Stranger Things' Dacre Montgomery Reveals Why He Quit Hollywood

Published: Aug 14 2025

Dacre Montgomery is venturing back into the realm of sanity and serenity. The charismatic star of "Stranger Things" unveiled the rationale behind his prolonged absence from Hollywood's limelight, following his portrayal of Billy Hargrove in the Netflix series. Reflecting on the industry's transformation over the years, he shared his insights with The Australian, as reported by the Daily Mail.

"Traditional Hollywood stars thrived on mystique," Dacre recently revealed. "Social media has stripped that away, which is a significant reason I vanished from the public eye for the past five years." He further elaborated, "I'm not vying for supremacy with anyone; I'm simply living my authentic life and hopefully keeping a roof over my head while doing so."

Stranger Things' Dacre Montgomery Reveals Why He Quit Hollywood 1

Beyond reclaiming his privacy, the 30-year-old actor, who shared the screen with Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, and Noah Schnapp in "Stranger Things," emphasized his yearning to restore his individuality. "I've invested a part of myself in each role I've embodied, which is largely why I took a break," he continued. "Recently, I've indulged in deep introspection about my career aspirations. I'm striving to gain more oversight over where and what I devote my talents to."

Although he won't be featuring in the upcoming final season of "Stranger Things," Dacre, whose return to acting is marked by his new movie "Went Up the Hill," set to release in theaters on August 15, eagerly anticipates the series' conclusion, particularly for its creators, Matt and Ross Duffer.

"I'm thrilled beyond measure for the Duffer Brothers to conclude this chapter, knowing they have countless other incredible stories they once shared with me," Dacre told ScreenRant in an interview published on August 6. "Years ago, I'd say, 'Guys, you've been too occupied to pursue those projects.' So, that's what excites me the most."

Moreover, he holds an optimistic view of his co-star Sadie Sink's future. "She's an exceptionally talented actress who's seized remarkable opportunities in recent years," Dacre continued. "More than anything, I yearn to witness her deliver countless more mesmerizing performances beyond 'Stranger Things,' because she's incredibly skilled, professional, and driven—a paragon of excellence."

View all