Dacre Montgomery When you think about Netflix’s Stranger Things, a lot of faces come to mind Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven, Finn Wolfhard as Mike, David Harbour as Hopper. But starting in season two, one more name began standing out: Dacre Montgomery. The Australian actor, with his intense screen presence and old-school bad-boy charm, quickly became a fan favorite despite playing one of the show’s most complicated and disliked characters, Billy Hargrove.
But Stranger Things is only part of his journey. Montgomery has built an impressive career at a young age, and his story is the kind of tale that makes people believe in grit, timing, and the magic of persistence. If you’ve ever wondered who Dacre Montgomery is, what shaped him, and where his career might be headed next, here’s the full picture.
Early Life and Background
Dacre Kayd Montgomery Harvey was born on November 22, 1994, in Perth, Western Australia. His heritage is a mix of Canadian and New Zealander roots, which gave him a unique upbringing far from Hollywood’s chaos. Growing up in Perth, he was an artistic kid who often felt out of place. He has openly spoken about struggling in school, facing bullying, and being told that acting wasn’t a “real career.”
Still, he didn’t let those voices hold him back. Dacre pursued acting passionately from a young age. He studied drama at Mount Lawley Senior High School and later earned his Bachelor of Arts in Acting from WAAPA (Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts) the same school that produced Hugh Jackman. Those years gave him the training, discipline, and network that would set the stage for his career.
First Break Power Rangers (2017)
Dacre’s first major role was as Jason Scott, the Red Ranger, in the 2017 reboot of Power Rangers. For many fans of the franchise, this was a nostalgic return, but for Montgomery, it was a career-defining chance to show what he could do.
The movie itself got mixed reviews, but Dacre stood out. His performance as the team’s leader bringing both vulnerability and determination earned him recognition in Hollywood. He went from being an unknown Australian graduate to a rising name in the industry almost overnight.
Fun fact: He had auditioned for Power Rangers while still figuring out if acting would even work out for him. The risk paid off in a big way.
Stranger Things and the Role of Billy Hargrove
In 2017, Dacre joined the cast of Stranger Things season 2 as Billy Hargrove the charismatic but deeply troubled stepbrother of Max (Sadie Sink). Billy was toxic, abusive, and dangerous, and yet Dacre brought layers to the role that made viewers understand there was more beneath the surface.
By season 3, Billy’s storyline became one of the emotional cores of the series. Without giving too many spoilers, his arc went from being simply the “villain” to something far more complex, tragic, and even redeeming. Fans who initially hated Billy ended up crying for him and that’s the mark of a strong performance.
Stranger Things gave Dacre international fame. It wasn’t just about exposure, though; it proved his ability to carry heavy, emotionally demanding roles. Critics praised how he turned what could have been a one-dimensional character into one of the show’s most unforgettable figures.
Beyond Netflix Other Work and Projects
While Stranger Things remains his biggest credit to date, Dacre hasn’t slowed down:
- The Broken Hearts Gallery (2020): He starred opposite Geraldine Viswanathan in this romantic comedy produced by Selena Gomez. It showed fans another side of him lighter, funnier, and effortlessly charming.
- Poetry and Personal Work: Dacre surprised his fans by releasing a podcast series called DKMH (his initials). It featured his own poetry and thoughts, layered with atmospheric music. It was raw, vulnerable, and a glimpse into his inner world beyond acting.
- Upcoming Projects: Though he’s kept much of his future work under wraps, Hollywood insiders often mention him as one of the actors to watch for big-budget projects.
Style, Presence, and Why He Stands Out
Dacre Montgomery isn’t just another handsome face in Hollywood. What makes him stand out is his ability to balance intensity with vulnerability. On screen, he commands attention whether it’s in a superhero suit or shirtless in Stranger Things with a cigarette dangling from his lips. But off-screen, he’s introspective, grounded, and deeply thoughtful.
He often speaks about his struggles with anxiety, his difficult teenage years, and how he channels those experiences into his roles. In a world where many stars try to look flawless, Dacre leans into honesty, making him more relatable to fans.
Personal Life
Unlike some celebrities who live their lives under constant paparazzi flashes, Dacre is more private. He has been in a long-term relationship with model Liv Pollock, also from Perth, who often accompanies him to red carpets. The two are known for supporting each other’s careers without putting their entire relationship on display a refreshing change in an age of oversharing.
He’s also passionate about creativity beyond acting. Whether it’s writing, producing, or experimenting with art forms, Montgomery shows that he’s not here to be boxed into one category.
Awards and Recognition
While he hasn’t racked up a shelf of major awards yet, his performances haven’t gone unnoticed. Dacre has been nominated for several MTV and Teen Choice awards thanks to Stranger Things. More importantly, he’s earned the respect of critics and casting directors who see him as someone with serious long-term potential.
Dacre Montgomery Net Worth
As of recent estimates, Dacre Montgomery net worth is around $2–3 million. Most of this comes from his work on Stranger Things and film projects like Power Rangers and The Broken Hearts Gallery. Given his age and trajectory, it’s safe to assume this number will grow rapidly as he takes on bigger roles.
Why Fans Connect With Him
Fans love Dacre Montgomery for the same reason people love actors like Heath Ledger or James Dean he embodies intensity with an edge. But beyond the characters, his openness about his struggles makes him human. He has spoken about how he was overweight as a teen, bullied, and constantly told to give up on acting. Instead of quitting, he used it as fuel. That resilience resonates with anyone who’s ever been underestimated.
What’s Next for Dacre Montgomery?
With Stranger Things wrapping up in its final season, the question everyone asks is: what’s next?
Dacre is perfectly positioned to leap into blockbuster franchises or prestige dramas. Whether it’s superhero films, thrillers, or indie projects, he has the range to adapt. Given how Hollywood often looks for actors who can be both leading men and complex character actors, Montgomery could become one of the defining faces of the next decade.
Final Thoughts
Dacre Montgomery’s journey is more than just about playing Billy in Stranger Things or wearing the Red Ranger suit. It’s about resilience, passion, and believing in your craft even when no one else does. From a bullied teenager in Perth to one of the most recognizable young actors in the world, his story is the kind that inspires dreamers everywhere. Whether you’ve followed him since Power Rangers, discovered him on Netflix, or stumbled across his poetry, one thing is clear: Dacre Montgomery isn’t just a rising star he’s here to stay.