Ellen Marlow Claims She Had to Lose 15 Lbs for Auditions at Age 12

Former child actress Ellen Marlow — who starred in the 2008 teen dramedy film The Clique — is getting candid about the struggles she faced in the industry at a young age.

In a TikTok video uploaded on Wednesday, January 22, Marlow, now 30, claimed that she was given unsavory advice from her agents at the time.

“My agents told me to lose 15 pounds and strap down my b00bs for auditions when I was 12,” she claimed.

The video also featured Marlow staring at the camera with an unamused expression while 5 Seconds of Summer’s track “She Looks So Perfect” played.

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“Child actor trauma is so real 😭,” Marlow captioned the post.

Marlow did not offer any additional details about the alleged incident. Many of Marlow’s fans flocked to the comments section to share their support for her.

“I’m so sorry this happened to you ilyyy 💗💞,” one user wrote while another replied, “The way people in the industry talk to actors is crazy … especially kids.”

Another commenter added that now others need to “start holding these people accountable somehow.” Marlow responded by looking on the bright side at how much growth there’s been in the industry now.

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“It’s so much better now than back in my day, but yes,” she said.

Christy Carlson Romano, who is best known for her time on Even Stevens and speaking out about the struggles of being a child actor, commented “lol.”

In addition to her role as Claire Lyons in The Clique, Marlow also made guest appearances on Cory in the House, Hannah Montana, CSI, Criminal Minds and more. Marlow also has appeared on Broadway. In 2020, she joined the cast for the theatrical production of Disney’s Frozen. Her last role to date was in the 2023 film Intermedium.

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Marlow has also become a prominent figure on social media. On her TikTok page, she posts videos in which she sings and her beauty routine. She also shares stories about her time working on The Clique and is working on a fan newsletter called State of the Reunion alongside Lisi Harrison and Abby Adesanya.

In October 2024, Marlow shared that she was teaming up with Clique author Lisi Harrison to write a new book for the young adult series. The new book will feature all beloved main characters as they navigate their 20s.

“Thank you all for the love and support over the years,” Marlow captioned the announcement. “We can’t wait to give you the update on the girlies.”