Early Life and Path to Acting
Born Dacre Kayd Montgomery-Harvey on November 22, 1994, in Perth, Western Australia, Dacre grew up in a creative household. His parents worked in the film industry, exposing him to sets from a young age. This environment sparked his passion for performance early on.
He began acting at age nine, appearing in theater and short films. Dacre attended Bayswater Primary School and Mount Lawley Senior High School, where he faced bullying due to his weight and interest in the arts rather than sports. Despite challenges, including failing drama exams initially, he persisted.
Montgomery pursued formal training at the prestigious Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) at Edith Cowan University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Acting in 2015. This rigorous program honed his skills and prepared him for the demands of professional acting. His early work included short films like Bertrand the Terrible (2010) and appearances in Australian projects, building a solid foundation before his international breakthrough.
Growing up in isolated Perth shaped his perspective. He has spoken candidly about feeling like a “lost kid” with anxiety and sensitivity, experiences that later informed his nuanced portrayals of flawed, deeply human characters.
Breakthrough: Power Rangers and the Red Ranger Legacy
In 2017, Dacre Montgomery landed his first major feature film role as Jason Scott, the Red Ranger, in the Power Rangers reboot. This high-profile gig came with a multi-picture deal and thrust him into the global spotlight. Though the film received mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office (grossing around $142 million), Montgomery’s performance stood out for adding emotional depth to the classic hero archetype.
Playing the leader of the team required physical training and a shift from his introspective roots. He brought vulnerability to a character often seen as a straightforward jock, showcasing early signs of the range that would define his career. The role introduced him to blockbuster filmmaking and fan conventions, but it also highlighted the pressures of sudden fame.
That same year, he appeared in the Australian comedy A Few Less Men and the horror-thriller Better Watch Out, further demonstrating versatility across genres.
Stranger Things: Billy Hargrove and Global Stardom
Dacre Montgomery’s true breakout came with Stranger Things Season 2 in 2017. Cast as Billy Hargrove, Max Mayfield’s volatile stepbrother, he delivered a magnetic, layered performance that blended menace, charisma, and tragedy. Billy quickly became a fan-favorite antihero, embodying 1980s bad-boy aesthetics while exploring themes of abuse, toxic masculinity, and redemption.
His portrayal earned critical acclaim, MTV Movie & TV Award nominations, and contributed to the show’s SAG Award ensemble nods. Billy’s arc across Seasons 2 and 3, culminating in a heroic sacrifice, left a lasting impact. Montgomery even returned for a cameo in Season 4, filmed remotely from Australia during COVID lockdowns.
Fans often search “Dacre Montgomery Billy Hargrove” because the role resonated deeply. Montgomery drew from personal experiences with bullying and sensitivity to humanize the character. In interviews, he’s discussed how playing Billy challenged stereotypes of masculinity, allowing him to embrace emotional depth on screen.
The success of Stranger Things transformed Montgomery’s life overnight. With millions of subscribers, the series brought immense visibility, but also the challenges of scrutiny and loss of privacy.
Life After Stranger Things: Hiatus, Reflection, and Growth
At the peak of his fame post-Season 3, Dacre Montgomery made a surprising choice: he stepped away from Hollywood. For nearly four to five years, he turned down most offers, returning to Perth to focus on personal well-being, creative pursuits, and “reverse engineering” his career toward more artistic, indie projects rather than purely commercial ones.
He cited the erosion of “mystery” in modern stardom due to social media as a key factor. “Traditional Hollywood stars existed because there was mystery,” he explained. This hiatus allowed time for reflection, poetry (via his DKMH podcast and book), short film directing, and addressing mental health.
Montgomery has been open about living with OCD and anxiety. He describes how these conditions both fuel and challenge him, fueling intense preparation for roles while requiring careful management of routines, light, and space. His honesty resonates with fans dealing with similar struggles, adding authenticity to his public persona.
During this period, he appeared in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis (2022) as producer Steve Binder and the rom-com The Broken Hearts Gallery (2020), but largely prioritized quality over quantity.
Personal Life: Engaged to Liv Pollock
Since 2017, Montgomery has been in a relationship with Australian model and designer Liv Pollock. The couple, both from Perth, met through mutual friends and social media. They got engaged in late 2023 and often share supportive moments online. Pollock has been a steady presence, even moving with him during Stranger Things filming.
Their shared interest in design and creative fields strengthens their bond. Montgomery credits personal relationships and family with grounding him amid industry pressures.
Recent Projects and Triumphant Return
Montgomery’s return has been selective and impactful. In Went Up the Hill (2024), he starred as Jack in this atmospheric drama exploring trauma and family, also serving as executive producer. The project allowed him to confront personal themes and work with acclaimed actors.
Subsequent roles include Dead Man’s Wire (2025) opposite Bill Skarsgård, directed by Gus Van Sant, an intense thriller drawn from true events where Montgomery pushed physical and emotional boundaries. Other 2025-2026 projects like What We Hide, Faces of Death, and more underscore his commitment to diverse, challenging characters.
He’s also eyeing directing his first feature, The Engagement Party, signaling ambitions behind the camera.
Why Dacre Montgomery Stands Out: Versatility, Vulnerability, and Vision
What sets Dacre Montgomery apart is his dedication to craft. He fully immerses himself in roles, altering his appearance, enduring physical demands, and drawing on lived experiences. His sensitivity, once a source of insecurity, has become a strength, allowing authentic portrayals of complex men.
Fans appreciate his relatability. Whether discussing body image, mental health, or the drive for meaningful work, Montgomery speaks with candor rare in Hollywood. His evolution from blockbuster heartthrob to indie-focused artist inspires those seeking substance over superficial fame.
Physically, he’s about 5’10” (178 cm), with striking features that suit both heroic and villainous roles. Estimated net worth around $2 million reflects smart career choices and residuals from hits like Stranger Things.
The Future Looks Bright for Dacre Montgomery
As of 2026, Dacre Montgomery is in a strong position, older, wiser, and more intentional. With upcoming films, potential video game work, and directing aspirations, he’s poised for continued growth. His journey reminds us that true success isn’t just about fame but alignment with one’s values and creative passions.
For Stranger Things fans, Billy Hargrove remains iconic. For cinephiles, Montgomery’s recent work signals an exciting phase of deeper storytelling. Whether you discovered him through mullet-wearing lifeguard chaos or quieter indie dramas, Dacre Montgomery delivers performances that linger.
What’s your favorite Dacre Montgomery role or moment? Share in the comments, and stay tuned for more on this talented actor’s evolving career. If you enjoyed this deep dive into Dacre Montgomery’s life and work, explore similar profiles on rising stars reshaping entertainment today.
Originally written by renowned publicist R. Couri Hay, offering his signature insider’s take on culture, society, and entertainment.
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