Stranger Things star Dacre Montgomery reveals why he had to quit Hollywood after Netflix role
The 30-year-old actor - who played Billie Hargrove on Stranger Things from 2017 to 2022 - stepped back from the film and TV world that year, and makes his return in new thriller Went Up The Hill.
Reflecting on his decision to take a hiatus, he told The Australian magazine: "I think things have changed. 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."
He added: "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.'
Dacre explained that he decided to "take time off" after giving so much of himself to his roles over the years.
He said: "I've given a piece of myself to every role I've played and that's largely why I've taken time off.
"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."
Dacre won't be part of the upcoming final season of Stranger Things, but he's exciting to see its conclusion, particularly for showrunners Matt and Ross Duffer.
He recently told ScreenRant: "I'm more excited than anything for it to be over for the Duffer Brothers, because I know they have so many other awesome stories that, years ago, they were telling me about.
'I'm like, 'Guys, you haven't had the bandwidth to make this project.' So, that's my most exciting thing.'
In September 2024, Dacre announced his directorial debut, The Engagement Party, and earlier this year it was confirmed he will also star in the movie.
He told Deadline in a statement: "I could not be more honoured to be directing The Engagement Party, a film with an extremely important and timely message.
"I'm equally thrilled to have such a wonderful team of collaborators to help bring this story to life.'
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