Aussie Stranger Things star Dacre Montgomery's career was taking off when he 'dropped off the map'. He's just explained why

Aussie actor Dacre Montgomery landed his breakout role as Billy Hargrove in the widely popular Netflix series Stranger Things but just as his career was taking off he decided to step away from the limelight.

Now, in a new interview he has revealed why he retreated from the spotlight at such a pivotal time in his career.

"I think things have changed," the 30-year-old actor told The Australian.

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"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."

Montgomery started his career with a role in the short film Betrand the Terrible in 2011.

He later starred in a range of other short films and as Jason Scott in the Power Rangers film reboot in 2017.

That same year he earned his acclaimed role in Stranger Things starring alongside Sadie Sink, Millie Bobby Brown and Winona Ryder in the second season.

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He went on to reprise his role in season 3 and 4 and has received critical acclaim for his performance including a nomination for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series alongside his castmates.

Despite the success, Montgomery has mostly stepped away from acting.

In the past five years he has had two roles outside of Stranger Things – the first as Steve Binder in the 2022 film Elvis and as Jack in the 2024 film Went Up The Hill.

Speaking to the publication, Montgomery shared that he has "given a piece of himself to every role [he's] played" which contributed to his decision to take a break.

The actor says he has taken some time to reflect on what he wants out of his career.

Now, he is returning to acting with his role in the new film What We Hide.

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He is also testing his abilities behind the camera and his expected to make his directorial debut with a film called The Engagement Party.

Montgomery is not expected to return to Stranger Things for it's much anticipated fifth season which is set for release this November.

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