Why Joe Keery Has Become a Multi-Talented Icon
Joe Keery is an American actor and musician who shot to fame as Steve Harrington in Netflix’s Stranger Things before becoming a chart-topping artist under his musical alias, Djo. Born April 24, 1992, in Newburyport, Massachusetts, Keery has built a remarkable dual career spanning television and global concert stages.
Quick Facts About Joe Keery:
- Best Known For: Steve “The Hair” Harrington in Stranger Things (2016-2025)
- Music Career: Solo artist Djo; former member of Post Animal
- Breakout Hit: “End of Beginning” reached #6 on Billboard Hot 100 (2024)
- Awards: Screen Actors Guild Award winner, Billboard Music Award winner, Brit Award winner
- Notable Films: Free Guy, Spree, Fargo Season 5, Marmalade
- Education: The Theatre School at DePaul University (BFA in Acting, 2014)
- Height: 5’10.5″
Keery’s journey from a struggling actor with over 100 auditions to an Emmy-nominated cast member is a story of persistence. What truly sets him apart is his authenticity in both creative fields, never letting his Stranger Things fame overshadow his musical identity. The numbers confirm his success: Keery earned a reported $6 million for Stranger Things Season 5, while his song “End of Beginning” went viral in 2024, earning 3x Platinum certification. His album The Crux also debuted on the Billboard 200 and received a Grammy nomination.
Whether you know him as the bat-wielding babysitter or finded his psychedelic synth-pop sound, Joe Keery represents a new generation of artists who refuse to be confined to a single creative lane.
1. His Iconic Role as Steve “The Hair” Harrington
Many were introduced to Joe Keery as Steve Harrington, the initially arrogant jock in Netflix’s Stranger Things. The character’s evolution from a stereotypical antagonist to the protective, bat-wielding “babysitter” of Hawkins’ younger heroes is a testament to both the writing and Keery’s nuanced performance. He brought a depth and vulnerability to Steve that made “The Hair” a fan-favorite and a pop culture icon. Keery’s breakout role demonstrated his range, changing Steve from a one-dimensional popular kid into a heroic and empathetic figure.
The Audition That Changed Everything
Interestingly, Joe Keery didn’t originally audition for the role that made him famous. He first tried out for the character of Jonathan Byers. The Duffer Brothers and casting directors saw something special in Keery and encouraged him to send a tape for Steve Harrington. This pivotal moment secured his place in the hit series alongside co-stars like Natalia Dyer and Maya Hawke, proving how the right casting can align an actor with their perfect role.
From Side Character to Heart of the Show
Steve Harrington began as a recurring character in Season 1, but Keery’s charisma and depth quickly made him indispensable. He was promoted to a series regular in the second season, cementing his importance to the ensemble and earning him the moniker “Babysitter Steve.” This rise in prominence came with significant financial recognition. For Stranger Things Season 3, he reportedly earned $150,000 per episode, which soared to a reported $6,000,000 for the final Season 5. Keery and the cast also won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series in 2017, with further nominations in 2018 and 2020, highlighting his vital contribution to the show’s success.
2. He’s a Bona Fide Rock Star Named Djo
Beyond the Upside Down, Joe Keery has cultivated an impressive music career under the alias Djo. A former guitarist for the Chicago-based psychedelic rock band Post Animal, Keery’s passion for music is a long-standing part of his creative life. As Djo, he explores genres like neo-psychedelia and synth-pop, creating a distinct sound that is both nostalgic and modern, characterized by dreamy atmospheres and intricate guitar work. This musical endeavor showcases a different facet of his creativity, proving his talents extend far beyond Entertainment.
The Viral Sensation: ‘End of Beginning’
In 2024, Djo’s track “End of Beginning” became an unexpected global sensation. Originally released on his 2022 album Decide, the song went viral on TikTok, becoming a “sleeper hit” that resonated with millions. The song’s introspective lyrics and infectious beat led to explosive chart success, soaring to number 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and hitting number 1 in the UK and Sweden. This viral moment, detailed in pieces like this one on Djo’s End of Beginning goes viral, solidified Djo’s place in the music industry.
