Eduardo Franco: The Complete Biography – From Childhood to Hollywood Star

When Eduardo Franco walked into an audition for the 2019 film Booksmart, he had no idea it would change his life. The then-24-year-old actor delivered such a memorable tryout that director Olivia Wilde stopped everything and created a brand-new character on the spot just for him. It was an unheard-of Hollywood moment – one that encapsulates Franco’s unlikely journey from a working-class kid in Arizona to a breakout star on Netflix’s global phenomenon Stranger Things.

Franco’s rise matters in pop culture not just because he’s laugh-out-loud funny or rocks arguably the most iconic head of hair on TV, but because of what he represents. As a Mexican-American actor who broke into Hollywood without nepotism or a safety net, his story adds a dose of real-world inspiration to an industry often dominated by the privileged. Themes of personal struggle, resilience, reinvention, and gratitude run through his tale. From hustling at a movie theater to help his family, to reinventing rejection into opportunity, to becoming the beloved long-haired stoner Argyle on Stranger Things, Eduardo Franco’s journey is a testament to perseverance and staying true to oneself.

In this in-depth profile, we explore Franco’s path – the formative years in a border town that shaped him, the scrappy climb to his first big break, the whirlwind of Stranger Things fame, and how he’s carving out a lasting legacy. Along the way, we’ll hear from Franco in his own words, insights from those who’ve worked with him, and anecdotes that reveal the heart behind the humor. It’s a story of a Hollywood underdog who refused to cut his hair or cut corners – and wound up stealing scenes and hearts in the process.

Early Life & Family Influence

Eduardo Franco was born on August 29, 1994, in Yuma, Arizona, a small border city near Mexicali, Mexico. Growing up in a Mexican-American household with five siblings, he was immersed in both cultures, which influenced his comedic style and personality. His father was a small business owner, and his mother managed the home, ensuring the family stayed close despite financial struggles.

Frequent visits to Mexicali were a big part of his childhood. His aunt, who owned a hair salon, would give him free haircuts, but the long waits at the border to return home eventually led him to stop getting them—this decision would later define his now-signature long hair.

Eduardo grew up bilingual, speaking both Spanish and English. His family’s Mexican roots, particularly from Sonora and Baja California, gave him a strong cultural connection. He spent weekends and vacations in Mexico, frequently visiting family members and strengthening his ties to his heritage.

One of his favorite childhood activities was walking through video store aisles with his family, searching for movies to watch together. This tradition deepened his love for cinema and storytelling, as movies became both a form of escape and inspiration for him. He described watching a great movie for the first time as a “high” he was always chasing, and he would often rewatch films just to relive that first-time experience.

One of his fondest memories was dining at Pizza Hut, where he loved the red cups, arcade machines, and garlic breadsticks—a nostalgic part of his upbringing. He also had a passion for arcades and collecting VHS tapes and DVDs. He spent hours at The Lion’s Den, a local arcade that became one of his favorite childhood hangouts. His love for video games extended beyond playing—he later collected retro consoles like the Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, and Atari, and even owns a rare Simpsons arcade machine.

In high school, he and his best friend Nixon later formed a music group together, allowing him to explore another creative outlet outside of acting. During this time, he and his friends pooled their money together just to afford movie tickets or a shared pizza, often counting every dollar to make sure they had enough.

School Life & First Steps into Acting

Eduardo was always drawn to comedy and performance, often making his classmates laugh. He didn’t see himself as a natural comedian, but something changed in seventh grade when he got involved in theater.

“I was nothing… I wasn’t super funny or anything… I caught the acting bug in seventh grade,” he once said, reflecting on his early interest in performing.

In junior high, Franco began taking theater classes, marking his first real step into acting. This period was crucial in shaping his passion for performance. He credits his junior high drama teacher, Mr. Phillips, as a major influence in his acting journey. Franco describes Mr. Phillips as “a funny and crazy hippie” who was deeply encouraging yet firm. The teacher instilled discipline, making sure students kept up with their schoolwork before being allowed to perform. Franco believes this is where his love for acting truly began.

