Stranger Things star Dacre Montgomery has revealed why he stepped out of the spotlight after finding success in Hollywood.

The 30-year-old Perth-born actor recently spoke with The Australian, discussing his retreat from stardom.

“I believe things have evolved,” he stated. “Old-school Hollywood icons were shrouded in mystery, but social media has dismantled that allure. That’s a significant reason for my absence over the past five years.”

He added, ‘I’m not trying to compete with anyone else, I’m living my truth — and hopefully being able to pay the rent while I’m doing it.’

The star first appeared on the Netflix sci-fi hit — alongside Winona Ryder, Millie Bobby Brown, and more — as Billy Hargrove in 2017’s season two. 

“Each role I’ve taken has demanded a part of me, which is why I’ve been on a break,” Dacre remarked. “Recently, I’ve been reflecting on what I truly want out of my career, aiming to have more influence over my projects and direction.”

Known for his role in Stranger Things, Dacre Montgomery has disclosed the reasons for stepping back from the limelight after enjoying Hollywood success; featured alongside Noah Schnapp, Priah Ferguson, Millie Bobby Brown, Carmen Cuba, Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Caleb McLaughlin, Joe Keery, and himself.

The star first appeared on the Netflix sci-fi hit as Billy Hargrove in 2017’s season two

Dacre will not appear in the upcoming fifth and final season of the series, as his character was killed off in season three.

Fans can next see him onscreen in the psychological thriller Went Up The Hill, which will be released on August 15.

He is also readying to star in his directorial debut, The Engagement Party, which was announced in September 2024.

In May, the experienced actor expressed through a statement on Deadline, “I am incredibly honored to direct ‘The Engagement Party,’ a film that brings forth a crucial and timely message.”

‘I’m equally thrilled to have such a wonderful team of collaborators to help bring this story to life.’

Speaking to The Australian, the actor explained, “I genuinely think that setbacks and rejection are the ultimate learning tools, not to sound too harsh.”

‘Joel Edgerton is a great example of an Australian actor who has become a director. 

Regarding his brother Nash, Dacre added, “Nash, a cherished friend and mentor, is producing this film. He has kindly agreed to join forces and replicate the successful teamwork he shares with Joel.”

‘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,’ he shared; pictured in 2024

Dacre will not appear in the upcoming fifth and final season of the series as his character was killed off in season three, which premiered in 2019

‘I’ve given a piece of myself to every role I’ve played and that’s largely why I’ve taken time off,’ Dacre noted

Dacre — whose parents also work in the film industry — told The Daily Telegraph last year that he did not plan to appear in his directorial debut, although that has since changed.

He said at the time: ‘I’m not looking for this to be an engine for my acting career at all.

‘I want to direct, and I’m serious about directing, so I’m taking it seriously and not trying to use it as something else.’

The film is an intimate and intense drama. 

‘It is a four-hander, a chamber piece like a play that takes place in one location with only four people over one night,’ Dacre explained, teasing at a tightly-focused narrative driven by character dynamics.