‘Stranger Things’ Star Dacre Montgomery Reveals Why He Stepped Away from Hollywood

Dacre Montgomery, best known for playing Billy Hargrove on Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things, is opening up about why he walked away from Hollywood fame.

In a candid new interview with The Australian, the 30-year-old actor explained that the entertainment world has shifted — and not necessarily in a way that appeals to him. “I think things have changed,” he said. “Traditional Hollywood stars existed because there was mystery. Social media has done away with that. That’s a large part of why I dropped off the map for the last five years.”

The Elvis actor admitted that stepping back wasn’t about competition or chasing stardom. “I’m not trying to compete with anyone else,” he shared. “I’m living my truth and hopefully being able to pay the rent while I’m doing it.”

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Montgomery became a fan favorite after joining Stranger Things in 2017, where he played the troubled yet magnetic Billy until 2022. But the role — and acting in general — took a lot out of him. “I’ve given a piece of myself to every role I’ve played and that’s largely why I’ve taken time off,” he revealed.

Now, the Australian star says he’s focusing on figuring out exactly what he wants from his career. “Lately, there’s been a lot of personal reflection about what I want in my career. I’m trying to gain a bit more control over where and what I’m working on,” he said.

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Montgomery’s decision to step away may have surprised fans, but it’s clear he’s determined to return to acting on his own terms.