Finn Wolfhard: Before Fame, Behind the Spotlight, and the Journey That Shaped a Hollywood Star
Finn Wolfhard is a Canadian actor, musician, and filmmaker best known for his role as Mike Wheeler in Stranger Things. He has also appeared in It, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and Hell of a Summer, earning recognition for his natural on-screen presence and versatility.
Beyond acting, Finn has pursued music and filmmaking. He co-founded the indie rock bands Calpurnia and The Aubreys, exploring his passion for music. His interest in storytelling also led him to direct Hell of a Summer, marking his debut behind the camera.
Finn’s journey to success didn’t happen overnight. Before Hollywood, he was just a kid from Vancouver, drawn to movies and music, always exploring and creating. From small gigs to big breaks, his path has been shaped by curiosity, persistence, and a passion for storytelling.
Now, let’s step behind the spotlight and uncover the early experiences that shaped him and the life he leads beyond the fame.
Roots of Creativity: A Childhood Shaped by Art and Culture
Born on December 23, 2002, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Finn Wolfhard grew up in a culturally diverse household with German, French, and Jewish heritage. He attended St. Patrick’s Regional Secondary School, a Catholic institution in Vancouver, where he balanced his education with his growing passion for acting and filmmaking. He later reflected on the contrast between his religious schooling and his multicultural background, finding it both ironic and formative.
Raised in a creatively rich environment, Finn was surrounded by inspiration from an early age. His father, Eric Wolfhard, worked as an indigenous rights researcher, while his mother, Mary Jolivet, had a background in visual arts. Their encouragement played a crucial role in shaping his artistic pursuits. Reflecting on his upbringing, Finn shared:
“My parents have always been really supportive. My dad is a writer and my mom has a background in art, so creativity was always a big part of our home.”
His older brother, Nick Wolfhard, also pursued a career in entertainment, primarily in voice acting. Watching his brother work sparked Finn’s interest in performance, as he once shared:
“Nick was always into voice acting, and I remember watching him work and thinking, ‘That looks like a lot of fun!’ So I guess we just both fell into it in our own ways.”
This dynamic household nurtured Finn’s early passion for storytelling, setting the foundation for his future career in acting, music, and filmmaking.
A Love for Film from the Start
Finn’s early love for movies was shaped by childhood favorites like School of Rock, The Rugrats Movie, and Super 8. He also gravitated toward films that introduced him to new emotions, such as The NeverEnding Story and Gremlins. Reflecting on these formative experiences in a Sharp Magazine interview on March 20, 2024, he shared:
“I loved being scared as a kid, watching a kids movie, because it didn’t shelter me as much. I felt seen because I was feeling these new emotions for the first time — [they’re] really important for kids to feel.”
Finn’s family had a deep love for movies, turning weekly trips to Blockbuster into a cherished tradition. Each weekend, they would rent films, strengthening his connection to storytelling. On The Kelly Clarkson Show, he humorously recalled how his family accumulated “thousands of dollars” in late fees—fortunately erased when Blockbuster shut down. These memories reflect his early love for film and his natural sense of humor.
Breaking into Acting: The Unconventional Journey
Before the world knew him as Mike Wheeler in Stranger Things, Finn Wolfhard was just a kid from Vancouver with a passion for performing. His first-ever role? A music video. Not one, not two, but three times.
Finn shared in GQ’s “Finn Wolfhard Replies to More Fans on the Internet” on February 1, 2023:
“The first role that I ever had was for a Vancouver local band called Facts. I played the young version of the lead singer. Then, I was in two videos for this punk band from Toronto called PUP, where I played the lead singer again twice. So I guess I just… look like a band frontman or something. I was typecast!”
Unlike most young actors who go through traditional auditions, Finn landed these early roles through unconventional means, including a Craigslist ad. The opportunity came from an open casting call for a local music video, a humble start that was both unconventional and risky.
Finn has described the experience with humor, noting,
“It was like an open casting call for this like, local music video for this like, local band… I had to play like, the younger version of like, the singer.”
The project, though low-budget and run by college students, was creatively fulfilling. It gave him his first taste of acting, even if it wasn’t the glamorous start many envision.
