Charlie Heaton: From Punk Drummer to Stranger Things Star – A Complete Biography
Who is Charlie Heaton? You might know him as Jonathan Byers—the brooding, camera-toting outsider from Stranger Things. But before the fame, before Netflix, he was just a kid from a quiet coastal town in Yorkshire, chasing a very different dream. Acting wasn’t the plan. Music was.
At 16, he packed up and moved to London, drumming his way through the underground punk scene, living gig to gig. Hollywood? Not even on his radar. But life has a way of surprising you. A chance modeling job led to auditions, and before he knew it, he was landing small roles in indie films and British TV. Then came Stranger Things—and everything changed. Practically overnight, he went from unknown musician to rising star, with his raw, understated performance making Jonathan one of the show’s most beloved characters.

But Charlie is far more than just his Stranger Things role. He’s still deeply tied to music, drawn to offbeat, unconventional storytelling, and proving he’s got range well beyond Hawkins. So how does a punk drummer from Yorkshire end up starring in one of Netflix’s biggest shows? Let’s take a look at Charlie Heaton’s unexpected journey.
Childhood and Family
Charlie Heaton was born on February 6, 1994, in Leeds, England, and raised in Bridlington, Yorkshire, a small coastal town on the east coast of England. Coming from a working-class background, Charlie was raised primarily by his single mother, alongside his two sisters, including his older sister Levi Heaton, who is also an actor. His father moved to London when Charlie was two years old, and one of Charlie’s happiest childhood memories was getting to spend time with him.
From a young age, Charlie was an energetic and restless child, struggling to sit still in school. He was hyperactive and often sent out of class for being unable to focus. Despite his struggles with academics, he excelled in creative subjects like drama and music. His love for performing became evident when he competed in a talent show around age nine, singing The Beatles’ “All My Loving” in a high-pitched voice. Though he didn’t win or place in the competition, this experience marked one of his earliest public performances.
That same year, Charlie followed his older sister Levi into a local drama group in Bridlington, meeting every Wednesday night at a youth center. His drama tutor, Chris Darling, remembers him as a “lively, cheeky, enthusiastic child” who enjoyed showing off and had a natural presence. However, by the age of 11, his passion shifted toward music when his father, a massive Beatles fan, bought him a drum kit.
Charlie immersed himself in music, joining his first band at 14, an indie rock group called Spider Pie, which he described as an Arctic Monkeys tribute act. By the age of 16, he left school and moved to London to live with his father, spending time in his uncle’s recording studio and quickly integrating into the London music scene.
Music Career and Struggles in London
In London, Charlie played in several bands, including the slacker-pop group Fanzine before becoming the drummer for the noise rock band Comanechi. At just 19 years old, he went on his first professional tour with Comanechi, playing in front of 2,000 people on his first-ever gig, supporting The Gossip at Shepherd’s Bush Empire. During this time, he was in a relationship with Comanechi’s lead singer, Akiko Matsuura, with whom he later had a son, Archie, in 2014.
Despite touring internationally, Charlie struggled financially, often couch-surfing and taking odd jobs to make ends meet. As Comanechi’s popularity waned, he transitioned into acting almost by accident—simply looking for better-paying gigs. His sister Levi suggested he audition for commercials, leading to his first acting job in a Swiss insurance commercial, which surprisingly had a proper story arc and was screened at Cannes Lions.
Early Acting and the Audition That Changed Everything
Charlie Heaton’s path to acting was anything but conventional. Without any formal training, he started auditioning for minor roles in British television, landing appearances in shows like Casualty, Vera, and DCI Banks. However, his first major acting breakthrough came with Shut In (2016), a psychological thriller starring Naomi Watts.
Director Farren Blackburn saw potential in Heaton and cast him in a pivotal role. Heaton later described the experience as being “mothered into acting” because Watts was incredibly supportive on set, helping him navigate the professional film industry for the first time.

Shortly after Shut In, Heaton auditioned for Stranger Things, which was then called Montauk. The Duffer Brothers were searching for someone with the perfect mix of mystery, intensity, and vulnerability—a loner, but not too eccentric; gentle, yet brooding.
At the time, the casting team had trouble finding the right Jonathan Byers in the U.S., so they expanded their search to the UK. When they saw Heaton’s audition tape, they were immediately drawn to his performance.
During his Skype interview with the Duffers, Heaton was casually sitting in a burger joint in Hammersmith, London. Just three days later, he was on a flight to Los Angeles for screen tests, unaware that his life was about to change forever.
Bringing Jonathan Byers to Life
Jonathan Byers was a deeply personal role for Heaton. The character was an outsider, someone who saw the world differently—quiet, artistic, and introverted—qualities that closely resembled Heaton’s own personality.
His love for The Cure and Joy Division was already part of his real-life music taste, which made Jonathan’s playlist in the show feel incredibly authentic. He even admitted that Jonathan’s habit of walking around with headphones on, lost in music, was something he did in real life.
One of the strongest elements of Jonathan’s story was his relationship with his mother, Joyce Byers, played by Winona Ryder. Heaton spoke about how working with Ryder was an invaluable experience, calling her one of the most generous actors he had ever met. He admired her ability to completely immerse herself in a scene, bringing a level of depth that helped make their intense emotional moments feel real.
