Dacre Montgomery: From Struggles to Stardom – The Untold Story of Stranger Things’ Bad Boy

You know him as Dacre Montgomery, the actor who brought Billy Hargrove—the hot-headed, muscle-car-driving bad boy of Stranger Things—to life. With his 80s mullet, unshakable swagger, and dangerously unpredictable edge, Billy was more than just a high school bully—he became one of the show’s most complex and tragic figures. But before stepping into the role of Hawkins’ resident antagonist, Montgomery was a determined young actor from Australia, facing rejection and setbacks on his way to success. Unlike many of his co-stars, he didn’t rise through the ranks of Hollywood—he fought his way in, nearly getting kicked out of drama school before turning things around and landing his breakout role.

Beyond Stranger Things, Montgomery continues to push his creative boundaries. From starring in indie films to taking on new projects behind the camera, he’s proving he’s far more than just Billy Hargrove—he’s an artist determined to leave his mark on Hollywood.

Birth and Family Background

Dacre Kayd Montgomery-Harvey was born on November 22, 1994, in Perth, Western Australia. He comes from a highly creative family with strong ties to the arts. His father, originally from New Zealand, worked as a sound recordist, while his Canadian mother was involved in film and television production. Both parents had connections to the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)—his mother worked in broadcasting there in the 1990s, and his father lectured in the sound department. This familial connection to WAAPA would later play a significant role in shaping Dacre’s career path. Growing up in this environment, Montgomery was introduced to the world of cinema from an early age, spending time on film sets and developing a fascination with storytelling, sound, and aesthetics. He holds triple citizenship—Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand—and has royal ancestry, tracing back to King Charles II of England, making him distantly related to actors Kit Harington and Rose Leslie.

Family Bonds and Name Significance

Dacre’s first name comes from the Cumbrian dialect of Northern England, meaning “trickling stream.” He was unaware of this meaning until someone pointed it out in an interview. His younger sister, Saskia, has a Hungarian name meaning “savior of mankind.” Despite the 12-year age gap, they have remained emotionally close. One of his most treasured possessions is a stuffed owl Saskia gifted him, which he takes on his travels, while she keeps an identical one at home.

Childhood and Early Interests

As a child, Montgomery struggled with his weight and described himself as a “big kid.” He faced bullying and found it difficult to make friends. He wasn’t into sports and often felt isolated, describing himself as a “lost” child who struggled to fit in. His struggles with self-esteem and anxiety shaped his empathy for others, and he later drew from these personal experiences when portraying Billy Hargrove in Stranger Things, a character with deep emotional struggles and insecurities.

Montgomery’s mother did not allow him to watch television until he was about five years old, encouraging him to engage in creative activities instead. This early restriction contributed to his deep appreciation for film and television. His mother’s habit of frequently rearranging their home furniture sparked his early interest in aesthetics and interior design, a passion that continues today. Even as a child, he was particular about the way his space was organized and loved experimenting with lighting and ambiance.

Montgomery has described himself as a big, adventurous kid who was always looking for creative ways to entertain himself. He was also a massive film and TV geek, going through phases of obsession with different movies and series, especially Batman and Spider-Man. He was drawn to darker, more complex characters, finding the duality between heroes and villains fascinating. This early interest in psychological depth would later influence his approach to acting.

High School Years and Parkour Enthusiasm

Montgomery attended high school on the same campus as WAAPA, which gave him daily exposure to the renowned drama school. This proximity further fueled his interest in acting. During this time, he became an enthusiast of parkour, often jumping across rooftops with friends and sometimes getting in trouble for it. Though he enjoyed the thrill, he was always mindful of his limits and avoided serious injuries. His adventurous spirit played a role in his later acting career, as he took on physically demanding roles that required stunt work.

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Despite his passion for drama, Montgomery struggled academically. At 15, he failed his high school drama exams, and at 16, he was told he needed to lose weight, which added to his challenges. However, he remained determined to pursue acting, and at 17, he was encouraged to attend drama school for formal training.

Gap Year and Personal Transformation

After finishing Year 2012, Montgomery took a gap year in Vancouver, where an agent advised him to lose 25 kg if he wanted to pursue acting professionally. Taking this advice seriously, he committed to fitness and underwent a significant transformation, which not only helped his career but also boosted his confidence. He had also spent time perfecting his American accent, which later helped him secure roles in Hollywood.