He grew up watching Saturday Night Live, classic stand-up specials, and 80s and 90s comedy films, admiring actors who could balance humor with authenticity. This love for storytelling made him realize that he wanted to act for a living.

Challenges Before Breaking Into Hollywood

Eduardo’s school theater program faced severe budget cuts, limiting his opportunities to formally develop his acting skills.

“Every year it gets worse, money gets tighter, whatever the [expletive] these school districts say… Theater class was getting worse and worse, so I had to get out,” he said about his school’s budget cuts.

Like many working-class families, money was tight. His father’s business provided for the family, but Eduardo saw firsthand how hard his parents worked to keep things afloat. Determined to contribute, he got his first job as a teenager, working at a movie theater concession stand.

His original plan was to save for a car, but he ended up giving most of his earnings to his parents to help cover household expenses.

Before booking roles, Eduardo auditioned repeatedly for different projects, often facing rejection. He struggled with moments of doubt, wondering if his acting career would ever take off. “There were moments where I thought, ‘Dude, maybe this isn’t gonna happen.’ But my mom was always pushing me, saying, ‘You better go and keep trying.’ If I came home with a B, she’d be like, ‘Why wasn’t it an A?’” he recalled about his mother’s influence. He worked various odd jobs, including retail and fast food, while juggling auditions. At times, he went through long periods of unemployment, which made it difficult to stay motivated. When he finally got his first TV role, it still wasn’t enough to live comfortably, and he had to share an apartment with multiple friends.

The Path to Hollywood

By the time he graduated high school, Franco had already developed a strong desire to act professionally. His early love for movies and theater classes fueled his decision to move to Los Angeles in his early 20s and start auditioning.

With no financial backup or industry connections, he started from scratch, staying on friends’ couches and taking any role he could find. He booked commercials, including a GEICO ad, and small TV parts in shows like Gamer’s Guide to Pretty Much Everything and Adam Ruins Everything.

His first major film role came with The Package (2018). The following year, he landed a breakout role in Olivia Wilde’s Booksmart (2019), playing Theo, a laid-back, funny high schooler.The success of Booksmart opened more doors, eventually leading to his biggest role yet—Argyle in Stranger Things Season 4.

The Package: Eduardo’s First Major Film Role

Eduardo’s first major film role came in the 2018 Netflix comedy The Package. Originally, his character had limited screen time, but his comedic performance impressed the filmmakers, leading them to expand his role.

Playing Sean, a nerdy teenager who unexpectedly takes on a heroic role, was a unique experience for him. He described Sean’s arc as a “huge learning experience” for the character:

“The whole movie is like a huge learning experience for Sean… it kind of tests his moral character. Like, who is this guy? What is he really capable of? What’s he like when it comes down to it?”

One of the most unusual aspects of filming The Package was dealing with realistic prosthetic body parts used in the film’s comedic storyline:

“I didn’t lose my dick in the movie, but I had to handle the dick a lot. We had these four prosthetic dicks… a dirty one, a bloody one, a clean one. So I had to handle it a lot, and that was weird because they were really realistic.”

Despite its absurd premise, The Package allowed him to showcase his comedic abilities on a larger platform, marking an important step in his career.

Filming was not always easy. One of the toughest moments was enduring cold weather conditions during the final helicopter scene:

“The last day when we shot like when the helicopter swoops me, it was just cold outside, and there was a big old fan blowing. So I was like, holy [expletive], let’s get in and out. But we were there all night, so obviously, nothing I could do about it.”

Another moment he regretted was missing out on a fight scene between his character, Sean, and Donnie, which was ultimately cut from the movie:

“I wanted to see that. I wasn’t on set that day. Didn’t even see the final result. I’ll never know what it looked like.”

Breakout Success with Booksmart

The following year, Eduardo landed a breakout role in Olivia Wilde’s Booksmart (2019). He played Theo, a laid-back and hilarious high schooler, a role that was created specifically for him.