Beyond his on-screen family, Heaton developed close friendships with Joe Keery (Steve Harrington), Natalia Dyer (Nancy Wheeler), and the younger cast. Watching actors like Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, and Noah Schnapp grow up on set over the years added to the surreal nature of the long-term project.
To stay in character, Heaton maintained an American accent throughout filming. In fact, Stranger Things director Shawn Levy didn’t even realize Heaton was British until after Season 1 wrapped.
Adjusting to Overnight Fame
When Stranger Things premiered on July 15, 2016, Heaton was in Spain filming Marrowbone. Just two days after the show’s release, he was recognized by a stranger on the street—his first realization that Stranger Things was not just another Netflix show, but a global phenomenon.
Before the show, he was relatively unknown in Hollywood, but once it took off, everything changed:
- He started getting recognized in public, which at first overwhelmed him.
- Fans would yell “Stranger Things!” at him on the street, which took time to get used to.
- Though the sudden fame was an adjustment, he eventually grew comfortable with it.
Despite his growing stardom, Heaton stayed grounded by frequently returning to his hometown of Bridlington, England, where people still treated him the same way they always had.
Filming Experiences and Challenges
Season 4: Enduring Extreme Conditions
By Season 4, Stranger Things had evolved into an even bigger and more demanding production. Many of Heaton’s scenes were filmed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, far from the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana.
- He had to withstand intense sandstorms while filming in the desert.
- His scalp got sunburned from the relentless heat.
- The shooting schedule was exhausting, with some days starting before sunrise and ending after dark.
Despite these challenges, Heaton and the cast found ways to make the long hours more enjoyable:
- He spent hours in Eduardo Franco’s (Argyle’s) trailer, playing Nintendo 64 games between takes.
- Heaton developed a competitive rivalry with Franco over Pokémon Stadium mini-games—and nearly lost his patience when Franco finally beat him.
Jonathan Byers’ Evolution Over the Seasons
Jonathan Byers was introduced in Season 1 as the misunderstood loner, an outcast with a camera. But over the years, he transformed into a more self-assured and resilient character.
- Season 1: Jonathan was the “creepy kid in the woods”, misunderstood and introverted.
- Season 4: He had grown into a more grounded and mature version of himself, shaped by the traumatic experiences he endured.
Heaton appreciated how Stranger Things matured in tone over time:
- The early seasons had a Spielberg-style adventure feel, reminiscent of E.T. and The Goonies.
- The later seasons took on a darker horror influence, drawing from A Nightmare on Elm Street and other 80s horror classics.
When filming wrapped on the final season, Heaton admitted it was an emotional moment. Spending nearly a decade as Jonathan Byers made saying goodbye feel surreal.
Life Beyond Stranger Things
Joining the Superhero Genre: The New Mutants (2020)
In 2020, Heaton entered the superhero genre, starring as Sam Guthrie / Cannonball in The New Mutants, a horror-inspired X-Men spinoff.
- Unlike traditional superhero films, The New Mutants had a psychological horror twist, focusing on young mutants in a mysterious psychiatric facility.
- The film was plagued by delays and was ultimately released during the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted its success.
- Despite the challenges, Heaton was proud of the project and enjoyed stepping into the superhero world.
Exploring Indie Films and Experimental Roles
After Stranger Things, Heaton took on independent films that pushed his acting abilities.
- The Souvenir Part II (2021) – A film by Joanna Hogg, in which he had to improvise most of his performance due to the director’s unique style.
- No Future (2022) – A deeply personal drama where he starred opposite Catherine Keener.
His choices reflected his desire to take risks and challenge himself as an actor, rather than sticking to mainstream Hollywood projects.
Music, Fashion, and Personal Life
Music: Staying Connected to His First Passion
Although acting became the focal point of his career, Charlie Heaton never abandoned his love for music. Before acting, he was a drummer in multiple bands, including the noise-rock group Comanechi. Even now, he continues to play drums regularly, often using music as a tool to prepare for emotional scenes.
He has also expressed interest in combining music and acting in future projects, but only if the project aligns with his artistic integrity. While he has turned down conventional musical films, he remains open to roles where music plays a meaningful narrative role.
Style and Hobbies
Heaton has developed a distinctive personal style over the years, marked by his love for vintage watches and classic accessories. His appreciation for timepieces began when his sister gifted him a 1960s watch for his 18th birthday—a sentimental piece he cherished until he accidentally broke it by jumping into a pool.
Another staple of his personal style is his leather satchel, which he still carries daily. The bag, another sentimental gift from his sister, holds his essentials: books, notebooks, glasses, and occasionally a shaver.
Despite his busy schedule, Heaton remains a dedicated Arsenal fan. Football became a passion after he moved to London as a teenager, and he has been loyal to the club ever since. No matter where he is in the world, he makes it a priority to keep up with Arsenal’s matches—even when time zones make it challenging.
