For many actors, fame is something to chase. But for Dacre Montgomery, the Perth-born star who stole the show as Billy Hargrove in Stranger Things, stepping back felt more important than pushing forward.
The 30-year-old revealed that he intentionally retreated from the limelight after hitting it big in Hollywood.
“I think things have changed,” he told The Australian.
“Traditional Hollywood stars existed because there was mystery… Social media has done away with that.
That’s a large part of why I dropped off the map for the last five years.”
Rather than competing for attention online, Dacre said he’s focused on living his truth — and, he joked, “hopefully being able to pay the rent while I’m doing it.”
A Break for Personal Reflection
Dacre joined Stranger Things in 2017’s second season, sharing the screen with Winona Ryder, Millie Bobby Brown, and more.
But after three seasons — and his character’s dramatic death — he chose to take a step back.
“I’ve given a piece of myself to every role I’ve played, and that’s largely why I’ve taken time off,” he explained.
“Lately, there’s been a lot of personal reflection about what I want in my career. I’m trying to gain more control over where and what I’m working on.”
Fans won’t see him in the upcoming fifth and final season, but his time away hasn’t been idle.
Back on Screen — and Behind the Camera
On August 15, audiences will see Dacre return in the psychological thriller Went Up The Hill.
But the bigger news is that he’s stepping into the director’s chair for the first time with The Engagement Party, a drama announced in September 2024.
“I could not be more honoured to be directing The Engagement Party, a film with an extremely important and timely message,” he said in a statement to Deadline.
“I’m equally thrilled to have such a wonderful team of collaborators to help bring this story to life.”
Learning from Rejection and Inspiration
Dacre credits failure and rejection as his greatest teachers.
He also draws inspiration from fellow Australian Joel Edgerton, who successfully made the leap from acting to directing.
Joel’s brother, Nash Edgerton — a close friend and mentor — is producing The Engagement Party.
Originally, Dacre didn’t plan to act in his directorial debut, telling The Daily Telegraph last year that he wanted to keep it strictly about directing. But somewhere along the way, that plan changed.
An Intimate, High-Stakes Story
Describing his debut, Dacre said, “It is a four-hander, a chamber piece like a play that takes place in one location with only four people over one night.”
The tight setting means the drama will rely heavily on character dynamics, creating an intense and intimate viewing experience.
For Dacre, it’s not about chasing the next big Hollywood moment — it’s about crafting work that matters to him. And if that means disappearing from the spotlight every now and then, so be it.
