Joe Keery has undoubtedly carved a unique place for himself in the entertainment world, blending his acting prowess with his musical talents in ways few could have predicted. From his iconic role in Stranger Things to his ventures in music, Keery’s journey through Hollywood is both fascinating and inspiring. Whether you’re familiar with him as Steve Harrington or know him for his music, joe Keery is proving that there’s more to him than just his on-screen persona.
Early Life and Background
Joe Keery was born on April 24, 1992, in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Raised in the small coastal town, he grew up with a love for the arts. His parents, while not directly involved in the entertainment industry, always encouraged their children to pursue creative endeavors, fostering a home environment that celebrated self-expression and imagination.
Keery attended River Valley Charter School in Newburyport, where he began to show a flair for performing. However, it wasn’t until he moved on to the prestigious DePaul University in Chicago that he began to seriously hone his acting skills. At DePaul, he joined the theater program and started gaining the technical skills needed for a career in acting. His time at university would prove to be crucial, not only in developing his craft but also in shaping his future in Hollywood.
By the time he graduated, Keery had already set his sights on Los Angeles. As is often the case with budding actors, he faced the challenge of breaking into the industry, and he had to go through countless auditions, minor roles, and struggles before landing his breakout role. But Keery’s determination and talent were undeniable, and his future was looking brighter with each passing year.
The Breakthrough: Stranger Things and Steve Harrington
It wasn’t long after moving to LA that Joe Keery found himself in the right place at the right time. In 2016, the actor landed a role in the Netflix original series Stranger Things, which would go on to become a cultural phenomenon. Keery was cast as Steve Harrington, a popular high school jock who initially appears to be a typical 1980s teen stereotype but quickly evolves into one of the show’s most beloved characters.
At first, Steve was the type of character you might expect to see in a teen drama — the charming, albeit somewhat arrogant, “bad boy” with a heart of gold underneath. However, Keery’s portrayal of Steve brought a level of depth and complexity to the character that was unexpected, turning him into an endearing fan favorite. Over the seasons, Steve’s transformation from the “villain” to a caring, heroic figure made him even more relatable to audiences, and Keery’s performance was central to this shift.
His chemistry with the younger cast members, particularly his friendship with Dustin Henderson (played by Gaten Matarazzo), added a unique dynamic to the show. The “Steve and Dustin” duo became a fan-favorite pairing, and their hilarious and heartwarming scenes became some of the most talked-about moments in the series. Keery’s ability to balance humor, vulnerability, and charm turned Steve into one of the standout characters of Stranger Things.
As the series continued to gain global success, Joe Keery’s role in it also grew, with the actor’s popularity skyrocketing. His newfound fame, however, didn’t change his down-to-earth persona. He remained humble and focused on his craft, proving that his success wasn’t merely a result of a popular show but the culmination of years of dedication and talent.
Expanding His Career: A Multi-Talented Artist
While Stranger Things certainly put Joe Keery on the map, it’s important to remember that Keery is not just a talented actor but also an accomplished musician. Outside of acting, he is part of the band Post Animal, an indie rock group known for their experimental sound that blends elements of psychedelic rock with modern indie sensibilities.
Keery’s passion for music predates his acting career, and his role in Post Animal allows him to explore a different side of his creativity. He plays guitar and contributes vocals to the band, whose music has been well-received within the underground indie scene. Post Animal’s 2018 album When I Think of You in a Castle received positive reviews, showcasing Keery’s ability to balance two demanding careers in both music and acting.
In addition to his work with Post Animal, Keery also released solo music under the name “Joe Keery.” His 2019 album Twenty Twenty marked his solo debut and was a distinct departure from the sounds of his band. The album features a more synth-heavy, 80s-inspired sound, showcasing Keery’s versatility as a musician. With his love for music deeply intertwined with his acting, Keery’s ability to navigate between the two worlds has only added to his growing reputation as a multifaceted artist.
Beyond his own musical endeavors, Keery has also expressed interest in the behind-the-scenes elements of music, such as production and sound design, showing that his talents are not confined to just performing but extend to the technical side of creating music as well.
Personal Life: A Glimpse Behind the Curtain
Despite his growing fame, Joe Keery has always kept his personal life relatively private. He is known to be a low-key, down-to-earth individual who prefers to stay out of the public eye when he’s not working. Keery’s off-screen persona is far removed from the flashy lifestyle that many of his peers in Hollywood embrace.
He has been in a long-term relationship with Maika Monroe, an actress and producer best known for her roles in films like It Follows and The Guest. The couple reportedly shares a love for music, and they often support each other’s careers. While they keep their relationship relatively private, the pair are occasionally seen together at events or sharing moments on social media.
Keery has also spoken about his experiences growing up, revealing that while he was always drawn to creative fields, he didn’t necessarily expect acting to become his career. Instead, he says he stumbled upon it almost by accident but quickly realized how much he enjoyed the process of storytelling. His openness about his journey makes him an even more relatable figure for his fans, showing that success doesn’t always follow a straight path.
When he’s not acting or making music, Keery enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, and traveling. His connection to nature and his desire for a grounded, balanced lifestyle are consistent with the humble persona he’s built over the years.
Joe Keery’s Impact on Pop Culture
Joe Keery’s influence on pop culture is undeniable. With Stranger Things having become one of the most popular shows on Netflix, Keery’s role as Steve Harrington helped cement the actor’s place in TV history. However, it’s not just his acting that’s impacted pop culture; his music and overall style have also caught the attention of fans and critics alike.
Keery’s iconic role in Stranger Things has made him a fashion icon of sorts, with fans flocking to imitate Steve Harrington’s signature 80s-inspired look. His on-screen wardrobe — from the colorful jackets to the iconic hair — has sparked a wave of nostalgia and has even influenced fashion trends in mainstream culture. As a result, Keery has become a recognizable figure in both the fashion and entertainment industries.
Moreover, Keery’s music, especially his solo work, has resonated with a growing fan base who appreciate the blend of retro and modern influences in his sound. His willingness to explore different creative outlets while maintaining an authentic voice has garnered him respect not only as an actor but also as a serious musician. His music has even been embraced by fans of Stranger Things, who enjoy hearing his work in a completely different context than what they’re used to.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Joe Keery
As of 2025, Joe Keery’s career shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to play Steve Harrington in Stranger Things, with the show’s immense success ensuring that his role will remain a part of the pop culture landscape for years to come. However, Keery is also focused on expanding his horizons in both music and acting, aiming to carve out a lasting career that goes beyond any one role or project.
His future in music is particularly exciting, as he has expressed interest in further developing his solo sound and exploring new creative directions. Keery’s passion for storytelling, whether through film or music, ensures that whatever he pursues next will likely resonate with fans and critics alike.
In addition to his work in entertainment, Keery has also expressed an interest in pursuing more behind-the-scenes roles, potentially directing or producing his own projects. His ability to adapt and evolve within the industry makes him a versatile force to be reckoned with, and his future is bound to be filled with even more surprises.
Conclusion
Joe Keery is a prime example of a modern-day artist who has successfully bridged the gap between different creative worlds. Whether it’s through his acting in Stranger Things, his music with Post Animal, or his solo projects, Keery has proven himself to be more than just a one-dimensional star. He’s a multi-talented individual whose passion for his craft shines through in everything he does. As he continues to evolve as an actor and musician, there’s no doubt that Joe Keery’s influence on pop culture will continue to grow, and audiences will be eagerly awaiting whatever he does next.