Originally, he auditioned for a different part that he knew wasn’t a fit. However, director Olivia Wilde saw potential in his comedic timing and decided to create a character just for him:

“She literally came up with my character in that movie. She was like, ‘We gotta put Eduardo in the movie somehow.’ So they just made up the character Theo and threw me in.”

This opportunity proved to be a game-changer. Eduardo’s performance in Booksmart resonated with audiences, and it even led to his casting in Stranger Things, as Finn Wolfhard personally recommended him to the Duffer Brothers after seeing his work in the film.

His experience working on Booksmart was memorable not just for the role, but for the chemistry he built with the cast. He noted that the entire experience felt effortless:

“It was so organic and natural. We didn’t have to force anything. We just started talking, chatting it up.”

Additionally, he and co-star Nico Hiraga became close friends during filming, bonding over their shared sense of humor and love for skateboarding.

It was a project that solidified his status as a rising comedic actor, ultimately paving the way for larger opportunities in Hollywood.

Eduardo Franco’s Journey in Stranger Things

Casting and Audition Process

Eduardo Franco joined Stranger Things in Season 4, playing Argyle, the laid-back pizza delivery driver and best friend of Jonathan Byers. His casting process began in late 2019, when he sent in his first audition tape. By early 2020, he was invited for an in-person audition, which led to a live reading with Stranger Things executive producer Shawn Levy. Following this, he was officially cast and flown to Atlanta for the table read. the laid-back pizza delivery driver and best friend of Jonathan Byers.

His casting was also influenced by Finn Wolfhard, who personally recommended him to the Duffer Brothers after seeing his performance in Booksmart. Franco initially auditioned for a different role before being called back for Argyle, a character written to bring a comedic balance to the show’s darker elements.

Filming Experience and Challenges

Filming for Stranger Things Season 4 was spread across different locations. The Hawkins sequences were shot in Atlanta, while the California storyline, which heavily featured Argyle, was filmed later. Due to the non-sequential filming schedule, Franco found it challenging to track Argyle’s development throughout the story.

Bringing Argyle to Life

His introduction to the Stranger Things universe came with pressure, as he was stepping into a globally popular franchise with an established cast. However, his improvisational skills and comedic timing helped him quickly settle into the role. The Duffer Brothers encouraged him to bring his own flair to Argyle, allowing him to ad-lib lines and shape the character’s laid-back personality. His humor and carefree attitude contrasted with the intense plotlines of the season, making him an instant fan favorite. fan favorite.

Relationships with Co-Stars

On set, Franco built strong relationships with his co-stars, particularly Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers). The two actors bonded off-set over video games, often playing Pokémon Stadium on the Nintendo 64 in between shoots. He also spent time with Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers) and Brett Gelman (Murray Bauman), with whom he shared some of his favorite scenes. Franco enjoyed working with Ryder, recalling moments where they played poker in between takes and how she made an effort to connect with the cast despite her veteran status in the industry.

Challenges and Unique Experiences

Filming Stranger Things was both exciting and challenging for Franco. He had to learn how to drive a stick shift to operate Argyle’s iconic Surfer Boy Pizza van, a skill he had never needed before. Shooting the show was also physically demanding, as scenes were often filmed in multiple locations and out of sequence, making it challenging to track his character’s development. Additionally, he had to adjust to the high level of detail the Duffer Brothers demanded, sometimes requiring multiple takes to get a scene exactly right.

Fan Reception and Impact

One of the highlights of Franco’s time on Stranger Things was the overwhelming fan response. Argyle’s catchphrases, quirky demeanor, and comedic relief moments quickly made him a standout character in Season 4. He was taken aback by the level of enthusiasm from fans and was especially surprised to see merchandise featuring his character, including action figures and even a portable Bluetooth speaker designed in the shape of Argyle’s head and visor.

