Stranger Things Star Explains Five-Year Absence from Hollywood Spotlight: ‘I’m Living My Truth’

Fans of Stranger Things are eagerly awaiting the show’s fifth and final season, set to close out one of Netflix’s most successful series. Familiar faces like Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Finn Wolfhard, and Winona Ryder will return to the Upside Down one last time.

But there’s one notable name fans won’t be seeing again: Dacre Montgomery. The 30-year-old Australian actor, who played the charismatic yet troubled Billy Hargrove in seasons two and three, became an instant fan favorite.

His role as the Hawkins bad boy turned unlikely hero gave the series some of its most memorable and emotional moments. Yet after Billy’s fiery exit in season three, Montgomery seemed to step back almost entirely from Hollywood. For years, fans speculated about his low profile. Now, he’s finally opened up about the real reason for his absence.

Choosing to step away

Montgomery recently told The Australian that his decision to retreat from the spotlight was intentional. “Traditional Hollywood stars existed because there was mystery,” he explained. “Social media has done away with that. That’s a large part of why I dropped off the map for the last five years.”

Rather than chase constant visibility, Montgomery said he wanted to reclaim a sense of balance and privacy. “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,” he shared.

The 30-year-old Australian actor, who played the charismatic yet troubled Billy Hargrove in seasons two and three, became an instant fan favorite.

Netflix

Since leaving Stranger Things in 2019, Montgomery has been highly selective with his roles. His credits include a supporting part in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis and the indie drama Spider & Jessie. But his appearances have been rare, a stark contrast to the trajectory many expected after his breakout success.

This year, he marks his return to screens with Went Up the Hill, a ghost story that blends psychological drama with supernatural elements. It represents not just another acting gig but a carefully chosen project that aligns with his creative goals.

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

Understanding the Psychology Behind Celebrity Breaks from the Spotlight

When celebrities like Dacre Montgomery withdraw from the public eye, it's often for their mental health. This isn't uncommon, and there's substantial research showing the psychological impact of fame. Dr. Donna Rockwell's study on fame and celebrity shows that sudden fame can lead to stress, difficulty with identity, and struggles with trust. The choice to take a break can be a self-care measure aimed at mitigating these stressors.

Montgomery confirmed he won’t be returning for the finale of "Stranger Things."

Not back for the finale

While fans might have hoped for Billy Hargrove to make some kind of cameo in Stranger Things’ last season, Montgomery confirmed he won’t be returning for the finale, which is set to wrap filming in December. His absence will be felt, but he seems at peace with leaving the series behind as part of his journey.

A message about boundaries

Montgomery’s decision highlights a larger conversation about the toll of fame in the age of constant online access. For many young actors, social media visibility has become part of the job, yet it also strips away privacy and feeds pressure to remain endlessly available. By stepping away, Montgomery is not only prioritizing his mental well-being but also redefining what success looks like for him.

His story resonates with a growing number of performers who are setting boundaries with fame in order to protect their creativity and mental health. Instead of being everywhere all the time, Montgomery is choosing projects deliberately, seeking meaning over momentum.

A career on pause—but not gone

IMDB

Fans may miss seeing him in the Stranger Things finale, but his message is clear: stepping back doesn’t mean giving up. Sometimes it’s the pause that allows an artist to return stronger than before.

And when Montgomery does step back into the spotlight, he’s making sure it’s on his own terms — hopefully without any monsters dragging him down this time.

Living authentically, as Montgomery mentions, is also linked to improved mental health. Research by Wood et al. (2008) suggests that being true to oneself - living one's truth - is associated with greater psychological wellbeing, including aspects such as self-esteem and positive affectivity. This could be another factor motivating Montgomery's decision to step back.

Public Reactions and Psychological Implications

The public's reaction to a celebrity's absence can also be intriguing. Fans often form parasocial relationships with celebrities, feeling a sense of intimacy and friendship without any actual interpersonal interaction. Hoffner and Buchanan's (2005) study suggests that these relationships can contribute to fans' distress when a celebrity takes a hiatus or leaves a popular show.

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, celebrities' decisions to step away from the public eye can be complex and multifaceted, often driven by a need to protect their mental health and live more authentically. It's a reminder that while fame brings many privileges, it also comes with significant pressures and challenges. As fans, it's critical to respect these decisions and remember the importance of mental health. (American Psychological Association, 2011)