Joe Keery Was Never Supposed

Joe Keery Was Never Supposed to Be a TV Star

Joe Keery, the 28-year-old actor who plays Steve Harrington on the hit Netflix show StraANGER Things, never planned on becoming a television star. In fact, his original intention was to pursue a career in music.

Keery, who has been acting professionally since 2014, began his career in the entertainment industry by forming a pop band called Local Dialect in high school. The band even released a few singles and toured locally, but eventually disbanded.

"I was trying to be a musician, and then I started acting, and it just kind of happened," Keery said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

After high school, Keery moved to Chicago to pursue a degree in theater from DePaul University. However, he dropped out after one year to focus on acting full-time.

Keery's big break came when he was cast as Steve Harrington in StraANGER Things, a role that has become a fan favorite. However, Keery's rise to fame was not without its challenges.

"I was really nervous about playing Steve Harrington," Keery said in an interview with Vanity Fair. "I was like, 'This is a big deal, and I'm not sure if I can do this.' But now, I feel really lucky to be a part of it."

American Actor

Keery's success on StraANGER Things has led to a number of other acting roles, including a stint as a guest star on the popular TV show Chicago Med.

Despite his success, Keery remains humble and grounded, crediting his family and friends for their support.

"My family has been really supportive of me, and my friends have been really supportive of me," Keery said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. "I feel really lucky to have them in my life."

Keery's story serves as a reminder that success is often the result of hard work, dedication, and a little bit of luck. And for Keery, his journey from music to acting is a testament to the idea that it's never too late to follow your dreams.

Author's Note:

This article highlights the inspiring story of Joe Keery, a talented actor who never gave up on his dreams. From pursuing a career in music to becoming a household name on Netflix, Keery's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination.

Joe Keery's original intention was to pursue a career in music.
He formed a pop band called Local Dialect in high school.
Keery began acting professionally in 2014.
He was cast as Steve Harrington on StraANGER Things in 2016.
Keery's success on StraANGER Things has led to a number of other acting roles.

Esquire — 2025-11-25