‘End of Beginning’ Certifications:
- RIAA (US): 3x Platinum
- ARIA (Australia): 5x Platinum
- BPI (UK): 2x Platinum
- MC (Canada): Platinum
- RMNZ (New Zealand): 2x Platinum
- FIMI (Italy): Gold
Exploring Djo’s Critically Acclaimed Discography
Djo’s discography features critically acclaimed albums that highlight Keery’s musical artistry. His 2019 solo debut, Twenty Twenty, introduced his unique blend of psychedelic and indie-pop sounds, with NME praising him as “a musician of very high calibre.” His second album, Decide (2022), reached number 24 on the Billboard 200. Most recently, The Crux (2025) debuted at number 50 on the Billboard 200 and charted internationally. The album’s striking artwork also earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Album Cover, highlighting the comprehensive artistic vision behind Djo. These albums prove that Djo is a dedicated artistic endeavor, making Keery a significant figure in Pop Culture.
3. His Acting Versatility Shines Beyond Hawkins
While Steve Harrington is his most recognizable role, Joe Keery‘s filmography reveals a versatile actor who actively pursues challenging roles in Hollywood. He has moved beyond the beloved high schooler to explore darker, more complex, and comedic territory in both independent features and blockbusters. His commitment to exploring different character types ensures his career is built on a foundation of diverse roles, preventing him from being typecast.
Notable Film and Television Roles
Joe Keery has built an impressive resume that extends well beyond the confines of Hawkins. His ability to embody vastly different characters is a key reason we admire his work.
In film, he’s known for:
- Spree (2020): A chilling social media satire where he plays a deranged rideshare driver desperate for viral fame. This role showcased his capacity for darker, more intense performances, a stark contrast to Steve Harrington.
- Free Guy (2021): A blockbuster action-comedy where he played Walter “Keys” McKey, a brilliant video game developer. This film allowed him to demonstrate his comedic timing and his ability to hold his own alongside major stars like Ryan Reynolds.
- Molly’s Game (2017): A critically acclaimed drama directed by Aaron Sorkin, where he had a supporting role.
- Marmalade (2024): A crime romance film where he stars alongside Camila Morrone.
- Finalmente l’alba (2023): An Italian drama where Keery plays a supporting role, further demonstrating his range.
On the television front, his work includes:
- Fargo (Season 5, 2023-2024): Joining the acclaimed anthology series, Keery took on the role of Gator Tillman, a character that allowed him to dig into a more complex and morally ambiguous territory.
- Death to 2020 and Death to 2021: These satirical mockumentaries from the creators of Black Mirror provided Joe Keery with a platform for sharp comedic commentary on current events.
- Earlier roles in popular series like Empire and Chicago Fire also marked his early career steps before Stranger Things.
Looking ahead, Joe Keery has several exciting projects on the horizon, promising even more diverse performances. He’s set to star in the sci-fi virus tale Cold Storage alongside Liam Neeson, and the indie film Pavements. He’s also lending his voice to The American Revolution, a Ken Burns documentary. These upcoming Movies and Television projects confirm his commitment to a varied and challenging career path.
4. His Humble Beginnings and Inspiring Work Ethic
Before the fame and chart-topping hits, Joe Keery was a dedicated student of his craft from Newburyport, Massachusetts. He honed his skills at The Theatre School at DePaul University, graduating in 2014 with a BFA in Acting. This formal training provided the discipline for the demanding roles he would later embody, distinguishing him as a committed Actor.
After graduation, the path to stardom wasn’t immediate. Keery attended “over a hundred auditions” before landing significant roles. This period of struggle highlights the resilience and work ethic that have been hallmarks of his career.