Drama School and Career Preparation

Montgomery’s decision to attend the prestigious Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) was strongly influenced by his parents’ connection to the school. However, his first year was anything but smooth. He struggled with discipline, had a poor attitude, and resisted parts of the curriculum, particularly vocal techniques like Feldenkrais. His arrogance and unwillingness to fully engage led to him being asked to leave the program three times.

During this turbulent period, Montgomery also faced personal setbacks—he lost his job and went through a difficult breakup. Eventually, he was advised to step back and reflect on his approach. Over the summer, he reassessed his mindset and returned with a renewed focus. This shift in attitude opened doors for him, allowing him to take part in productions such as The Grapes of Wrath, Measure for Measure, and contemporary plays like Punk Rock and The Golden Age. His dedication paid off when, just two weeks before graduating, he landed his first professional acting role—on his 21st birthday.

During his time at WAAPA, Montgomery developed a methodical approach to acting, focusing on the psychological depth of his characters. He studied real-life cases to bring authenticity to his performances and valued working with directors who encouraged creative collaboration. Beyond acting, he also taught himself screenwriting, using Final Draft software to learn about story structure and script sales. This passion for storytelling eventually led him to create DKMH, a poetry podcast that blends spoken word with music.

A Look into His Professional Career

Early Career and Power Rangers

Montgomery’s early career included roles in short films and television. In 2010, he appeared as Fred in the short film “Bertrand the Terrible,” and in 2011, he was cast in the TV pilot “Family Tree.” He also featured in the music video for “Old Souls” by the Australian band Make Them Suffer in 2015.

His breakthrough came in 2017 when he portrayed Jason Scott, the Red Ranger, in the “Power Rangers” reboot. Unlike some of his fellow cast members, he did not grow up watching Power Rangers, so he had to quickly familiarize himself with the franchise. However, this lack of prior attachment allowed him to approach Jason Scott with fresh eyes, giving the character a modern, grounded perspective rather than relying on nostalgia.

Upon landing the role, Montgomery recalled feeling overwhelmed, turning to his mother in disbelief. The preparation process was intense—training lasted over a month and a half, focusing on stamina, fight choreography, and endurance. The physically demanding role required him to learn complex stunt sequences, including hand-to-hand combat and wirework. Alongside his co-stars, he underwent rigorous martial arts training under professional stunt coordinators to ensure authenticity in the action sequences.

Bringing emotional depth to Jason Scott was another challenge Montgomery embraced. Unlike earlier versions of the character, his portrayal showed Jason as a flawed but relatable teenager grappling with personal responsibility. He worked closely with director Dean Israelite to ensure that Jason’s evolution into a leader felt organic and emotionally compelling. He particularly appreciated how the film presented the Power Rangers as “screw-ups” who had to grow into their roles rather than being perfect heroes from the outset.

One of the most challenging aspects of filming was wearing the Power Rangers suit. The restrictive nature of the costume made movement difficult, and Montgomery humorously recalled how the cast felt like “big pieces of poop” in the brown undersuits they wore before the full armor was attached. Despite the discomfort, he remained dedicated to making Jason’s physicality feel natural and heroic.

Reflecting on Power Rangers, Montgomery expressed gratitude for the experience. While the film did not launch a franchise, it provided him with invaluable exposure to CGI-heavy productions and action choreography. It also introduced him to lifelong friendships, particularly with co-stars Naomi Scott and RJ Cyler. Most importantly, it gave him his first taste of Hollywood and prepared him for larger projects, including his breakout role in Stranger Things.

Audition and Casting for Stranger Things

Montgomery’s audition for Stranger Things was an unconventional process. He self-taped his audition at his parents’ home in Perth, Australia, crafting a performance that combined raw intensity with theatrical unpredictability. The tape began with him shirtless, delivering an aggressive and erratic monologue, showcasing Billy Hargrove’s explosive nature.

Before transitioning into his second scene, he put on black sunglasses and a black leather jacket, dancing briefly to Come On Eileen—a moment of spontaneity that added an unpredictable, chaotic energy to the performance. He seamlessly blended menace with charm, demonstrating an ability to shift between explosive aggression and unsettling charisma. Additionally, he included a reimagining of Kiefer Sutherland’s villainous monologue from Stand By Me, further reinforcing Billy’s intimidating presence.

