Joe Keery, the American actor and musician who catapulted to fame with his portrayal of Steve Harrington in the Netflix sci-fi series Stranger Things, has become a household name in recent years. This comprehensive biography delves into the life, career, and achievements of this multitalented artist, exploring his journey from a small-town boy to a Hollywood sensation and indie music maverick.
Early Life and Education: Nurturing the Artist
Joseph David Keery was born on April 24, 1992, in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Growing up in a family that valued creativity, Joe was the second of five children. His parents, David and Nina Keery, fostered an environment that encouraged artistic expression, setting the stage for Joe’s future in the entertainment industry.
Early education:
- Attended River Valley Charter School
- Graduated from Newburyport High School in 2010
During his high school years, Joe’s passion for performing arts began to blossom. He participated in Theater in the Open, a performing arts camp at Maudslay State Park, which played a crucial role in shaping his early acting experiences.
“Theater in the Open was where I really fell in love with acting. It was this magical place where creativity flourished,” Joe once remarked in an interview.
After high school, Keery’s dedication to honing his craft led him to pursue higher education in the field. He enrolled at DePaul University in Chicago, where he graduated from The Theatre School in 2014 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting.
The Struggle and Rise: Joe Keery’s Career Evolution
Joe Keery’s journey to stardom wasn’t an overnight success story. Like many aspiring actors, he faced his fair share of struggles and rejections. After graduating from DePaul, Keery dove headfirst into the world of auditions, taking on minor roles and commercials to build his portfolio.
Early acting gigs:
- Appeared in commercials for KFC and Domino’s
- Landed small roles in TV shows like “Sirens” and “Chicago Fire”
However, it was in 2015 that Keery’s life changed forever. He auditioned for the role of Steve Harrington in a new Netflix series called Stranger Things. Initially, Steve was meant to be a minor character, but Keery’s charismatic performance impressed the Duffer Brothers so much that they expanded his role significantly.
Stranger Things impact:
- Breakout role as Steve Harrington
- Character arc from antagonist to fan-favorite
- Critical acclaim for his performance
The success of Stranger Things opened doors for Keery in the film industry. He went on to appear in several indie films, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Notable film appearances:
- “Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party” (2015)
- “The Charnel House” (2016)
- “After Everything” (2018)
- “Spree” (2020)
- “Free Guy” (2021)
Music: From Post Animal to Djo
While Joe Keery is widely recognized for his acting, his passion for music runs just as deep. His musical journey began long before his acting career took off, and he continues to pursue it alongside his Hollywood success.
Post Animal era:
- Co-founded the psychedelic rock band Post Animal in 2014
- Played guitar and contributed vocals
- Released album “When I Think Of You In A Castle” in 2018
As his acting career began to demand more of his time, Keery made the difficult decision to step back from Post Animal. However, this didn’t mark the end of his musical aspirations. In 2019, he launched his solo project under the moniker Djo.
Djo discography:
- “Twenty Twenty” (2019) – Debut album
- “Decide” (2022) – Sophomore album
Keery’s music as Djo has been well-received by critics and fans alike, showcasing his talent as a solo artist and his ability to create unique, psychedelic-infused indie rock.
Awards and Achievements: Recognition for Talent
Joe Keery’s performances, both on screen and on stage, have not gone unnoticed. While he’s still early in his career, he has already garnered significant recognition.
Awards and nominations:
- Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (won with Stranger Things cast in 2017)
- Nominated for the same award in 2018 and 2020
Relationship and Personal Life
In the midst of his rising fame, Joe Keery has managed to maintain a relatively private personal life. However, it’s known that he has been in a long-term relationship with actress Maika Monroe since 2017. The couple met on the set of the film “After Everything” and have been going strong ever since.
Key facts about Joe’s relationship:
- Dating Maika Monroe since 2017
- Frequently attend red carpet events together
- Keep their relationship relatively private
Physical Attributes and Style
Joe Keery’s distinctive looks have become part of his signature charm, particularly his voluminous hair which has gained a fan base of its own.
Physical stats:
- Height: 5’11” (180 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 160 lbs (73 kg)
- Hair color: Dark brown
- Eye color: Brown
Keery’s style has evolved along with his career, transitioning from a casual, indie-band look to a more polished, retro-inspired aesthetic that complements his Stranger Things character.
