Joe Keery opens up about wanting to be seen beyond his 'Stranger Things' persona

Published: Jan 07 2026

Joe Keery, driven by a desire to explore new artistic avenues, sought to transcend the confines of his iconic role in "Stranger Things" and be known for more than just his on-screen persona. As reported by ELLE Magazine, since the conclusion of Netflix's hit series that launched his career, the 33-year-old actor has been wholly committed to pursuing his musical passions.

Joe Keery opens up about wanting to be seen beyond his 'Stranger Things' persona 1

Keery candidly admitted his eagerness to experiment with various art forms and escape the单一identity of "Steve Harrington," his beloved character from the show. Reflecting on how the public often perceives him, he shared that he occasionally feels self-conscious about being defined solely by his on-screen image. "I suppose I'll always have a slight sense of self-consciousness," he told the publication, acknowledging that this is a natural part of his journey as an artist.

The actor further elaborated on his longstanding struggle with the notion that audiences perceive him as a one-dimensional character. "I've always had a chip on my shoulder about people's perception of me as that 'himbo' character from 'Stranger Things.' I aspire to prove myself as a multi-faceted artist who's not just a one-trick pony," Joe added, emphasizing his desire to showcase his versatility.

Looking ahead, Keery expressed his unwavering commitment to creatively unshackling himself and continuing to push the boundaries of art. "I dream and aspire to engage in all sorts of different artistic endeavors. While no one wants to be pigeonholed, I think that's a deeply human experience as well," he said, underscoring his desire to explore beyond his current limitations.

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