Montgomery structured the tape to feel like an ‘80s villain showcase, drawing inspiration from Jack Nicholson’s The Shining and William Zabka’s Johnny Lawrence from The Karate Kid. His ability to capture the raw, volatile essence of Billy in such an original way immediately caught the attention of the Duffer Brothers, ultimately securing him the role.

Stranger Things and the Evolution of Billy Hargrove

Introduced in Stranger Things Season 2, Billy Hargrove was initially seen as a one-dimensional antagonist. However, Montgomery worked closely with the Duffer Brothers to add depth to the character. He sought to humanize Billy, highlighting the abusive relationship with his father as a key motivator for his aggressive behavior. Montgomery personally lobbied for more backstory and successfully influenced the inclusion of a scene that showcased Billy’s troubled past with his father. His performance in Season 3 was particularly compelling, culminating in an emotional arc where Billy sacrifices himself to save Eleven.

Montgomery’s dedication to the role was evident in his preparation. He drew on personal experiences with bullying to inform his portrayal, emphasizing the insecurities that drive aggressive behavior. For the possession scenes in Season 3, he studied bipolar disorder and dissociative identity disorder to accurately convey Billy’s internal struggle. He also collaborated with the show’s stunt team to perfect the physicality of Billy’s transformation under the Mind Flayer’s influence.

One of the most physically and emotionally grueling sequences was the sauna showdown in Episode 4 of Season 3. Filming this scene took an entire week, requiring Montgomery to push himself to his emotional and physical limits. He recalled losing his voice from the repeated takes of screaming and being emotionally drained after each day’s shoot. However, this scene became a turning point in his career—Montgomery has described it as the moment he truly felt like he belonged in the industry. The intensity of the performance, combined with the trust placed in him by the show’s creators, reinforced his confidence as an actor.

Billy’s final scene in the Season 3 finale was another defining moment. Montgomery described it as the most emotionally exhausting scene he had ever filmed. In one take, he accidentally smashed his head through real glass, a moment that made it into the final cut. Despite the physical toll, he remained committed to giving a powerful performance, which ultimately earned him widespread acclaim.

Directing and Podcast

In 2019, Montgomery wrote, directed, and self-funded his first short film, In Vitro, which was shot in Sydney. The film’s concept was influenced by his mother’s work in mental health and real-life cases of abandoned infants. In Vitro follows a woman who, after being sexually assaulted, gives birth in a public bathroom and convinces herself that her child was immaculately conceived. The film uniquely blends live-action cinematography with animated charcoal sequences, visually representing the divide between fantasy and reality. A cinematographer from Stranger Things assisted in scouting locations, filming, and color grading the project. The short film was well received for its artistic ambition and thematic depth.

Later that year, on July 11, 2019, Montgomery launched his podcast, DKMH, a six-track poetry-music fusion project. He spent years writing beat poetry and collaborated with musicians worldwide to create a distinctive blend of spoken word and music. One of the tracks was recorded on a cassette deck with a live orchestra in Stockholm. He described the project as meditative, cathartic, and deeply personal, showcasing his passion for storytelling beyond acting. The podcast received praise for its introspective and experimental approach.

Diving into Romantic Comedy: The Broken Hearts Gallery

Montgomery took on a drastically different role in The Broken Hearts Gallery (2020). The romantic comedy allowed him to showcase a more lighthearted and charismatic side. Starring alongside Geraldine Viswanathan, Montgomery initially struggled with improvisation and comedic timing but gradually embraced the genre.

One of his biggest challenges was the karaoke scene, as he was unaccustomed to comedic, self-deprecating moments on screen. Geraldine, with her comedy background, helped him loosen up and embrace spontaneity. Throughout filming, Montgomery grew more comfortable with improvisation, learning from his co-stars’ effortless comedic delivery. A running joke on set involved the song “Sweet but Psycho” by Ava Max, which became an inside joke among the cast and was ultimately included in the film.

Reflecting on the film, Montgomery admitted that stepping into a romantic comedy was intimidating but ultimately rewarding. He credited director Natalie Krinsky for allowing him to explore humor in a way he had never done before, stating that the experience pushed him to take more risks in his acting choices.

Went Up the Hill (2024)

Montgomery’s role in Went Up the Hill marked a significant shift in his career, allowing him to explore a deeply psychological and emotionally demanding character. The supernatural psychological thriller, directed by Samuel Van Grinsven, delves into themes of grief, trauma, and identity. Montgomery portrayed Jack, a man who returns to a remote New Zealand town after his estranged mother’s death, only to become entangled in a haunting mystery involving possession and unresolved familial wounds.

