While many fans of "Stranger Things" were left scratching their heads over the whereabouts of Max's mom during the final season, none were as confused as actress Jennifer Marshall, who portrayed Susan Hargrove in Seasons 2 and 4 of the Netflix series. The actress recently opened up about her journey with cancer, noting that a return for the final season could have helped her obtain health insurance via SAG-AFTRA.
"I had cancer, I get it. But I was in remission during the shooting of season five," she wrote on Instagram. "Shooting would have helped me obtain my health insurance through the union."
Joking about fans' curiosity over where the character was while her daughter was comatose in the hospital, Marshall added, "Maybe they had too many characters, I don't know, but obviously Susan Hargrove is THE WORST MOTHER EVER, LMAO."
Marshall told People that working on the Duffer Brothers show was "the opportunity of a lifetime," adding that she "would have been ecstatic to return" for the fifth and final season. "It would have helped me not only financially but also emotionally and mentally after battling cancer for almost two years," she explained. "Either way, no one is entitled to a role, cancer or not. My heart remains grateful, and I will always give those involved in the decision-making the benefit of the doubt."
On "Stranger Things," Susan Hargrove was last seen in Season 4 struggling with alcoholism and trying to support Max while living in the local trailer park. Vecna took Susan's form in one of Max's dreams before she ultimately ended up in a coma.
Although "Stranger Things" has officially concluded, "One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5" will give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the final season when it debuts on Netflix on Jan. 12.
