Chelsea Talmadge: From Stranger Things Star to Rising Actress – Biography and Career Highlights
Chelsea Talmadge is an American actress best known for her role as Carol Perkins in the Netflix series Stranger Things. As the sharp-tongued classmate who often found herself tangled in the drama of Hawkins High, Chelsea brought authenticity to her portrayal of a typical 1980s teenager. With a background in theater and appearances in various TV shows and films, Chelsea has steadily built her career in the entertainment industry. Her performances often showcase her ability to portray grounded and relatable characters. This biography explores her journey, from her early beginnings to her notable roles on screen.
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Early Life and Family Background
Chelsea Talmadge was born on December 30, 1993, in Fountain Valley, California, USA, and raised in Orlando, Florida, specifically in the East Valencia area.
Chelsea’s interest in acting was deeply influenced by her family’s background in the entertainment industry. Her great-great uncle, Sid Talmadge, was president of Record Merchandising Co., which distributed several Motown artists and A&M Records. Her aunt, Crickett Haskell, was a talent agent and partner to Jim Gibson at The J. Carter Gibson Agency, while her uncle, Peter Haskell, was an actor before his passing in 2010. Chelsea credits these connections, along with her mother taking her to see The Wizard of Oz at age three — which left her mesmerized — as key influences that ignited her love for performance.
Chelsea’s father was a musician and a prominent frontman in a band, as she fondly remembered in a social media post on November 16, 2022, stating, “you’ll always be my favorite frontman. RIP daddy.” This tribute highlights her father’s role as an influential figure in her artistic journey, reinforcing her connection to performance and creativity from an early age.
Chelsea’s mother, Lisa Gayle, played a significant role in supporting Chelsea’s creative aspirations. In a heartfelt Mother’s Day tribute on May 9, 2021, Chelsea thanked her mother for giving her the freedom to pursue her passion, believing in her during difficult times, and being her safety net when things got tough.
In an interview with Flanelle Magazine, Chelsea revealed that her artistic passion emerged early in childhood. She frequently played dress-up, staged imaginary classroom sessions, and choreographed shows to perform after dinner. Once, she even put up a sign on her mailbox to invite an audience — her mother, knowing the cul-de-sac location wouldn’t attract a crowd, ensured neighbors attended so Chelsea wouldn’t perform to an empty house.
Chelsea’s dedication to acting was evident from a young age through her involvement in theater productions and school plays. One of her formative experiences was at Orlando Family Stage, where she first honed her acting skills as a young performer. Chelsea credits her time there for helping her build the skills and confidence that led to her success in the entertainment industry. Reflecting on her journey, Chelsea shared:
“Orlando Family Stage is a very special place, especially to me. It was the skills and confidence that I gained here that helped me land work in the entertainment industry.
Chelsea’s dedication to acting was evident from a young age through her involvement in theater productions and school plays. After graduating from high school, Chelsea moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting professionally.
Professional Career
Chelsea Talmadge began her professional acting career in 2012 after relocating to Los Angeles at the age of 18. Her early roles included appearances in projects such as Stories of the Paranormal (2010), Daniel’s Lot (2010), To Write Love on Her Arms (2012), Mille and the Muse (2012), and Sparrow (2013). These appearances allowed her to gain industry experience and showcase her versatility as an actress.
In addition to her acting career, Chelsea showcased her musical talent. She performed “I’m Not Afraid of Anything” at The Orlando Repertory Theatre during A Night for Billy Brown fundraiser, showcasing her vocal talent in a heartfelt performance that was later uploaded to her YouTube channel on January 10, 2013.
From Los Angeles to Orlando: A Career Shift
Before joining the Stranger Things cast, Chelsea spent four years living in Los Angeles, pursuing her acting career. However, following strings of personal challenges, she decided to return to her hometown of Orlando, Florida. Feeling the need to reset her life, Chelsea considered stepping away from acting altogether and even contemplated enrolling in college to focus on a more traditional career path.
Despite her intentions to pause acting, Chelsea’s managers from Elliot Vaughn encouraged her to audition for one final project. Reluctant at first, she agreed to submit a self-tape audition for what was then an untitled Duffer Brothers project, originally referred to as Montauk before being renamed Stranger Things.
Auditioning for Stranger Things
Chelsea initially auditioned for the role of Barb, a fan-favorite character from Season 1. However, the casting team later called her back to read for the role of Carol, one of the show’s prominent antagonists. During the callback process, the Duffer Brothers worked closely with Chelsea to refine her portrayal of Carol, transforming her into a more distinct and memorable character.
Chelsea revealed that her character’s signature trait — chewing gum — emerged spontaneously during the audition. The Duffer Brothers suggested Carol should be a bit more “tomboyish” and “less flirty”, and the gum-chewing persona naturally became Carol’s defining quirk. This small yet impactful detail added to Carol’s abrasive and confrontational presence, solidifying her role as one of the show’s memorable antagonists.
To attend the callback audition, Chelsea drove six hours from Orlando to Atlanta. Although she was initially called back to tape for Barb, the role ultimately went to Shannon Purser. Chelsea was instead cast as Carol Perkins, a recurring character in Stranger Things. She appeared in six episodes between 2016 and 2017, playing one of the popular yet antagonistic students at Hawkins High School. Her role became a key part of the show’s social dynamic.
Chelsea revealed that her time on Stranger Things was an emotional rollercoaster, as it was one of her very first major bookings. During this time, she was also simultaneously filming another show called Still the King, making the period especially intense yet rewarding. Chelsea described her Stranger Things experience as a confirmation that she was pursuing the right career path.
