‘Stranger Things’ Stars: Then and Now

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I remember when ‘Stranger Things‘ first came out on Netflix – it was amazing to see all these fresh faces! We all watched those actors basically grow up right before our eyes as they dealt with those crazy supernatural things happening in Hawkins. It’s been incredible to see what they’ve done since then – many of them have gone on to become musicians and stars in huge movies. I’m really interested in seeing how their careers continue to unfold, and this is a look back at where they started and where they are now in Hollywood.

Millie Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown first gained worldwide fame playing Eleven, the character with telekinetic powers. Since then, she’s appeared in films like ‘Enola Holmes’ and ‘Godzilla vs. Kong,’ and has also started her own production company. Her makeup brand, Florence by Mills, has become incredibly popular. She’s constantly adding to her work as an actress and producer, and remains a major young influence in Hollywood.

Finn Wolfhard

Finn Wolfhard became a fan favorite as Mike Wheeler, the dependable leader in the popular sci-fi show. He’s also built a strong film career with notable parts in movies like ‘It’ and ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’. Beyond acting, Wolfhard is a singer for the indie band The Aubreys. He’s successfully moved from being a child actor to a well-rounded young performer, and is now even trying his hand at directing, showing his creative range.

Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder powerfully returned to the spotlight playing Joyce Byers, a determined mother on the hit Netflix show. Already famous for classic films like ‘Beetlejuice’ and ‘Heathers’, she received widespread praise for her portrayal of a mother desperately searching for her son. Ryder remains a key part of the show’s success while continuing to be recognized as a film icon, recently revisiting her beloved role as Lydia Deetz in ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’.

David Harbour

David Harbour became widely known for playing the tough but endearing police chief Jim Hopper. Before that, he had roles in films like ‘Revolutionary Road’ and ‘Quantum of Solace’. More recently, he joined the Marvel world as Red Guardian in ‘Black Widow’ and starred in the action comedy ‘Violent Night’. His career really took off when he began playing the sheriff in Hawkins.

Sadie Sink

Sadie Sink first appeared in the second season of the show as Max Mayfield, a strong and independent skateboarder. She’s become well-known for her powerful acting, especially in the short film ‘All Too Well,’ and recently starred in the highly praised movie ‘The Whale’ alongside Brendan Fraser. Beyond acting, she’s also worked as a fashion model, collaborating with several top luxury brands. She quickly became a key member of the main group of friends in Hawkins.

Noah Schnapp

Noah Schnapp is best known for his role as Will Byers, whose vanishing set the events of the series in motion. One of the youngest members of the cast when the show debuted in 2016, Schnapp has successfully juggled acting with his education at the University of Pennsylvania. He’s also an entrepreneur, having created TBH, a snack brand focused on sustainability. As the series progressed, Schnapp demonstrated his ability to portray complex emotions and deliver powerful performances.

Gaten Matarazzo

Gaten Matarazzo quickly won over audiences as the smart and funny Dustin Henderson. He started his acting career on Broadway, appearing in shows like ‘Les Misérables’. Now, he hosts the Netflix prank show ‘Prank Encounters’ and recently returned to the stage in the hit musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen’. He also remains dedicated to raising awareness about cleidocranial dysplasia.

Caleb McLaughlin

Caleb McLaughlin played Lucas Sinclair, bringing both enthusiasm and a questioning attitude to the show. He began his acting career on Broadway as Young Simba in ‘The Lion King’ and later demonstrated his serious acting skills in the film ‘Concrete Cowboy’ with Idris Elba. Beyond acting, McLaughlin is also a musician who creates his own songs and enjoys exploring different artistic pursuits. He’s grown into a fashionable and exceptionally gifted young entertainer.

Joe Keery

Joe Keery is known for his role as Steve Harrington on ‘Stranger Things,’ where he developed the character from a typical high school troublemaker into a caring protector. Beyond acting, Keery creates psychedelic pop music as Djo. He’s also appeared in popular films like ‘Free Guy’ with Ryan Reynolds, and recently starred in the newest season of ‘Fargo.’ Many fans consider his character’s development on ‘Stranger Things’ to be one of the best in recent TV history.

Maya Hawke

Maya Hawke quickly became well-known for her witty portrayal of Robin Buckley in the third season of the show. As the daughter of actors Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke, she’s clearly inherited a talent for performing. Beyond acting, Maya is also a singer-songwriter with several folk-rock albums to her name. She also appeared in Quentin Tarantino’s acclaimed film, ‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood,’ and successfully juggles her rising Hollywood career with her passion for music.

Natalia Dyer

Natalia Dyer is the actress who plays Nancy Wheeler, a determined journalist and older sister, in the series. Before gaining fame, she appeared in ‘Hannah Montana: The Movie.’ Dyer proved she could carry a film in the comedy ‘Yes, God, Yes,’ and she consistently chooses interesting and varied roles in independent movies. Throughout the series, her character Nancy is key to solving the secrets of the Upside Down.

Charlie Heaton

Charlie Heaton is known for playing Jonathan Byers, a reserved and observant photographer. He started his career as a musician before becoming an actor. He’s appeared in films like the superhero horror movie ‘The New Mutants’ where he played Cannonball, and recently performed in a stage production of the biographical drama ‘The Elephant Man’. Heaton consistently works on both movies and TV shows.

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2025-12-01 16:15