Stranger Things Star Opens Up About Five-Year Hollywood Hiatus
Dacre Montgomery, known for his role as Billy Hargrove in Stranger Things, has revealed why he stepped away from the spotlight for five years. The actor intentionally left Hollywood to seek normalcy and live a more authentic life.
Montgomery starred in seasons two and three of Stranger Things but departed from the show in 2016. Since then, his acting projects have been limited to a few roles including appearances in Elvis and Spider & Jessie. This deliberate hiatus allowed him to regain a sense of control over his career.
“Traditional Hollywood stars existed because there was mystery,” Montgomery explained in an interview with The Australian via the Daily Mail. “Social media has done away with that. That’s a large part of why I dropped off the map for the last five years.” His comment highlights how online exposure can affect actors’ privacy and public personas.
Despite speculation, Montgomery will not return for the final season of Stranger Things, which is scheduled to wrap up in December. He expressed a clear mindset about his career choices: “I’m not trying to compete with anyone else, I’m living my truth and hopefully being able to pay the rent while I’m doing it.”
Montgomery also shared how personal reflection influenced his decision to take a break. He said, “I’ve given a piece of myself to every role I’ve played and that’s largely why I’ve taken time off.” He aims to have more say in the types of projects he pursues.
Currently, Dacre Montgomery is making a comeback in the ghost story Went Up The Hill. His return marks a new chapter focused on balancing work with well-being. Fans eagerly anticipate seeing him on screen again, hoping for a role free from the usual horror fates that befell his previous character.
His journey underscores the challenges actors face in managing fame and personal boundaries in an era dominated by social media exposure.
Read more at: www.indy100.com