The film required Montgomery to navigate multiple layers of performance, as his character’s consciousness was shared with another entity. His co-star Vicky Krieps played an alternate version of his character due to the film’s unique possession-based narrative structure. The two actors worked closely to craft a seamless transition between their performances, ensuring that the shared consciousness remained eerie yet cohesive. Krieps praised Montgomery’s ability to shift between vulnerability and quiet menace, creating a performance that was both unsettling and emotionally resonant.

Montgomery spent a year preparing for the role, engaging in weekly virtual sessions with Van Grinsven to refine Jack’s psychological complexity. He also collaborated with the director on visual and thematic elements, contributing to discussions on character motivation and the film’s underlying symbolism. His methodical approach to crafting the role drew comparisons to Marlon Brando’s style of performance—melding personal experience with intellectual depth to create an authentic and compelling portrayal.

The immersive nature of Went Up the Hill extended beyond just acting. Montgomery and Krieps employed scent-based acting techniques, using specific fragrances to trigger emotional recall and deepen their connection to the characters. Additionally, Montgomery’s interest in set design and aesthetics played a role in shaping the film’s atmosphere, reinforcing his hands-on approach to storytelling.

Went Up the Hill premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2024, where it received widespread acclaim. Montgomery’s performance was particularly noted for its intensity and layered emotional depth, solidifying his reputation as an actor unafraid to embrace unconventional and challenging role

Awards and Recognition

In 2018, Montgomery was honored at the GQ Men of the Year Awards in Australia, an achievement he described as surreal, given his rapid transition from drama school to international recognition. That same year, he attended the 9th Annual Thirst Project Gala, where he advocated for global water scarcity awareness. After researching various charitable organizations, he chose to support the Thirst Project due to its mission of providing clean drinking water to communities in need. Drawing from his own experiences in drought-prone Australia, Montgomery emphasized environmental consciousness, noting small personal habits such as taking short showers as part of his sustainability efforts. His involvement in the gala reflected his growing interest in philanthropy beyond the entertainment industry.

Dacre Montgomery – Trivia & Key Insights

Living in Australia Over Hollywood

• Prefers living in Australia despite his Hollywood success.
• Values Australia’s quality of life, culture, and natural beauty over the entertainment industry environment in Los Angeles.
• Moved to Sydney, influenced by his partner, Liv Pollock.
• Commutes internationally for work rather than permanently relocating abroad.
• Believes in the Australian work ethic, stating, “you’re not handed anything.”

Traveling for Filming

• Vancouver, Canada – Filmed Power Rangers (2017) and stayed with his Canadian family.
• Atlanta, Georgia (USA) – Filmed Stranger Things and spent months on set.
• Toronto, Canada – Filmed The Broken Hearts Gallery (2020) and attended the TIFF 2024 premiere for Went Up The Hill.
• New Zealand – Filmed Went Up The Hill (2024) in rural locations, adding to the eerie tone of the supernatural thriller.
• Los Angeles, USA – Frequently visits for auditions, premieres, and press events but chooses not to live there.
• New York City, USA – Attended BUILD Series interviews and industry events.
• Sydney, Australia – Hosted his first art exhibition at the New South Wales Art Gallery in 2020.

Obsession with Lighting & Aesthetics

• Hates overhead lighting, preferring soft, ambient light sources.
• Uses Hue smart bulbs to create a purple hue throughout his house.
• Gradually dims lights over 30 minutes before bed to set the mood.
• Uses candles when traveling to maintain a similar aesthetic.
• Pauses movies to adjust lighting or candles if they are slightly out of place.

Music & Sound Are Essential

• Listens to Nick Drake every morning as part of his routine.
• Plays different albums at dinner suited for cooking.
• Has Sonos speakers throughout his home, creating unique sound profiles in each room.
• Listens to white noise while sleeping to maintain focus and calm.
• Believes sound is as important as visuals in storytelling, influenced by his father, a sound recordist.

Collecting Memorabilia & Film Keepsakes

• Stranger Things – Took Billy’s denim jacket and a box of Marlboro Red cigarettes.
• Power Rangers – Kept a shattered piece of obsidian rock from an explosion scene.
• The Broken Hearts Gallery – Took his character’s bracelet.
• Leather-binds every script from his films and treats them as personal archives.