The Pre-Fame Hustle of Joe Keery
Every successful artist has a “before” story, and Joe Keery‘s pre-fame hustle is as relatable as it is endearing. Before he was battling Demogorgons or topping music charts, he was doing what many aspiring actors do: commercials. His early career saw him appearing in national advertisements for recognizable brands like KFC and amiibo.
Perhaps one of the most memorable of these early gigs was his appearance in Domino’s Pizza commercials, where he notably recreated several iconic scenes from the classic film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. It was a charming nod to a beloved movie, showcasing his early comedic chops and ability to inhabit a well-known character, even in a commercial setting. This kind of work is crucial for young actors, providing experience and a paycheck while they wait for their big break.
In addition to commercials, Joe Keery secured small roles in several television series, giving him valuable on-set experience. He appeared in an episode of Chicago Fire and Empire, gaining exposure to different production environments. His first full-length film appearance was in the 2015 independent drama Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party. These early experiences, though minor in comparison to his later success, were vital stepping stones, building his resume and refining his craft. They demonstrate the grind and dedication required to make it in the demanding world of entertainment.
5. He’s More Than an Actor: Fun Facts About Joe Keery
Beyond his on-screen and on-stage personas, Joe Keery has a fascinating personal life. Understanding these Celebrity details adds layers to his public image, from his family background to his striking resemblance to actor Ben Schwartz. This comparison has even led to a playful fan theory connecting his Stranger Things character to Schwartz’s role in Parks and Recreation.
What are some interesting facts about Joe Keery’s life?
Let’s explore some more intriguing tidbits about Joe Keery that reveal the person behind the roles and the music:
- Birth and Early Life: Joseph David Keery was born on April 24, 1992, making him a Taurus. He grew up in Newburyport, Massachusetts, and has four sisters. It was actually his older sister who insisted he pursue acting, a nudge that clearly paid off!
- Physicality: He stands at a height of 5′ 10.5″ (1.79 m).
- The Ben Schwartz Connection: The resemblance between Joe Keery and Ben Schwartz is uncanny, so much so that it sparked a popular fan theory. The theory, playfully acknowledged by Schwartz himself, suggests that his Parks and Recreation character, Jean-Ralphio Saperstein, is actually the son of Steve Harrington from Stranger Things. It’s a fun, cross-universe idea that highlights Keery’s distinct look and the playful nature of fandom.
- Musical Beginnings: His musical background is deep-rooted. Before Djo, he was a member of Post Animal. He also released music under the name ‘Cool Cool Cool’ for a brief period before adopting the Djo moniker for his solo career. This dedication to music has been a constant throughout his life, not just a recent venture.
- Commercial Star: As we’ve seen, his early career included various commercials, notably the Ferris Bueller’s Day Off-themed ads for Domino’s Pizza, which showcased his early talent for embodying iconic characters.
These facts paint a more complete picture of Joe Keery, illustrating his journey from a family-oriented upbringing to a multi-talented performer. For more details, we can always check out his Joe Keery tag.
6. He Masterfully Balances Two Demanding Careers
A remarkable aspect of Joe Keery‘s career is his ability to juggle the demanding pursuits of acting and music, achieving critical acclaim in both. This feat requires immense dedication and a clear vision. His commitment is evident in his choices, such as his 2018 decision to step back from his band Post Animal. He wanted to “disassociate Steve from Stranger Things from the band,” allowing them to grow without being overshadowed by his fame.
The story came full circle in 2025 when Post Animal served as openers for his Djo ‘Back on You World Tour,’ illustrating his ability to integrate his passions. This journey demonstrates a continuous evolution and a talent for finding new ways to express himself.
How Joe Keery Balances Acting and Music
Balancing two demanding careers like acting and music is a testament to Joe Keery‘s discipline and passion. It’s a constant act of prioritization and dedication. We believe his strategy involves maintaining separate, yet equally respected, identities for his acting and musical endeavors. As he stated, the initial separation from Post Animal was crucial for both his and the band’s artistic integrity. This approach ensures that neither career is merely a “side project” to the other.
