Born Joseph David Keery on April 24, 1992, in Newburyport, Massachusetts, he grew up in a creative household and developed an early interest in performing. He studied acting at DePaul University’s Theatre School in Chicago, where he honed his craft before stepping into the unpredictable world of auditions—also known as “smiling politely while hearing the word ‘no’ more times than you’d like.”

Like many actors, Keery’s early career involved commercials and smaller roles, including appearances in shows like Empire and Chicago Fire. Nothing earth-shattering—yet. Then came 2016, and with it a little Netflix series called Stranger Things. You may have heard of it.

Keery was cast as Steve Harrington, a character who initially seemed destined to be the classic ‘80s high school antagonist—the guy with the hair, the confidence, and the questionable decision-making skills. But somewhere along the way, Steve took a turn. Instead of staying in the “jerk” lane, he evolved into one of the show’s most beloved characters: a reluctant babysitter, unlikely hero, and all-around decent guy who somehow made wielding a nail-studded bat look like a perfectly reasonable life choice.

What makes Keery’s performance so effective is that it never feels forced. Steve’s growth—from self-absorbed teen to protective big brother figure—is handled with humor and heart, and Keery threads that needle beautifully. One minute he’s delivering a perfectly timed sarcastic line, the next he’s risking life and limb for a group of kids who, frankly, probably should’ve stayed home.

Outside of Hawkins, Indiana, Keery has been steadily building an impressive résumé. He appeared in films like Molly’s Game (2017), directed by Aaron Sorkin, and later in the sci-fi comedy Free Guy (2021), where he played a hilariously awkward tech genius opposite Ryan Reynolds. In Spree (2020), he took on a darker role as a social media-obsessed rideshare driver, proving he’s more than just the charming guy with great hair—he’s willing to get a little unsettling when the script calls for it.

But acting is only half the story. Under the stage name Djo (pronounced “Joe”), Keery has carved out a parallel career in music. His sound leans into psychedelic pop and indie rock, with albums like Twenty Twenty (2019) and Decide (2022) earning praise for their creativity and distinctive vibe. Before going solo, he was also a member of the Chicago-based band Post Animal, contributing to their early work. It’s the kind of side career that doesn’t feel like a hobby—it feels like another lane where he’s just as comfortable.

There’s something refreshingly grounded about Joe Keery. In an era where fame can sometimes feel manufactured, his rise has been a bit more organic. He didn’t arrive with a massive publicity machine—he showed up, did the work, and let audiences decide. And audiences, being the reasonable people they are, decided they liked him. A lot.

Part of that appeal is his versatility. He can handle comedy, drama, and the occasional monster-fighting scenario without breaking stride. He can play the lovable goof, the slightly awkward genius, or the guy you’re not entirely sure you should trust. And through it all, he maintains a kind of easygoing authenticity that’s hard to fake.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt that he’s become something of a style icon along the way. That famous hair has launched a thousand internet discussions and at least a few jokes about its own zip code. But beneath the surface-level charm is a performer who understands timing, character, and the value of letting a moment breathe.

As Stranger Things continues to evolve and Keery expands into new projects, one thing seems clear: he’s not just riding the wave of a hit show—he’s building a career with staying power. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that the guy who starts out as the high school heartthrob sometimes ends up being the one you root for the most.

Not bad for someone who probably just wanted a decent haircut and a shot at an audition.