Tea Rituals & Health Choices

• Quit coffee because it gave him the shakes.
• Drinks iced black tea every morning, brewed the night before.
• Dislikes hot drinks, saying they give him “the heebie-jeebies.”

Meticulous About Writing & Productivity

• Uses his MacBook as his primary tool for research, writing, and poetry.
• Prefers basic apps like Pages and Notes over expensive software.
• Started writing poetry as a coping mechanism for anxiety, which evolved into a fully written book.
• Launched his poetry podcast, DKMH, in July 2019, combining beat poetry with music.

Drama School Struggles & First Role

• Struggled at WAAPA (Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts), admitting to a bad attitude early on.
• Was asked to leave the program three times before reassessing his approach.
• Eventually excelled in stage plays.
• Booked his first professional role on his 21st birthday, two weeks before finishing his studies.

Interest in Voice Acting

• Interested in voice acting, particularly for animated projects like Rick and Morty.
• Admires Mark Hamill’s approach to character-driven voice performances.

Near-Death Experience on a Flight

• On Halloween night 2018, his plane from Atlanta to Perth was struck by lightning.
• Experienced a sudden power failure and freefall before the aircraft stabilized.
• The passenger next to him was intoxicated and laughed through the ordeal.
• Described it as one of the most terrifying moments of his life.
• Developed flight anxiety after the incident.

Directorial Debut – In Vitro

• Wrote, directed, and self-funded his first short film, In Vitro, in Sydney.
• Inspired by his mother’s work in mental health and real-life cases of abandoned infants.
• Used a mix of live-action and animated charcoal sequences to symbolize the divide between fantasy and reality.

OCD Tendencies & Home Organization

• Admits to being “very OCD” about his house and personal space.
• Keeps everything in his home neatly arranged and structured.

Fear of Open Water

• His worst nightmare is being stuck on a boat in the middle of the ocean.
• Describes the feeling as completely helpless.

Royal Ancestry & Meaning of His Name

• Descended from King Charles II of England, sharing lineage with Kit Harington and Rose Leslie.
• His name “Dacre” comes from the Cumbrian dialect of Northern England, meaning “trickling stream.”
• His sister’s name, Saskia, means “savior of mankind” in Hungarian.

Social Media Minimalism

• Admits he is terrible at social media and prefers to stay private online.
• Unlike many actors, he avoids constant social media updates.

Grooming & Getting Ready

• Takes about 20 minutes to get ready, whether for an event or everyday life.
• Prefers an efficient routine, contrasting with actors and models who take hours on grooming.

Best Advice He’s Ever Received

• “If you have a passion, start the fire, fuel it, and push toward that passion until it works out for you.”

Fitness & Wellness

• Appeared on the cover of Men’s Health but does not maintain peak physique year-round.
• Uses hot yoga to sweat out toxins and maintain healthy skin.

Self-Taped Auditions & Independent Spirit

• Prefers self-taping auditions from his parents’ closet rather than attending Hollywood auditions.
• Has only attended two in-person auditions in the last four years.

Parkour in High School

• Used to jump across school rooftops with friends, practicing amateur parkour.

Self-Deprecating Humor & Fun Trivia

• Fans joke that he could play “Human Shrek” in a live-action adaptation.
• Had a hair rivalry with Joe Keery, who had naturally voluminous hair, while Dacre wore a glued-on mullet wig for Stranger Things.
• The weirdest food he has eaten is kangaroo.

References:

Deadline Hollywood Sep 2024:https://youtu.be/9pvDQCRUCaU Hollywood Reporter July 2019: https://youtu.be/1oO2AnCJEKw September 2024 Collider interview: https://youtu.be/R5XnzfaGzfA https://youtu.be/wG-p6H1Rjds GQ July 2019: https://youtu.be/-vx_-H_158w, https://youtu.be/8CFh2PiaGxc, https://youtu.be/4h5YRyI_-SI Build Series March 2020: https://youtu.be/tAvBJmNizgU GQ Australia Nov 2018: https://youtu.be/T3e-vMPQuec https://youtu.be/kYHjHktRKmw https://projectcasting.com/blog/tips-and-advice/tips-for-actors/stranger-things-dacre-montgomery-on-acting