She will forever be fondly remembered as the adorable little dancer in Missy Elliot's "Work It" music video or the cute girl with pigtails in Cheaper by The Dozen 1 and 2. The multi-faceted star is not only an actor but she is also a singer and dancer two. Alyson, a former child star, got her start with Disney.
Alyson boasts an impressive resume, her career peaked in the '00s when she starred in everything from Camp Rock and its sequel to the Step Up franchise. You may not see much of her on TV these days, but she's still dancing and making music. She has also done some voice acting over the years.
In 2019, she released a single called "Stripped Bear" which is a reflection of her growth both as an individual and an artist. Alyson also opened up about struggling with her sexuality and encouraged others to embrace theirs.
She Thinks Child Stardom Is Weird And Unhealthy
Former Disney star Alyson Stoner has been in the game for nearly two decades, she started out as a host for a promotional series called Mike’s Super Short Show. She went on to star in other Disney productions like the Cheaper by the Dozen movies, and the popular TV show The Suite Life of Zack & Cody.
Most people remember Alyson as a cute little dancer in Missy Elliot's "Work It" music video, she attained fame at a young age. Disney is often said to have strict rules that they expect their actors to abide by, and is no easy feat. Stoner spoke about the challenges of child stardom, and the dark side of fame.
According to PEOPLE, the star revealed in a video posted to her YouTube Channel, "Being famous as a kid is weird and unhealthy. " She further added, "I was a pack mule growing up. Living in that little box? Being part of that little machine? It takes a huge toll on you."
When we think of celebrities we picture glitz and glamour, but according to Alyson, fame has a whole other side too.
"The competition, narcissism, perfectionism, the pressure, schedule, the traumatizing experiences that we can never talk about, because we’re either under contract or we’ll get shot or other things will happen to us if we open our mouths."
She Is Still Making Music And Has A Podcast
For a while, it seemed like Alyson had taken a break from the spotlight and it left some people wondering what had happened to the talented 27-year-old star. Stoner's YouTube channel has over 630,000 subscribers where she shares new music and episodes of her "Simplexity" podcast.
As per Business Insider, "In her new show, Stoner aims to understand some of the most pressing issues facing today's global society through interviews with guests from world-renowned businesswomen to hip-hop experts."
Alyson has also continued making music, in 2019 she released "Stripped Bear" which she described as "an anthem" and not "a sad song."
It definitely hasn't been an easy road for the star but nevertheless, she has powered on like a champ. In a powerful YouTube video with Michelle Khare, Alyson revealed how criticism about her appearance led her to rehab for three eating disorders—she was only 17 at the time.
She Struggled To Accept her Sexuality
Her cute little dancer days are long behind her, the star has shed her Disney image over the years and is living life on her terms. In a personal essay, the star revealed that she is attracted to men and women. She also spoke about the challenges she faced in the process of accepting herself. Stoner also encouraged others going through the same challenges to dare to be themselves and to seek support.
In the essay with Teen Vogue, she wrote "I, Alyson, am attracted to men, women, and people who identify in other ways. I can love people of every gender identity and expression. It is the soul that captivates me. It is the love we can build and the goodness we can contribute to the world by supporting each other’s best journeys..."
"For all the challenges I’ve faced in my path to self-acceptance, I’ve also traveled it with my own set of luck and privilege. I’ve learned a novel’s worth already, and I’ve shed several layers of prejudice and closed-mindedness. I now understand why it serves no good to use shame and fear to control and suppress people..."
"If you’re questioning or struggling with your sexuality, gender identity, or anything else, know that I and so many who’ve gone before us are with you. Whatever your identity, you are lovable and wonderful and enough. I’m on the other side of some of these battles internally, but it’s still a challenge in the outside world. It’s OK. Dare to be yourself anyway. Find support, because we’re out there!…"
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