Departure from Stranger Things

Despite Argyle’s popularity, Franco did not return for Stranger Things Season 5. He later confirmed that he was never contacted about reprising his role, leaving Argyle’s fate unresolved. Though disappointed, he expressed gratitude for the experience and the support from fans. His brief but impactful time in the show solidified him as a standout addition to the Stranger Things cast, and Argyle remains one of the most memorable aspects of Season 4. Since leaving the show, Franco has continued working in film and television, further building on the success and recognition he gained from Stranger Things.

Eduardo Franco’s Acting Career Beyond Stranger Things

Expanding Beyond Comedy

After his time on Stranger Things, Eduardo Franco sought to diversify his career, taking on roles beyond his signature comedic style. He explored opportunities in action, thriller, and character-driven films, demonstrating his versatility as an actor. He also ventured into voice acting, lending his voice to animated projects and video games, further expanding his range in entertainment.

Film Roles: Y2K and Self Reliance

In 2024, Franco took on a role in Kyle Mooney’s Y2K, a thriller-comedy set in the late 90s. The film blends elements of sci-fi and nostalgia, offering Franco the chance to explore a more unconventional project that deviates from his past comedic roles.

The previous year, in 2023, he starred in A24’s Self Reliance, an action-comedy directed by and starring Jake Johnson. The film revolves around themes of survival and reality television, allowing Franco to showcase his comedic talent in a high-energy setting while working with a prestigious production company.

Music and Creative Projects

In addition to acting, Franco remains passionate about music. He is an active member of the rap group “Dumb Bleep”, which he formed with his high school best friend, Nixon. What started as a lighthearted project gained recognition when Tony Yacenda (American Vandal) took interest in their music. The exposure encouraged Franco to take the group more seriously, and he has since expressed a desire to tour globally with his band.

Beyond acting and music, Franco has aspirations behind the camera. He has expressed interest in directing and writing, wanting to be involved in content creation beyond just performing. His long-term goal is to expand his storytelling abilities and take a more hands-on approach in the entertainment industry.

Looking Ahead

Eduardo Franco’s career continues to evolve, reflecting his commitment to comedy, music, and creative storytelling. From his breakout roles in Booksmart and Stranger Things to his recent projects in film and music, he remains a dynamic presence in the industry. With his expanding portfolio and growing fanbase, he is well-positioned for even greater success in the years to come.

Eduardo Franco’s Love Life: A Deliberate Enigma

Eduardo Franco has mastered the art of keeping his personal life under wraps, particularly when it comes to romance. Despite his growing visibility as a public figure, there is no confirmed information about his past or present relationships. Franco has never publicly acknowledged a partner, nor has he hinted at one through social media or interviews. This intentional ambiguity has turned his love life into a quiet mystery, one he seems determined to protect.

Franco’s approach to his personal affairs is rooted in a clear boundary between his public persona and private self. While many celebrities leverage their relationships for media attention, Franco opts for silence. His social media feeds—filled with jokes, nostalgic pop culture references, and snaps of friends—are devoid of romantic hints. One of the few times he ever alluded to relationships was in a lighthearted moment when he humorously compared playing Call of Duty to having a girlfriend.

Eduardo Franco Trivia

Early Life & Background:

• He was born and raised in the United States, but his family roots are deeply connected to Mexico.
• His parents are from Sonora and Baja California, Mexico.
• He grew up bilingual, learning Spanish from his family while primarily speaking English.
• He spent weekends and vacations in Mexico during his childhood, immersing himself in the culture.
• He grew up in Southern California (SoCal) and continues to live there.
• As a child, he had spiky, gelled hair.
• He was a huge fan of The Lonely Island during high school.
• He started his acting career by attending auditions early on, with casting director Wendy O’Brien being influential.
• He described O’Brien’s casting process as fun and interactive, encouraging improvisation.

Acting Career & Stranger Things:

• He originally auditioned for Eddie Munson before being cast as Argyle.
• Finn Wolfhard recommended him for the role of Argyle after seeing him in Booksmart.
• He found joining Stranger Things overwhelming as it was his first time working on such a massive global project.
• He was cast in Stranger Things at the beginning of 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic delayed production.
• His favorite scene to film was the dinner table scene in Season 4.
• The most difficult scene to film was the car chase scene with the manual Volkswagen van, and also the desert van escape.
• He found the Duffer Brothers to be perfectionists.
• He found the salt bath scene with Millie Bobby Brown hilarious, especially when she continued acting after “Cut!” due to not hearing the director.
• He joked about what Argyle from Stranger Things might be doing now, such as having a job driving a van or working at a desk.