His success in both fields suggests a careful approach to scheduling, likely involving dedicated periods for filming and then transitioning to writing, recording, and touring for Djo. This kind of time management requires a strong team around him, including agents, managers, and publicists (like us at R. Couri Hay Creative Public Relations) who can help steer the complexities of his dual career.
In terms of future aspirations, Joe Keery has expressed a desire for continued growth in both acting and music. In acting, this means exploring different genres and challenging roles, moving beyond the shadow of Steve Harrington. Musically, he aims to evolve the Djo sound, pushing creative boundaries with each new release, as evidenced by The Crux Deluxe. He is a songwriter, musician, and performer who is constantly honing his craft. His long-term career vision seems to be one of continuous artistic exploration, possibly even venturing into directing or other creative roles. As we’ve seen from his career evolution, documented by sources like Paste Magazine, he is an artist who isn’t afraid to take risks and follow his creative instincts.
7. His Future is Brighter Than Ever
The future for Joe Keery is incredibly bright, with exciting projects in both film and music. As Stranger Things concludes, he is ready to take on even more diverse ventures. On the film front, he has several anticipated projects, including the sci-fi thriller Cold Storage with Liam Neeson and the indie film Pavements with Jason Schwartzman. These roles demonstrate his commitment to expanding his acting repertoire.
Musically, the momentum for Djo continues. Following the success of The Crux, fans can look forward to The Crux Deluxe and his “Back on You World Tour” in 2025. These projects highlight his growing global reach and dedication to his music audience. From New York City to London, Joe Keery is set to captivate audiences worldwide.
What are Joe Keery’s future aspirations?
Joe Keery‘s future aspirations in both his acting and music careers are clearly rooted in continuous growth and artistic fulfillment. We anticipate he will continue to seek out roles that challenge him, allowing him to explore different characters and genres, further cementing his reputation as a versatile actor. He’s not content to rest on his laurels; instead, he’s driven to constantly refine his craft and push his boundaries on screen.
Musically, as Djo, his goals likely involve evolving his distinct sound, experimenting with new styles, and continuing to engage with his growing fanbase through new albums and captivating live performances. The success of “End of Beginning” has opened new doors, and we expect him to leverage this momentum to reach even greater heights in the music industry. He’s a true artist at heart, and his songwriting goals will undoubtedly lead to more introspective and innovative tracks. While he hasn’t explicitly stated directorial aspirations, given his creative drive and keen eye for storytelling, it wouldn’t surprise us to see him explore behind-the-camera roles in the future. His long-term career vision appears to be one of sustained artistic output and creative exploration, ensuring he remains a prominent figure in entertainment for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions about Joe Keery
How did Joe Keery get famous?
Joe Keery gained international fame for his role as Steve Harrington in the Netflix hit series Stranger Things, which premiered in 2016. His character’s unexpected development and charm made him a fan favorite, quickly elevating him to global recognition.
Is Joe Keery a real musician?
Yes, Joe Keery is a talented musician. He was a guitarist for the psychedelic rock band Post Animal and now releases music as a solo artist under the name Djo. His song “End of Beginning” became a global hit in 2024, proving his prowess as a chart-topping artist.
What is Joe Keery’s most famous song?
Joe Keery‘s most famous song is “End of Beginning”, released under his musical moniker Djo. The song went viral on TikTok in 2024, years after its initial release on the 2022 album Decide, and charted in the top 10 worldwide, including reaching number 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Conclusion
From the streets of Hawkins to the soundscapes of Djo, Joe Keery has undeniably carved out a unique and inspiring path in the entertainment industry. We’ve witnessed his incredible change from a beloved breakout actor to a critically acclaimed musician, proving that true talent knows no bounds.
We’re excited to watch his continued evolution and invite you to join us in appreciating this remarkable Joe Keery.