Joe Keery Was Never Supposed to Be Here

Author's Summary

Joe Keery, now 33, reflects on his unexpected rise from a doomed bully in Stranger Things to a beloved character, while navigating music and life transitions amid the show's end. (148 characters)

Unexpected Survival

In Stranger Things season 1, creators Matt and Ross Duffer originally planned for Lonnie Byers, the deadbeat dad played by Ross Partridge, to return and defeat the demogorgon. Instead, they grew fond of Joe Keery's portrayal of bully Steve Harrington, who was scripted to die early. Keery, a little-known Chicago actor fresh from waiting tables, survived thanks to rewrites, wielding a bat in the finale like a hero.

Reflecting on Fame

Over Zoom from his LA hotel—though he lives in NYC—Keery recalls the season 1 premiere morning, still channeling some original cool indifference. He never expected more seasons, let alone five, and felt torn after season 2 moving to LA, missing friends and his 20s. > "I was pretty torn up after the second season when I moved to L.A."

Music and Transitions

Keery's album The Crux explores entering his 30s more than the show's finale, marking an "inflection point." Lyrics from "Delete Ya" capture nostalgia: > "I take a walk in Hollywood / My old apartment isn't looking too good / Back in the city, no longer my home / Trying to let go." With Stranger Things wrapping, he eyes acting, music, and freed-up time ahead.

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Esquire Esquire — 2025-11-24

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