Acting Career & Other Projects:

• His first film was The Package, which was also his first time flying on a plane.
• Olivia Wilde created the character Theo in Booksmart specifically for him.
• In Booksmart, director Olivia Wilde and the costume team allowed him to wear his own clothes.
• He is interested in voice acting and has voiced four characters in an animation project.
• He stars in Jake Johnson’s movie Self-Reliance alongside Andy Samberg.
• He plays a “PA Ninja” in Self-Reliance.
• He auditioned for Self-Reliance through a Zoom call with Jake Johnson.
• He appreciated that Self-Reliance was shot in Southern California, as he usually has to travel for projects.
• His character in Self-Reliance was filmed in two different tones, and the creepy, serious version was used in the final cut.
• He gauges the success of his comedic acting by the reactions of the film crew.
• In Y2K, he plays a character who is throwing a party on New Year’s Eve 1999.
• He shot the film Y2K in New Jersey.

Personality & Personal Interests:

• People assume he’s laid-back, but he overthinks a lot.
• He wishes he was as carefree as his characters in Booksmart and Stranger Things.
• He enjoys playing video games and brought his Nintendo 64 on set to play Pokémon Stadium with the cast.
• He learned to play poker on set, and tricked Noah Schnapp into losing.
• He loves collecting retro video games and classic gaming consoles.
• He prefers retro gaming to modern games.
• His favorite modern game is Call of Duty.
• He is a fan of Funko Pop figures.
• He is passionate about music, sings, and produces songs.
• His song “Rubí” was inspired by his adopted dog.
• He is an action figure collector and prefers figures with soft fabric clothing.
• His studio is filled with collectibles.
• He is a fan of old-school animation, particularly Ren & Stimpy.
• He owns collectible figures of the Ren & Stimpy show.
• He relates the most to Argyle because he “just takes everything as it comes, deals with it, and moves on.”

Movie & TV Preferences:

• His favorite movie is Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
• His favorite horror movie is The Fly.
• His favorite TV series is Batman: The Animated Series.
• His favorite season of Stranger Things to watch is Season 1.

Other Trivia:

• He learned Spanish from his family but admits he still makes mistakes while speaking.
• He stopped getting haircuts when he moved out of his parents’ house at 19 due to the cost.
• His long hair is a prominent search result on Google.
• He has no immediate plans to cut his hair, but would consider it for a specific acting role.
• He has never had a paranormal experience.
• He grew up hearing about Mexican myths like La Llorona and El Chupacabras.
• He is skeptical about paranormal events.
• He did not go to acting school.
• He admires the animated series “Primal”.
• He playfully teased Noah Schnapp about Will Byers’ haircut, comparing it to Joan of Arc, an Amish lady, and a muffin.

Sources & References:

https://iowastatedaily.com/255283/limelight-culture-pop-culture/eduardo-franco-gives-career-insight-at-after-dark/ https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/tv-shows/who-is-eduardo-franco-argyle-stranger-things/ https://belatina.com/eduardo-franco-latino-actor-stranger-things/ https://www.distractify.com/p/eduardo-franco-parents https://youtu.be/WQm4oi8TmZ0 https://youtu.be/-iBnFTuPJLk https://youtu.be/wWIfCzrDSeM https://youtu.be/T77esE3UZ-0 https://youtu.be/AZiYd9LvIsU https://youtu.be/YrnRny2D8VM https://youtu.be/UukOHW8vLEQ https://youtu.be/Zf9ywoFEew0 https://youtu.be/ucIC1Yh3zOA https://youtu.be/ghxgDMU56dk https://youtu.be/tBpiG8M-m9o