bullied Over ‘Beetlejuice’

While aspects of their lives are certainly extraordinary, it’s no secret that child stars also grapple with some unique problems that stem from growing up in the limelight. Now actress Winona Ryder, who first rose to prominence with her role in 1988’s “Beetlejuice,” reveals that she was bullied at school for having acted in the dark comedy classic.

Ryder was just 17 when “Beetlejuice” premiered. “I remember thinking, ‘Ooh, it’s like the number-one movie. This is going to make things great at school.’ But it made things worse. They called me a witch,” the actress told Marie Claire.

Although Winona Ryder went on to star in a number of notable films, including “Heathers,” “Edward Scissorhands,” “Reality Bites,” and “Girl, Interrupted,” she eventually took an extended hiatus from acting after a shoplifting scandal in 2002.

However, the actress says her departure from Hollywood wasn’t as dramatic as the media made it out to be. “My hiatus,” she said to the magazine with a roll of her eyes. “Whatever they want to call it—I did take time off. It was mutual, I think. I just went through a tough time.”

Ryder said she utilized her time off to explore other interests, including the study of constitutional law.

Now that she’s back in the limelight thanks to her acclaimed role the Netflix hit series, “Stranger Things,” the star says she’s a bit confused by the public’s fascination with the show and her character.

“It’s so overwhelming. I don’t know what it’s like for really famous people…I keep hearing that people are dressing up like me [as her character in the show, Joyce.] I’m like, ‘What?'” she tells the magazine.

But the role has appeared to revive her career, as she’s set to star in “Destination Wedding” with Keanu Reeves in 2018, and there is already talk of a third season of “Stranger Things.”

We’re so glad this is one child star who made it out the other side!