What are Winona Ryder's most iconic characters? Here's what the Stranger Things star recently revealed 

Stranger Things star Winona Ryder has spent four decades shaping some of the most emotionally recognizable characters in modern film and television. From leading heroines in classic adaptations, to devastating performances in cult classics, Ryder' range is nothing short of impressive.

With her latest role as Joyce Byers on Stranger Things coming to an end, the actress is looking back at some of the most iconic performances of her career. In an interview with GQ, Winona Ryder broke down all the legendary roles she played before landing on Stranger Things, which has cemented her position as one of Hollywood's finest.

In the video she named eight characters as her favorite throughout her career, and this included Lydia Deetz from Beetlejuice, Kim Boggs from Edward Scissorhands, Joyce Byers from Stranger Things, Veronica Sawyer from Heathers, Charlotte Flax from Mermaids, Josephine “Jo” March from Little Women, Lelaina Pierce from Reality Bites, and Susanna Kaysen from Girl, Interrupted.

Talking about her role on Stranger Things, the actress said,

“I think it took talking into, because I was just given the pilot, I’d never done a series before. I didn’t know what streaming was, this is 2015, was when I read it. And I didn’t know where it was going. I didn’t see it as doing what it has done, because when we started, I didn’t really even know what the end of the season would be. It’s so different, making a series. It’s very different than making a film. To be just completely honest, it was like a big, I think leap of faith for everybody."

She then added what the best part of working on the show was, as she continued,

"I do remember meeting the kids, and they’re all so different...Like, they had like that unforced, like charm that you have when you’re that age..and it was magic. One of the great, I think, the best thing about this experience for me has been watching these kids grow up. It’s very moving, I’m very proud of them, and I have so much love for them.”

More details about Winona Ryder's role on Stranger Things

Winona Ryder’s Joyce Byers is the emotional backbone of Stranger Things, and the maternal figure all fans adore. Introduced as a financially struggling single mother in small town Hawkins, Joyce is defined first by devotion to her sons, especially Will. When Will disappears in season one, Joyce becomes the only adult willing to believe he is still alive, even as her behavior makes others question her sanity.

Across the series, Joyce evolves from a desperate mother into an active participant in the fight against the Upside Down. She investigates government conspiracies, infiltrates secret facilities, and survives encounters with monsters, Russian operatives, and unimaginable loss. Her relationship with Jim Hopper deepens her character, driving her character arc into something romantic, while she also bonds with Eleven, expanding into a chosen family.

Ryder’s performance has been widely praised for grounding the show emotionally with her character. Through Joyce Byers, Winona Ryder delivers one of her most enduring performances, redefining maternal strength for a new generation of television.

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All seasons of Stranger Things are streaming on Netflix.

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