Audiences first discovered Stranger Things in 2016, and the show’s blend of supernatural mystery and 1980s nostalgia has kept viewers hooked ever since. Set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, the series launched a new generation of stars. Below is a look at the main cast members, their backgrounds, and notable achievements.
Priah Ferguson
Netflix
Born: Oct. 1, 2006
Age: 15 years*
Net worth: $500,000
Note: Ages are through July 19, 2022.
Bottom Line: Priah Ferguson
AP Photo
Priah Ferguson first appeared on television in Atlanta (2016). She plays Erica Sinclair, Lucas’s feisty younger sister, and was promoted to series regular by Season 3. Ferguson has continued expanding her résumé with roles in film, including a part in the comedy Boo! alongside Marlon Wayans.
Sadie Sink
Netflix
Born: April 16, 2002
Age: 20
Net worth: $1 million
Bottom Line: Sadie Sink
AP Photo
Sadie Sink emerged as one of Stranger Things’ breakout performers, earning critical praise for her portrayal of Max Mayfield. Her dramatic scenes contributed to renewed interest in Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill,” which saw a surge in popularity after appearing in the series. Sink has also appeared in projects such as American Odyssey, Blue Bloods, Dear Zoe, Eli, and Chuck, and she has modeled for brands including Givenchy, Chanel, and Kate Spade.
Joseph Quinn
Netflix
Born: May 15, 1993
Age: 29
Net worth: $3 million
Bottom Line: Joseph Quinn
AP Photo
Joseph Quinn, a U.K. actor, gained widespread attention for his role as Eddie Munson in Season 4. Previously known for work on the BBC series Dickensian and an appearance in Game of Thrones, Quinn’s performance resonated strongly with viewers and raised his international profile.
Maya Hawke
Netflix
Born: July 8, 1998
Age: 24
Net worth: $3 million
Bottom Line: Maya Hawke
AP Photo
Maya Hawke, daughter of actors Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, joined Stranger Things in Season 3 as Robin Buckley. Before the series she appeared in the BBC adaptation of Little Women (2017). Hawke is also a model and musician, with an album, Moss, scheduled for release in late 2022.
Caleb McLaughlin
Netflix
Born: Oct. 13, 2001
Age: 20
Net worth: $3 million
Bottom line: Caleb McLaughlin
AP Photo
Before Stranger Things, Caleb McLaughlin appeared on series like Blue Bloods and Law & Order: SVU. He has since taken roles in films including Concrete Cowboy and High Flying Bird. Forbes named him to its 30 Under 30 list in 2021 in the entertainment category.
Noah Schnapp
Netflix
Born: Oct. 3, 2004
Age: 17
Net worth: $3 million
Bottom Line: Noah Schnapp
AP Photo
Noah Schnapp made his film debut in Steven Spielberg’s Bridge of Spies and provided the voice of Charlie Brown in The Peanuts Movie. He later joined Stranger Things as Will Byers and has become a recognizable young actor in film and television.
Finn Wolfhard
Netflix
Born: Dec. 23, 2002
Age: 19
Net worth: $4 million
Bottom line: Finn Wolfhard
AP Photo
Finn Wolfhard, a Canadian actor and musician, rose to international fame as Mike Wheeler. He went on to star as Ritchie Tozier in the film adaptation of Stephen King’s It and appeared in It: Chapter Two and Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Wolfhard has also moved into filmmaking, developing projects with fellow actors.
Gaten Matarazzo
Netflix
Born: Sept. 8, 2002
Age: 19
Net worth: $4 million
Bottom Line: Gaten Matarazzo
AP Photo
Gaten Matarazzo began his career on Broadway with credits that include Les Misérables and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. On Stranger Things he plays the lovable Dustin Henderson. His theater background continues to influence his work, and he returned to Broadway in May 2022 to take on a lead role in Dear Evan Hansen.
Natalia Dyer
Netflix
Born: Jan. 13, 1995
Age: 27
Net worth: $4 million
Bottom Line: Natalia Dyer
AP Photo
Natalia Dyer started acting in films such as Hannah Montana: The Movie (2009) and the indie I Believe in Unicorns (2014). Her role as Nancy Wheeler on Stranger Things significantly raised her profile and led to further film and television work.
Charlie Heaton
Netflix
Born: Feb. 6, 1994
Age: 28
Net worth: $4 million
Bottom Line: Charlie Heaton
AP Photo
British actor and musician Charlie Heaton plays Jonathan Byers. He has worked extensively in U.K. television, performed with bands including Comanechi and Half Loon, and has taken on modeling work, including a campaign for Gucci.
Joe Keery
Netflix
Born: April 24, 1992
Age: 30
Net worth: $4 million
Bottom Line: Joe Keery
AP Photo
Joe Keery originally expected his role as Steve Harrington to be short-lived, but the character became a fan favorite. Keery is also a musician who has released work under different stage names and continues to balance music with acting roles, including a part in the sci-fi action film Cold Storage.
David Harbour
Netflix
Born: April 10, 1975
Age: 47
Net worth: $6 million
Bottom Line: David Harbour
AP Photo
David Harbour has been a working character actor for decades and achieved mainstream recognition as Chief Jim Hopper. His film credits include Quantum of Solace and Revolutionary Road. For Season 4 of Stranger Things he underwent a dramatic physical transformation, which he later partially reversed for other roles.
Millie Bobby Brown
Netflix
Born: Feb. 29, 2004
Age: 18
Net worth: $10 million
Bottom Line: Millie Bobby Brown
AP Photo
Millie Bobby Brown became the series’ breakout star as Eleven, a telekinetic child with a mysterious past. She earned a notable salary increase across the show’s seasons and has extended her career into feature films such as Godzilla: King of the Monsters and Godzilla vs. Kong. Brown also produces and stars in film adaptations like The Enola Holmes Mysteries and has launched a beauty brand, Florence by Mills.
Matthew Modine
Netflix
Born: March 22, 1959
Age: 63
Net worth: $10 million
Bottom Line: Matthew Modine
AP Photo
Matthew Modine is a veteran actor with an extensive filmography that includes Full Metal Jacket, Birdy, and Vision Quest. In Stranger Things he plays the menacing Dr. Martin Brenner, a role that challenged him emotionally and professionally.
Winona Ryder
AP Photo
Born: Oct. 29, 1971
Age: 50
Net worth: $18 million
Bottom Line: Winona Ryder
AP Photo
Winona Ryder, who rose to fame in the late 1980s and 1990s with films such as Beetlejuice, Heathers, and Edward Scissorhands, portrays Joyce Byers on Stranger Things. Her established career and dramatic range lend depth to the series’ adult cast members.
More “Stranger Things” Stories
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- How the series revived interest in 1980s music
- Notable moments when Hawkins parents made mistakes
- Metallica’s connection to the show and its cultural impact
- Pets owned by the Stranger Things cast
- Fun facts about Joseph Quinn
- Relationship status of several Stranger Things cast members