Elodie Grace Orkin: Biography, Career, Stranger Things Role, and Rising Fame

Elodie Grace Orkin brought to life the sharp-tongued and manipulative Angela in Stranger Things Season 4 — a high school bully whose cruel antics left a memorable mark on the series. While her on-screen persona radiated confidence and dominance, in reality, Elodie’s path to success reflects determination, perseverance, and a grounded personality.

Beyond Stranger Things, Elodie is also known for her role as Rosie Harper in the thriller series The Burning Girls (2023), where she portrayed a teenager entangled in her family’s dark past. Additionally, she played key roles in We Hunt Together, Stage Fright, and the film Saving Paradise, demonstrating her versatility across various genres.

Elodie’s journey into acting began with years of dedication and persistence. From her early roots in theater to landing key roles on screen, she has steadily built a reputation as a versatile performer with a bright future ahead.

Early Life and Background

Family and Upbringing

Elodie Grace Orkin was born on June 10, 2004, in Los Angeles, to her father, Bill, who is American, and her mother, Leah, who is British. She holds dual citizenship in the United States and the United Kingdom and grew up between Los Angeles and London.

Elodie is an only child and, in 2022, described her seven pets — four cats, two dogs, and a fish — as her siblings. She humorously referred to her household as a zoo since none of her pets were potty trained. While she has expressed her love for animals, the exact number of her pets may have changed over time.

Her father once hoped she would become a veterinarian, but Elodie doubted her ability to excel in veterinary science due to her struggles with subjects like biology. Instead, she expressed a desire to dedicate herself to rescuing animals, comparing her aspiration to being a “Jane Goodall 2.0.” This reflects her love for animals and her desire to contribute positively to their welfare in a non-medical way.

Education and Early Interests

Initially a shy child, Elodie’s mother enrolled her in various extracurricular activities like football, swimming, and ballet, hoping to help her build confidence. It was her natural inclination toward singing that eventually led her mother to enroll her in musical theater, where Elodie thrived and discovered her love for performance.

Elodie’s passion for acting was sparked by watching Stranger Things when she was 11 or 12 years old, which motivated her to pursue dramatic roles. As a child, she was also a huge fan of Harry Potter and admired Emma Watson for her talent and activism, which further inspired her acting ambitions.

Elodie shares a close relationship with her mother, describing her as her best friend. Her mother’s 1980s-inspired style once mirrored Elodie’s roller-skating outfit in Stranger Things.

Encouraged by her family, Elodie developed her talents further, later adding piano to her skill set after her grandfather gifted a piano to her family.

Elodie received her musical training from the Royal School of Music and studied under a UCLA Vocal/Open Professor.

Acting Career

Early Roles and Struggles

Elodie’s acting journey began in theater. Since 2014, she has been a part of a theater ensemble and has won five different awards for her performances. Her dedication to theater laid a strong foundation for her on-screen career.

Elodie began her on-screen career with appearances in smaller roles before gaining recognition. She appeared in Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2018) as a Child Singer, followed by her role as Penny in We Hunt Together (2020) and Kyle in Stage Fright (2020). She also played Young Charlie in the film Saving Paradise (2021). These early roles helped her build experience as she pursued larger opportunities.

Elodie faced several challenges in her acting career, spending around four to five years auditioning continuously before landing a significant role.

Breakthrough Role in Stranger Things

Her breakthrough came when she was cast as Angela in Stranger Things Season 4. Angela is portrayed as a high school bully who torments Eleven in the new California setting. Elodie appeared in three episodes of the season, showcasing her talent in a memorable role that contributed to key emotional moments in the storyline.

She auditioned for the role in September 2019 at the age of 15. After waiting eight months without news, she was surprised to learn she had been cast while driving with her mom. To celebrate, she treated herself to frozen yogurt at Menchie’s.

Filming was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but when production resumed, Elodie filmed her scenes in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Since she only received her own scenes, she was unaware of much of the season’s storyline and was shocked by unexpected twists, such as Chrissy’s death in Season 4 Episode 1.

For her role as Angela, Elodie trained in roller skating five days a week for two months. While she eventually enjoyed skating, spending 10 hours a day skating for three consecutive days during filming left her temporarily tired of it.

On set, Elodie bonded with co-stars Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, and Millie Bobby Brown, and became close friends with Amy, a makeup artist she described as funny and lovely. One memorable experience included a massive water balloon prank organized by the makeup artist Amy against Noah Schnapp at 3 a.m. Hundreds of cast and crew members teamed up against Noah, making it a memorable and hilarious experience.

