The Viall Files: Episode E891 - Going Deeper with Bella Thorne
Release Date: February 26, 2025
Hosts: Nick Viall, Natalie Viall, and the Household
Guest: Bella Thorne
Introduction
In this emotionally charged episode of The Viall Files, Nick Viall and Natalie Viall welcome actress and entrepreneur Bella Thorne for a candid conversation that delves deep into her personal struggles, triumphs, and ongoing journey toward healing and self-discovery. Skipping the usual podcast advertisements and introductions, the trio focuses entirely on meaningful dialogue, providing listeners with an intimate glimpse into Bella's life.
Early Life and Career
Bella Thorne opens up about her early entrance into the entertainment industry. Starting her modeling career at just six weeks old, Bella recounts her initial forays into acting, mentioning roles in HBO's Big Love and other projects prior to her breakthrough in comedy with Disney's Shake It Up.
Bella Thorne [04:19]: "I did commercials as well and then did acting. And one really fond memory I have is this Target commercial... it was so beautiful."
Despite a challenging start, including being mislabeled as "ugly" by her mother due to birth complications, Bella's resilience shone through, leading her to establish herself as a versatile actress.
Struggles with Bullying and Dyslexia
Bella candidly discusses her painful experiences with bullying during her school years. Diagnosed with dyslexia, she shares the difficulties she faced both academically and socially, highlighting how these experiences shaped her self-esteem and outlook on life.
Bella Thorne [07:39]: "I was also bullied in school when I was there, so they took me out and they took me to Sylvan Learning Center."
Nick relates to Bella's struggles, revealing his own late diagnosis of dyslexia and the challenges it posed in his career, particularly with tasks like reading from a teleprompter.
Nick Viall [08:46]: "I'm a big believer in not leaning into my weaknesses... but it's just nice to know what they are."
Family Tragedies
The conversation takes a somber turn as Bella shares the heartbreaking loss of her father in a motorcycle accident when she was nine years old. She details the traumatic experience of her father's sudden passing and the subsequent loss of her grandmother, which compounded the family's grief.
Bella Thorne [19:48]: "I was nine when my dad died in a motorcycle accident... it was a double whammy for the family."
Bella highlights the resilience her family has shown, honoring her father's memory through traditions like writing messages on balloons and creating her jewelry line, Thorn Dynasty, inspired by her father's dream of a "Thorn Empire."
Personal Growth and Healing
Reflecting on her journey, Bella discusses how her experiences with trauma and loss have fueled her creative endeavors and personal growth. She emphasizes the importance of channeling pain into creativity rather than allowing it to fester.
Bella Thorne [16:07]: "I think I'll always still have that kind of feeling inside of me... it's better to do something with them."
She also speaks about overcoming her fears, such as her fear of reading aloud due to dyslexia, and marks personal milestones like reading her book at Carnegie Hall and participating in public readings at the White House.
Bella Thorne [17:56]: "Reading my book at Carnegie Hall was beautiful... it was a way to honor my dad."
Relationships and Resilience
Bella shares insights into her current relationship, highlighting the strong foundation built with her partner, Mark. She praises the mutual support and humor that anchors their bond, contrasting it with her past relationships where she often felt unsafe and judged.
Bella Thorne [45:36]: "I always feel very safe, and that's a really hard thing for anybody to feel, especially women."
Natalie and Nick reflect on their own relationships, drawing parallels and emphasizing the importance of mutual support and understanding in overcoming personal and professional challenges.
Views on Social Media and Privacy
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Bella's complex relationship with social media. After years of being an open book, she expresses frustration with how personal information and vulnerabilities were exploited and used against her. This led her to withdraw from social media to preserve her mental health and authenticity.
Bella Thorne [29:58]: "I decided to escape social media... I'm so sick of asking for you to like me."
Bella advocates for privacy and the importance of self-care, especially for public figures who are constantly under scrutiny.
Current Projects and Future Plans
Bella reveals her upcoming projects, including directing a movie based on a true story—an endeavor that combines her creative passion with her personal experiences. She also discusses her engagement to Mark, detailing their plans for a future together, which includes expanding her creative empire and potentially starting a family.
Bella Thorne [73:21]: "Hopefully happiness... we're doing our first movie together."
The couple's collaborative spirit is evident as they navigate both personal and professional landscapes, supporting each other's ambitions and fostering a deep, respectful partnership.
Closing Remarks
As the episode concludes, Bella Thorne expresses gratitude for the platform to share her story, reinforcing the importance of vulnerability and connection in overcoming life's adversities. Nick and Natalie commend her bravery and resilience, underscoring the episode's overarching themes of healing, empowerment, and the strength of human spirit.
Bella Thorne [80:00]: "Thank you for being so vulnerable and open and honest."
Notable Quotes:
- Bella Thorne [09:56]: "I still have a huge fear of reading out loud in front of people."
- Nick Viall [08:19]: "I don't like to lean into my weaknesses... but it's just nice to know what they are."
- Bella Thorne [16:07]: "It's better to do something with them, put it into something."
- Bella Thorne [73:21]: "Hopefully happiness... we're doing our first movie together."
This episode of The Viall Files offers a profound exploration of Bella Thorne's life, shedding light on her challenges and triumphs. Through honest conversation, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the resilience required to navigate fame, personal loss, and the quest for authentic living.