Relationship with Natalia Dyer
Since 2016, Heaton has been in a long-term relationship with Stranger Things co-star Natalia Dyer (Nancy Wheeler). The two first met on set, and their off-screen chemistry gradually translated into a real-life romance. While they initially kept their relationship private, fans quickly picked up on their close bond.
Over the years, the couple has attended various red carpet events together, including the SAG Awards and Paris Fashion Week. Heaton and Dyer have often been praised for their effortlessly coordinated fashion, embracing a mix of vintage and modern aesthetics. Despite their high-profile status, they maintain a low-key personal life, preferring to spend time together outside of the spotlight.
Though Stranger Things concluded after nearly a decade, their relationship has remained strong beyond the show, proving that their bond is more than just an on-set romance.
Charlie Heaton Trivia
Childhood & Early Interests
- As a child, he dreamed of becoming an entomologist (insect scientist) and used to collect bugs in his garden, but ironically, he now dislikes insects.
- His childhood hobbies included making home videos with his sisters and singing Spice Girls songs.
- He struggled with school due to hyperactivity and had trouble sitting through lessons.
- He once competed in a talent show at age nine, singing All My Loving by The Beatles, but didn’t win or place in the competition.
- As a teenager, he binge-watched 19 episodes of 24 in one sitting but fell asleep before finishing the full season.
Acting Career & Stranger Things
- His first-ever acting audition was for a Swiss insurance commercial, which unexpectedly had a full story arc and was screened at Cannes Lions.
- When he auditioned for Stranger Things, he was in a burger joint in London during his Skype interview with the Duffer Brothers.
- Director Shawn Levy didn’t realize Heaton was British until after Season 1 wrapped, since he always spoke in an American accent on set.
- He accidentally punched Joe Keery (Steve) twice while filming their Season 1 fight scene.
- To prepare for his role as Jonathan Byers, the production team gave him a vintage Pentax camera to practice with. He spent a month taking photos but later realized he never loaded the film correctly, so none of the pictures existed.
- The Converse sneakers Jonathan wears in Stranger Things actually belonged to Charlie—he donated them to the costume department.
- His favorite scene to film was setting up traps for the Demogorgon with Nancy in the Season 1 finale.
- He struggled with physically demanding scenes, like filming at 5 a.m. in freezing temperatures or pulling someone out of a tree covered in goo.
- He believes Bob’s death (Sean Astin’s character) was the most emotional in the series.
- If he could play any other character, he would pick Hopper—but joked that he’d have to gain weight and age a few years.
- While filming Season 4, he got sunburned on his scalp due to intense heat while shooting in the Albuquerque desert.
Behind-the-Scenes & Fun Facts
- He once faked an internet issue to escape a Skype audition where he hadn’t prepared for the role.
- He pranked Joe Keery back after Joe once covered his trailer in tomatoes.
- He accidentally spoiled a scene by reacting too early when an off-screen cue was mistimed.He revealed that the Duffer Brothers play music on set to set the mood for certain scenes.
- He spent a lot of downtime playing Pokémon Stadium with Eduardo Franco (Argyle) and nearly cried when Eduardo finally beat him at a mini-game.
Music & Personal Life
- Before acting, he went on his first-ever music tour with just two weeks of rehearsal, performing in front of 2,000 people.
- He is afraid of spiders and bugs—a contrast to his childhood love for insects.
- He has a fear of flying, which is inconvenient due to his frequent travel.
- He used to “borrow” Prada Milano cologne (and other items) from his sister’s boyfriend before eventually buying it himself.
- His favorite accessory is a leather satchel his sister gifted him at 18, which he still carries.
- He once chewed the ends of his sunglasses while thinking, leaving them scratched and bent.
- He is a dedicated Arsenal fan and watches every match, even in inconvenient time zones.
- His first live football match was an Arsenal game, which made him a lifelong supporter.
- He once considered crashing a wedding, thinking it would be fun, but ultimately decided against it.
- He acknowledged that fans compare him to Harry Styles and joked about a potential Parent Trap-style role swap.
- He once jammed with Finn Wolfhard and Gaten Matarazzo at a Stranger Things wrap party.
- When preparing for emotional acting scenes, he listens to music to help set the mood.
References: |
GQ: https://youtu.be/tvNOQBXiHww British Vogue: https://youtu.be/Ftm61TdgRzU CXO Media: https://youtu.be/bOWEi7OXkKI https://youtu.be/t3_2ZtEj1JQ https://youtu.be/DCRzZ8f-B3w Hits Radio: https://youtu.be/DQ5QSkdTaew https://www.dreadcentral.com |https://youtu.be/OKL_d1UcAsU Collider Interviews:https://youtu.be/c_0q6n-oOyc https://www.flaunt.com/blog/people-charlie-heaton-new-fantasy-cover-story https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/charlie-heaton-interview-2022 https://sharpmagazine.com/2022/06/24/charlie-heaton-on-growth-improvisation-and-the-closing-of-stranger-things/ https://www.interviewmagazine.com/film/charlie-heaton https://www.whiteliesmagazine.com/archive/2018/6/1/charlie-heaton https://www.anothermanmag.com/life-culture/10779/charlie-heaton-stranger-things-3-three-release-date-interview-winona-ryder-2019 |