Memorable Moments and Challenges

Elodie recalled that her most challenging scene was a roller-skating sequence where she circled Millie Bobby Brown for hours, causing intense leg pain. Despite the difficulty, Elodie mentioned enjoying the roller-skating rink scene due to its impressive set design. Her favorite outfit from the show was her roller-skating costume, and she kept the skates after filming. She found it amusing that her mother had worn a nearly identical outfit in the 1980s.

Recent and Upcoming Works

Elodie’s recent works include The Burning Girls (2023) as Rosie Harper — 6 episodes, a supernatural thriller series in which she played a central role as a teenager uncovering dark family secrets. She is also set to appear in City of Life – Continuum as Chantelle Berger (Pre-production), a drama series exploring intertwining lives in a bustling metropolis. Additionally, she stars in Screening Room as Sofia (Completed – Short), a short film that explores the psychological tension within a small group of friends during a private film screening.

Public Appearances and Rising Fame

Elodie attended her first-ever premiere in Brooklyn for Stranger Things on May 14, 2022, marking her introduction to the Netflix series’ global audience. Despite her striking transformation as Angela, Elodie found herself unrecognized by fans, often introducing herself by saying, “Oh, I play Angela.”

In addition to her premiere experience, Elodie attended the Vanity Fair Young Hollywood event in Los Angeles on March 24, 2022, where she posed with actor Charlie Garside. This event marked a key milestone in her growing public profile, aligning her with Hollywood’s rising talents.

Elodie also appeared at the Chet Lo SS23 Show during London Fashion Week on September 20, 2022, at The Old Selfridges Hotel in London, England. Her fashionable presence at this event showcased her evolving style and growing involvement in fashion circles.

Later that year, Elodie attended the Glamour Women of the Year Awards 2022 in London on November 8, 2022, at Outernet London. Her elegant pink ensemble reflected her bold fashion choices and rising recognition within the industry.

Elodie has also been invited to participate in several entertainment panels and interviews, where she has shared her experiences working on Stranger Things, her acting journey, and her aspirations as a writer. Her ability to connect with audiences through these appearances has further established her presence in the entertainment industry.

Creative Pursuits and Future Aspirations

Beyond her acting career, Elodie is passionate about writing and is actively developing her skills in screenwriting. In June 2022, during an interview on The Wayne Ayers Podcast, she revealed that she was working on a personal story project, which she described as her “baby.” While she is less enthusiastic about the business side of producing, Elodie remains open to exploring it if it aligns with her creative goals.

In addition to her creative ambitions, Elodie is an avid music enthusiast and a devoted fan of Amy Winehouse. She once shared that her favorite Amy Winehouse song is “Me & Mr. Jones,” which she said would be her life-saving track against Vecna’s curse in Stranger Things. Elodie has also expressed a desire to join The Crown and portray Princess Diana, though she acknowledged that the role has already been cast.

Physical Appearance

Elodie Grace Orkin has a distinctive presence with her fair complexion, hair often styled in golden blonde shades, and striking blue eyes that complement her radiant smile. Her naturally arched eyebrows and delicate facial features give her an elegant yet youthful appearance. She stands approximately 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters) tall and has a slim build. Her expressive eyes, clear complexion, and balanced facial structure contribute to her ability to portray a range of emotional and intense roles.

Elodie’s fashion sense is marked by bold choices and elegant designs. At the Stranger Things premiere in May 2022, she wore a striking multicolored outfit featuring a vibrant orange polka-dotted skirt with a bold pink and purple bodice. At the Vanity Fair Young Hollywood event, she appeared in a stylish off-shoulder blue dress that reflected her evolving style. During the Chet Lo SS23 Show at London Fashion Week, Elodie wore a delicate pink sheer dress, embracing a soft yet eye-catching look. Her appearance at the Glamour Women of the Year Awards 2022 in a structured pink gown showcased her ability to combine elegance with modern fashion trends.

Zodiac Sign

Elodie is a Gemini. People born under this sign are known for their adaptability, curiosity, and sociability. These traits complement Elodie’s ability to take on varied roles and connect with her audience. As a child, Elodie was shy, which initially limited her confidence in social settings. Over time, her involvement in acting, writing, and music helped her develop a more expressive and outgoing nature. Her natural expressiveness and comfort in dynamic settings reflect the versatility often associated with Geminis. While astrology is subjective, her creative pursuits align with the Gemini’s inclination toward artistic expression and communication.

References:

https://pop-culturalist.com/exclusive-interview-elodie-grace-orkin-talks-stranger-things-season-4/ https://youtu.be/hUreaVHBkl8 https://youtu.be/U7sJCzFecio https://www.comiccon.cz/guests/371/elodie-grace-orkin https://youtu.be/KmSMfTEGFfI https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8756447/?ref_=nmbio_ov