Amanda Bynes was once one of the biggest teen stars in Hollywood. Known for her quick wit, comedic timing, and charm, she rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s. But after reaching major success at a young age, Bynes suddenly disappeared from the spotlight. So, where is Amanda Bynes now? What has she been doing since leaving acting? This article takes a deep look at her life, struggles, recovery, and current projects.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Amanda Laura Bynes was born on April 3, 1986, in Thousand Oaks, California. She started acting at the age of 7 in commercials and soon caught the attention of producers. In 1996, she joined the cast of Nickelodeon’s All That, a sketch comedy show for kids. Her natural talent stood out, and by 1999, she landed her own spin-off, The Amanda Show.
The show was a hit and turned Bynes into a household name. She became a favorite among young audiences and won several Kids’ Choice Awards for her performances.
Rise to Fame
In her teens, Amanda successfully moved beyond children’s TV. She starred in the WB sitcom What I Like About You alongside Jennie Garth. She also made a splash in movies, starring in hits like:
What a Girl Wants (2003)
She’s the Man (2006)
Hairspray (2007), which earned her a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination
Sydney White (2007)
Easy A (2010)
Her success led to her being named to the Forbes Celebrity 100 list in 2003 at just 17 years old. She was praised for being funny, relatable, and down-to-earth.
Why Amanda Bynes Quit Acting
Despite her success, Amanda Bynes began to struggle with her self-image and mental health. After filming She’s the Man, she felt deeply uncomfortable seeing herself dressed as a boy on screen. In a 2018 interview with Paper magazine, she revealed that it sent her into a “deep depression.”
During that time, she also started using Adderall, a prescription stimulant, because she heard it helped with weight loss. This marked the beginning of a difficult period in her life.
Her breaking point came in 2010 after watching herself in Easy A. She didn’t like how she looked or how she acted in the movie. “I literally couldn’t stand my appearance,” she told Paper. She then announced her retirement from acting.
Legal Issues and Conservatorship
After stepping away from acting, Bynes faced several legal problems between 2012 and 2014. These included:
Two hit-and-run charges (later dismissed after settlements)
A DUI arrest in 2012 (charges later dropped in a plea deal)
An incident where she started a small fire in a stranger’s driveway
Following the fire, she was placed on a 72-hour psychiatric hold. Her behavior had become concerning, and in 2013, her parents requested a conservatorship. Her mother, Lynn Bynes, was granted control over Amanda’s medical and personal decisions.
Amanda remained under the conservatorship for almost nine years, until March 2022.
Life Under Conservatorship
During this time, Amanda focused on healing and education. In 2014, she enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles. She studied fashion design and even expressed hopes of launching her own clothing line.
In 2018, she returned to social media and shared that she had been sober for four years. She also made amends with her parents and apologized for past behavior. In the Paper interview, she admitted that many of her disturbing tweets were drug-induced, saying she felt “ashamed and embarrassed.”
Although she relapsed in late 2018 and entered rehab in early 2019, Amanda graduated from FIDM in June 2019. She then moved into a sober living facility and announced her engagement to Paul Michael. Their relationship eventually ended in mid-2022.
Amanda Bynes Now: 2022–2025
End of Conservatorship
In early 2022, Amanda filed to end her conservatorship. Both her parents supported her decision, stating she had made “significant progress.” In March 2022, a judge officially ended the conservatorship, giving Amanda full control over her life.
In a statement to PEOPLE, she said:
“I’ve been working hard to improve my health so that I can live and work independently, and I will continue to prioritize my well-being.”
Health Updates and Career Moves
In 2023, Amanda was scheduled to appear at 90s Con to reunite with her All That castmates. But she canceled at the last minute due to an undisclosed health issue. Around the same time, TMZ reported that she had sought mental health treatment following another episode.
In March 2024, Amanda updated fans via Instagram Stories, sharing that she had been struggling with depression but was “doing a lot better now.”
Fashion and Art
Amanda returned to her love of fashion and creativity in 2024. She collaborated with designer Austin Babbitt, also known as Asspizza, on a limited release of clothing featuring her original artwork. The collection, which included a T-shirt and shorts, quickly sold out.
She also told PEOPLE that they were working on an art and fashion pop-up show, expected to launch in December 2024.
OnlyFans and Weight Loss Journey
In April 2025, Amanda joined OnlyFans, not for adult content, but as a way to connect with fans. She made it clear:
“I won’t be posting any sleazy content. I’m doing OnlyFans to chat with my fans through DMs.”
In June 2025, she shared that she had started a weight loss journey using Ozempic. She posted:
“I’m 173 now, so I hope to get down to like 130, which would be awesome so I look better in paparazzi pictures.”
Amanda’s Career Plans and Public Image Today
Although Amanda Bynes has stayed mostly out of the spotlight, she remains a beloved figure for many fans who grew up watching her. She has focused on her mental health, personal happiness, and creative passions. Her interest in fashion and art suggests she’s carving out a new identity outside of Hollywood.
She continues to share updates on Instagram, giving fans a glimpse into her journey—honestly and without drama.
What’s Next for Amanda Bynes?
As of mid-2025, Amanda Bynes seems focused on building a healthier, more independent life. Whether she returns to acting or not, it’s clear she’s passionate about art, fashion, and finding balance.
Her story is one of resilience. After facing immense pressure, public scrutiny, and personal challenges, Amanda is slowly rebuilding her life on her own terms.
FAQs About Amanda Bynes
Why did Amanda Bynes quit acting?
She left acting in 2010 after struggling with body image issues and feeling unhappy with her appearance in Easy A.
Is Amanda Bynes still under conservatorship?
No. Her conservatorship officially ended in March 2022.
What is Amanda Bynes doing now?
She is focused on mental health, fashion design, and art. She’s also active on social media and recently joined OnlyFans.
Did Amanda Bynes graduate from fashion school?
Yes. She graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in 2019.
Is Amanda Bynes planning to return to acting?
There are no confirmed acting projects, but she has expressed interest in creative work like fashion and art.