Stranger Things actor Dacre Montgomery has recently opened up about his decision to step back from Hollywood. The 30-year-old star shared that his choice was driven by changes in the industry and a desire for more personal and creative control.
In a new interview with The Australian, Montgomery explained that the era of the traditional Hollywood star has been replaced by social media, which has eliminated the sense of “mystery” that once surrounded actors. “Social media has done away with that,” he said. “That’s a large part of why I dropped off the map for the last five years.”
Montgomery, who rose to fame in 2017 as Billy Hargrove on the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, stated that he is 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,” he added.
The actor also reflected on the toll of his past roles, noting, “I’ve given a piece of myself to every role I’ve played and that’s largely why I’ve taken time off.” He is now focused on being more selective with his projects. “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.
While the article presents his decision as “quitting Hollywood,” it’s clear that Montgomery has not left acting entirely. His recent and upcoming projects, such as Went Up the Hill and Dead Man’s Wire, show a shift towards independent and challenging roles, suggesting he’s prioritizing meaningful work over mainstream fame.