In an April 2018 interview at Collective Con in Jacksonville, Florida, Chelsea shared her feelings about Stranger Things, describing the show’s success as “surreal.” She mentioned that none of the cast expected the series to become such a cultural phenomenon but expressed gratitude for the positive impact it has had on her career. Chelsea also reflected on her connection to Florida, describing herself as “sort of a native,” appreciating the opportunity to return home for events like Collective Con.
Memorable On-Set Experiences
Chelsea fondly recalled her experience filming the car scene, which became one of her favorite moments on set. While much of Stranger Things was filmed on location, this particular scene was shot in a studio setting. Special effects simulated a moving car, with passing lights creating the illusion of motion. Chelsea described this setup as enjoyable because it gave the cast greater freedom to improvise, adding spontaneity to their interactions.
The car scene stood out because it perfectly captured Carol’s role in the friend group — bold, outspoken, and always stirring drama. Chelsea described the moment as one where she leaned heavily into Carol’s antagonistic nature, constantly annoying Steve Harrington (played by Joe Keery) with her remarks. Chelsea remembered delivering her lines as Carol’s snide comments escalated, prompting Joe Keery’s character to exclaim, “Oh my god, cut it out! I hate you guys!” — a reaction that Chelsea found hilarious and memorable.
Chelsea also recalled the lunch scene as another standout moment. It was the first time they filmed on set without the Duffer Brothers, as they were away continuing to write for the season. In their absence, Shawn Levy directed the scene, and Chelsea praised his incredible energy and creative input. The lunch scene was particularly memorable for Chelsea because the entire cast of younger actors was together, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie.
The Gas Station Scene: A Highlight for Co-Star Chester Rushing
While Chelsea’s standout moment was the car scene, her co-star Chester Rushing (who played Carol’s on-screen boyfriend, Tommy Hagan) cherished the gas station scene. In this pivotal moment, Tommy stands up for Carol, demonstrating his loyalty despite the group’s chaotic behavior. Chester regarded this moment as meaningful, showcasing the depth of his character’s relationship with Carol.
Life Beyond Stranger Things
Following her time on Stranger Things, Chelsea Talmadge appeared in several other notable roles. In 2017, she played Vera in six episodes of the TV series Halt and Catch Fire. From 2016 to 2017, she portrayed Mabel in Still the King, appearing in 12 episodes. In 2019, Chelsea played Deenie in the horror film Doctor Sleep, based on Stephen King’s novel. That same year, she appeared as Kat in the short film Sunshine State. In 2020, Chelsea took on the role of Tori Jones in the film Murder RX.
Chelsea also appeared on the cover of PRIME Magazine’s December 2019 issue, photographed by Shavonne Wong, showcasing her as a rising figure in the entertainment and fashion industry.
In addition to her acting career, Chelsea briefly explored music, collaborating with Ice Nine Kills on the track “Love Bites” from their album The Silver Scream, which was released on October 5, 2018. The collaboration happened after Chelsea met Spencer Charnas (the band’s frontman) at a karaoke bar in Los Angeles. After a spontaneous performance fueled by “liquid courage,” Spencer encouraged Chelsea to collaborate on a track. Later, while Chelsea was filming on the East Coast, she recorded her vocals in a small Orlando studio, which was later mixed into the final track.
Recent Projects, Appearances, and Upcoming Roles
As of March 2025, Chelsea Talmadge continues to build on her diverse career in the entertainment industry, engaging in both stage and screen projects. Chelsea has remained actively involved in the Orlando arts scene. She participated in the Orlando Fringe Festival in 2018, where she joined the ensemble cast of the project FLIP, which premiered in May 2018. In October 2024, Chelsea returned to her theatrical roots by starring in the world premiere of Junie B. Jones in BOO… and I Mean It! at the Orlando Family Stage. This production marked a significant homecoming for Chelsea, as she had previously honed her acting skills at this very venue during her youth.
Chelsea also participated in Decade Days in Orlando, Florida, from January 24-26, 2024, where she engaged with fans and reflected on her roles in Stranger Things, Doctor Sleep, and Still the King. In August 2024, Chelsea was a special guest at Emo Social, a music and entertainment event held at Will’s Pub in Orlando, where she connected with audiences in a lively social setting.
Chelsea was also present at ComicFest 2024 at Don Garlits Drag Race Museum, where she interacted with fans and celebrated her expanding career. Additionally, Chelsea attended a performance of The Cher Show at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in November 2024, demonstrating her continued support for the arts.
Chelsea is also set to appear in the upcoming film Jump Scare, scheduled for release in 2025, where she plays the role of Val. The film is currently in post-production, with its release date yet to be announced.
Advocating for Mental Health
In addition to her creative pursuits, Chelsea has been vocal about her support for mental health awareness. Drawing from her own experiences and those of her friends, Chelsea stressed the importance of recognizing mental struggles and encouraging open conversations. She attended a mental health awareness event, underscoring her belief that no one should feel alone when facing mental health challenges.
Physical Appearance
Chelsea Talmadge has a petite stature, standing at approximately 5 feet tall. She has striking eyes that are predominantly blue with subtle hazel undertones, giving them a unique, captivating appearance. Her naturally light brown hair has occasionally been dyed red for roles or events. Her facial features are soft with expressive eyes and delicate freckles. Chelsea is known for her warm smile, which complements her versatile appearance, ranging from casual, carefree styles to elegant red carpet looks.
Her body type is slender with a delicate frame that enhances her youthful appearance. She has fair skin with a smooth complexion, which often highlights her natural freckles. Chelsea’s distinctive look has played a significant role in her standout presence in the entertainment industry.
Zodiac Sign
Born on December 30, Chelsea Talmadge’s zodiac sign is Capricorn, known for traits such as ambition, discipline, and a strong work ethic, which have been evident throughout her career.
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