Stranger Things star Dacre Montgomery reveals why he has been lying low after starring in the Netflix series

Stranger Things star Dacre Montgomery has broken his silence on why he's been quiet since working on the hit Netflix show. The actor, who plays the role of Billy Hargrove on the show, had instant worldwide recognition because of his role, but instead of coasting on the wave, he vanished from the spotlight.

Talking to The Australian, Montgomery said it was more about standing back from the glare of perpetual attention.

Speaking to The Australian, Montgomery explained it was about stepping back from the glare of constant visibility.

“Traditional Hollywood stars existed because there was mystery. Social media has done away with that. That’s a large part of why I dropped off the map for the last five years”.

The move wasn't just about privacy; it was also about living life on his own terms. Montgomery put it simply:

“I’m 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.”

Those years away gave him space to reflect on his career, decide what kind of work mattered most to him, and return when he was ready.

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Stranger Things star on fame, privacy, and stepping back

For Montgomery, the shift in celebrity culture played a huge role in his decision to step away. He's pointed out that the magic and mystique that used to surround Hollywood stars has faded.

He believes the always-online nature of fame makes it harder for actors to keep any part of their life truly private. By avoiding constant posting and limiting public appearances, Montgomery found a way to hold on to a boundary between his work and his personal world. This choice gave him control over how much of himself the public could see.

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Personal reflection and reclaiming identity

Montgomery has also been candid about the personal toll acting can take.

“I’ve given a piece of myself to every role I’ve played and that’s largely why I’ve taken time off,” he explained in several interviews.

Playing emotionally heavy roles, especially in Stranger Things, left him needing time to recharge.

He went on to say:

“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.”

That time for reflection helped the Stranger Things star step back from industry pressure and focus on work that genuinely aligns with his goals. It also allowed him to understand who he is away from the characters he plays.

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Career goals and looking forward

Montgomery's return to acting is intentional and shaped by the lessons from his break. Rather than chasing every opportunity, he's now picking projects carefully.

“I want to have more say in the projects I choose,” he told The Australian.

His upcoming indie film, Went Up the Hill, reflects that approach — smaller in scale, but fully in line with the kind of creative control he's seeking.

For Montgomery, it's not about coming back bigger — it's about coming back on his own terms.

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Dacre Montgomery stepped back from Hollywood after Stranger Things to protect his privacy, rethink his career, and regain control over the roles he takes.

The final season of Stranger Things arrives this November.