Joe’s Favorites: A Glimpse into His Preferences
Understanding an artist’s preferences can offer insight into their creative process. Here’s a look at some of Joe Keery’s favorites:
Music:
- Favorite bands: The Beatles, Tame Impala, Mac DeMarco
- Favorite guitar: 1966 Fender Mustang
Movies:
- Cites “The Master” and “There Will Be Blood” as influential films
Hobbies:
- Playing guitar
- Songwriting
- Watching movies
The Age Factor: Joe Keery’s Journey Through the Years
Born on April 24, 1992, Joe Keery is currently 31 years old (as of 2023). His age has played a significant role in his career, allowing him to portray the teenage Steve Harrington convincingly when Stranger Things began, and grow with the character as the series progressed.
Age milestones:
- 22: Graduated from DePaul University
- 24: Landed the role of Steve Harrington in Stranger Things
- 27: Launched solo music project Djo
- 29: Appeared in blockbuster movie “Free Guy”
Net Worth: The Financial Success of Joe Keery
As of 2023, Joe Keery‘s estimated net worth is approximately $4 million. This impressive figure is a testament to his success in both acting and music.
Income sources:
- Acting salary (primarily from Stranger Things)
- Film appearances
- Music sales and streaming revenue
- Brand endorsements and sponsorships
| Year | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $500,000 |
| 2018 | $1.5 million |
| 2020 | $2.5 million |
| 2023 | $4 million |
Social Media Presence: Joe Keery in the Digital Age
Despite his fame, Joe Keery maintains a relatively low profile on social media. He uses his platforms primarily to promote his work and connect with fans.
Social media stats:
- Instagram: @uncle_jezzy – 6.5 million followers
- Twitter: @joe_keery – 562.7K followers (account currently inactive)
Keery’s approach to social media is refreshingly authentic, often sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of his work and music.
Burning Questions Answered
Is Joe Keery pursuing music alongside acting?
Yes, Joe Keery is actively pursuing his music career alongside his acting. As the solo artist Djo, he has released two full-length albums and continues to create and perform music.
Is Joe Keery Gay?
No, Joe Keery is not gay. He has been in a long-term heterosexual relationship with actress Maika Monroe since 2017.
Which is his Favorite Guitar?
Joe Keery’s favorite guitar is reported to be a 1966 Fender Mustang. This vintage instrument aligns with his retro-inspired musical style.
What is Joe Keery’s net worth?
As of 2023, Joe Keery’s estimated net worth is approximately $4 million.
What role brought Joe Keery into the spotlight?
Joe Keery’s breakout role was Steve Harrington in the Netflix series Stranger Things. This character catapulted him to international fame and opened doors for further opportunities in both acting and music.
Future Horizons: What’s Next for Joe Keery
As Joe Keery continues to evolve as an artist, fans eagerly anticipate his future projects. Here’s what we know about what’s on the horizon:
Upcoming projects:
- Stranger Things Season 5 (final season)
- “Foe” – A sci-fi thriller film alongside Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal
- Potential new music releases as Djo
Keery has expressed interest in exploring more diverse roles in film and television, aiming to challenge himself as an actor. On the music front, he continues to work on new material, hinting at potential collaborations and live performances.
Conclusion: The Multifaceted Joe Keery
From a small-town theatre kid to a global sensation, Joe Keery‘s journey in the entertainment industry is a testament to his talent, hard work, and versatility. As an actor, he’s brought depth and charm to Steve Harrington, transforming a potentially one-dimensional character into a fan favorite. As a musician, he’s carving out his own niche in the indie music scene, showcasing his songwriting and instrumental skills.
Keery’s ability to balance his acting career with his musical pursuits demonstrates his passion for both art forms. His success in Stranger Things has not overshadowed his musical ambitions, but rather provided a platform for him to reach a wider audience with his sound.
As Joe Keery continues to grow and evolve as an artist, one thing is clear: whether on screen or on stage, he’s a talent to watch. His journey so far has been impressive, and if it’s any indication, the best is yet to come for this multifaceted star.
