Who Plays Steve in Stranger Things

Introduction

“Stranger Things” has become a pop culture phenomenon since its premiere in 2016, captivating audiences with its mix of sci-fi, horror, and nostalgia. One of the standout characters of the show is Steve Harrington, initially introduced as a typical high school jock but evolving into a fan-favorite hero throughout the series. Played by actor Joe Keery, Steve’s impact on the story and the other characters has been significant, leading to his iconic status in the “Stranger Things” universe.

In this article, we’ll answer the question of who plays Steve in Stranger Things and provide background information on the actor. We’ll delve into Joe Keery’s early career, his breakout role on “Stranger Things,” and his popularity among fans of the show. Additionally, we’ll discuss Keery’s career beyond “Stranger Things,” including his work in movies, music, and fashion. Finally, we’ll provide answers to frequently asked questions about Joe Keery, giving readers a comprehensive look at the actor behind one of TV’s most beloved characters.

Who Plays Steve in Stranger Things

The Actor Behind Steve Harrington

Steve Harrington’s Character Arc and Joe Keery’s Portrayal

Steve Harrington starts as a popular jock who bullies the show’s younger protagonists in the first season of “Stranger Things.” However, he evolves into a brave and loyal ally in the fight against supernatural forces. Actor Joe Keery portrays Steve with a mixture of charm, humor, and vulnerability, making him a favorite among fans of the show.

Introducing Joe Keery

Joe Keery was born on April 24, 1992, in Newburyport, Massachusetts. He studied theater at The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. Keery began his acting career in Chicago, performing in plays and working as an extra on TV shows and movies.

Keery’s Early Career

Before his breakout role in “Stranger Things,” Keery appeared in commercials for brands such as KFC and Domino’s Pizza. He also worked as a production assistant on the TV series “Empire” and appeared in music videos for the band’s Post Animal and Cool Kids.

Keery’s Breakout Role

Keery auditioned for the role of Jonathan Byers in “Stranger Things” but was ultimately cast as Steve Harrington. The Duffer Brothers, the show’s creators, were impressed by Keery’s audition and rewrote the character to give him a bigger role. Keery’s performance in the first season received critical acclaim, and his popularity among fans led to an expanded role in subsequent seasons.

Keery’s Performance

Keery’s portrayal of Steve Harrington has been praised for its humor, heart, and growth as a character. He brings a sense of levity to the show’s darker moments, and his chemistry with other actors is a highlight of the series. Keery’s portrayal of Steve as a lovable but flawed character has made him a fan favorite.

Keery’s Popularity and Rise to Fame

Joe Keery’s popularity has grown with each season of “Stranger Things,” and he has become a prominent figure in popular culture. His unique sense of style, particularly his iconic hair, has also garnered attention. Keery has parlayed his success on the show into other projects, including movie roles and a music career. He has also appeared in fashion campaigns and been featured in magazines such as GQ.

Joe Keery’s Career Beyond Stranger Things

Acting Career

Joe Keery has continued to act in movies and TV shows after his breakout role in “Stranger Things.” He appeared in the 2018 thriller “Slice” alongside Chance the Rapper and Zazie Beetz. Keery also had a supporting role in the 2019 comedy “Free Guy,” starring Ryan Reynolds. In 2020, he starred in the horror movie “Spree,” playing a ride-share driver who goes on a killing spree. Keery also had a recurring role in the TV series “Chicago Fire” in 2019, playing a firefighter.

Music Career

In addition to acting, Joe Keery is also a musician. He is a guitarist and vocalist for the Chicago-based band Post Animal. Keery joined the band in 2015 and has contributed to their albums “The Garden Series” and “When I Think Of You In A Castle.” Post Animal’s music is a blend of psychedelic rock, garage rock, and indie rock, and Keery’s guitar skills are a highlight of their sound.

Modeling and Fashion

Joe Keery has also dabbled in modeling and fashion. He has appeared in campaigns for brands such as Saint Laurent and Miu Miu, and he has been featured in magazines such as GQ and Esquire. Keery’s unique sense of style, particularly his mullet hairstyle, has garnered attention from fans and fashion critics alike. He has also been a guest at fashion events such as Paris Fashion Week.

Joe Keery’s career beyond “Stranger Things” shows that he is a multi-talented artist with a range of interests and skills. Whether acting, making music, or modeling, Keery’s unique talents have made him a popular figure in the entertainment industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What other shows has Joe Keery been in besides “Stranger Things”?

Joe Keery has had small roles in a number of TV shows, including “Empire,” “Chicago Fire,” and “Sirens.” He also had a recurring role in the TV series “Shameless” before he landed his breakout role in “Stranger Things.”

Is Joe Keery’s hair in “Stranger Things” his real hair?

Yes, Joe Keery’s iconic hairstyle in “Stranger Things” is his real hair. Keery has said that he grew out his hair for the role, and the show’s hairstylists helped to create the mullet-like style that became a signature of his character.

Does Joe Keery actually play guitar in the show?

Yes, Joe Keery actually plays guitar in “Stranger Things.” In fact, his musical abilities were one of the reasons he was cast in the role of Steve Harrington. The show’s creators wanted a character who was a bit of a jock but also had a sensitive side, and Keery’s ability to play guitar helped to add depth to the character.

Has Joe Keery won any awards for his acting?

While Joe Keery has not yet won any major acting awards, he has been nominated for a number of awards for his work on “Stranger Things.” He was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series in 2017 and 2018, and he was also nominated for a Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Series – Supporting Teen Actor in 2017.

What is Joe Keery’s role in Post Animal?

Joe Keery is a guitarist and vocalist for the Chicago-based band Post Animal. He joined the band in 2015 and has contributed to their albums “The Garden Series” and “When I Think Of You In A Castle.”

What are some of Joe Keery’s upcoming projects?

Joe Keery has a number of upcoming projects in the works. He will be appearing in the upcoming movie “Spree” and has been cast in the TV series “The Afterparty,” which is set to debut on Apple TV+. He has also been cast in the upcoming movie “Free Guy 2,” which is currently in development.

Conclusion

In summary, Joe Keery is the actor who plays Steve Harrington in the hit TV series “Stranger Things.” Keery’s portrayal of the character has been widely praised, and his performance has helped to make Steve Harrington one of the most beloved characters on the show.

Beyond “Stranger Things,” Keery has continued to build his career as both an actor and a musician. He has appeared in a number of movies and TV shows, and he is also a member of the band Post Animal.

As Joe Keery continues to take on new roles and projects, it is clear that he has a bright future in the entertainment industry. His talent, charisma, and unique style have made him a fan favorite, and audiences around the world are eager to see what he will do next.