In 2010, former Nickelodeon star, Amanda Bynes, revealed to the world she was quitting acting because she “doesn’t love acting anymore” and it “isn’t as fun as it may seem.”
Not many predicted the downfall that would follow a short two years later. The last 13 months have been filled with DUI charges, hit-and-run charges, bizarre Twitter tirades, a drastic change in her appearance and, most recently, an involuntary 72-psychiatric hold that was extended to two weeks.
The public has largely assumed Bynes is suffering from mental issues and they have a front row seat to her imminent destruction. A former colleague and friend, Nick Cannon, recognizes the breakdown and has extended a hand.
Cannon and Bynes first met more than a decade ago during their early years at Nickelodeon. On Wednesday Cannon posted a touching message hoping to explain how easy it is for entertainers to lose it:
“The questions have ranged from, ‘Have you spoken to Amanda’ to ‘Are you working on her rap album.’ Sometimes I would answer in a playful humorous manner and sometimes I would brush it off as another Pop culture topic that a reporter was trying to retrieve a sound bite for. But after recent events of Amanda being admitted under psychiatric care and reported as 5150, I see this as no laughing matter.I tweeted a few weeks about how the entertainment industry just consumes people and spits them out like flavorless bubblegum. A few chews of enjoyment then they’re under a city bus bench. Don’t get me wrong this is not a pity for the popular statement. I am always the first to say that fame and entertainment is one of the best and easiest occupations to ever have, but one must know how to navigate through the matrix or you may find yourself in a very dark hole.”
He goes on to say:
“Imagine being the breadwinner in your household before you can even drive, or never hearing the word ‘no.’ Although being a celebrity comes with fame and fortune, it also comes with its pitfalls,” he noted. “A lack of balance, no sufficient support system and media scrutiny are just some of the challenges.”
Cannon addressed Bynes and other friends and family members that need a helping hand:
“So I say to my sister Amanda Bynes you’re not alone. I’m here for you. I understand. I care and I appreciate you, because that’s what family does and that’s what family is for. I also extend this to anyone else in my life, past or present that may find themselves in hard times. I’m here! Call me! Because I truly believe, the hand you’re helping up today may be the one you’re reaching for tomorrow. So not to be all cheesy and over sentimental but I got to end this with the ingenious Wither’s lyrics, ‘Lean on me when you’re not strong and I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on. For it won’t be long until I’ll need somebody to lean on.’”
Read Cannon’s complete letter here.