Looking back, he laughs at how it all turned out, saying,
“Well, I mean, I’m, I still live to tell the tale, which is good.”
His first acting job came from Craigslist, but he has since admitted that he wouldn’t recommend it for children, saying in Vanity Fair‘s youtube segment “Finn Wolfhard Takes a Lie Detector Test ” on March 28, 2024:
“I got lucky.”
This early role, though small, helped build his confidence and paved the way for his later success in Stranger Things.
His journey to landing Stranger Things was unique. Finn revealed in GQ that he was actually the last actor cast for the show:
“Gaten was the first to get the part. He found out he got Dustin on the bus ride home from his audition. Me? It took five months before I found out I was Mike Wheeler.”
After auditioning for the role remotely while sick in bed, Finn’s performance stood out, and he was cast as Mike Wheeler, a role that would change his life. The show’s massive success launched him into the spotlight, making him a recognizable face in the entertainment industry.
A Director in the Making
Finn wasn’t just passionate about watching movies—he wanted to make them. Inspired by directors like Jason Reitman, the Duffer Brothers, Shawn Levy, and Andy Muschietti, he pursued hands-on experience from an early age. By sixteen, he had already begun writing Hell of a Summer, a feature film that became a reality by the time he turned twenty. His mentor, Jeremy Schaulin-Rioux, instilled in him the importance of enjoying the creative process. With the support of his family and his high school, St. Patrick’s Regional Secondary School in Vancouver, Finn worked on early projects like the short film Night Shifts, setting the foundation for his filmmaking journey.
Finn’s early interest in filmmaking was solidified through his work on Stranger Things. In an interview with Tiff Originals on August 10, 2024, he shared:
“When I was 12 years old, I was so interested in movie-making. I would stay after Stranger Things like after work every day until they would wrap… and I would just watch them direct. They would take me around and show me how to direct.”
His enthusiasm was so intense that his parents often had to drag him away from set to go home. This hands-on experience gave Finn invaluable insights into directing and storytelling, reinforcing his decision to explore filmmaking further.
Finn also briefly attended film school but ultimately chose to pursue acting as a pathway into directing. He explained in the same interview:
“I went to film school for not a very long time… I started acting because I wanted to make movies. I wanted to be on set. I grew up visiting my dad on set sometimes, and I loved it.”
Despite his brief time in film school, Finn found that acting provided him with direct access to the filmmaking process, and he used it as a stepping stone to eventually transition into directing. He shared:
“I thought if the film school thing doesn’t work out, maybe I can just act until I get a chance to direct. I was so fortunate that it just happened to happen sooner than I thought it would.”
Navigating Stardom While Staying Grounded
While attending St. Patrick’s Regional Secondary School, Finn juggled both schoolwork and an increasingly demanding acting career. Unlike many child actors who transition to homeschooling, he continued his education in a traditional school setting for as long as possible. He has mentioned how his classmates and teachers were supportive of his career, allowing him to maintain a balance between his professional and personal life. However, he eventually transitioned to online schooling due to the demands of his acting schedule, which allowed him greater flexibility to manage both education and his career.
Reflecting on his high school experience, Finn has shared:
“I didn’t really have a normal high school experience… I was doing school online while filming Stranger Things. So it was kind of weird because my classmates were just my castmates, and my school was basically set life.”
He also acknowledged the surreal experience of growing up in Hollywood while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy:
“It’s a bit weird when you’re recognized by teachers or classmates. Like, I’d be in a Zoom class and someone would bring up Stranger Things—it’s just part of my life, but it’s not my entire life.”
Finn has also noted differences between life in Canada and the U.S., saying in Vanity Fair:
“I think there’s like a general politeness in Canada that you don’t get sometimes in the States.”
Outside of acting and music, Finn has a variety of hobbies that keep him engaged. He enjoys skateboarding in his free time, often riding around with friends during breaks from filming. While he doesn’t consider himself a professional, he enjoys the freedom it provides, sharing:
“Skateboarding is fun, but I’m definitely not a pro. I just enjoy cruising around. It’s a good way to clear my head.”
Another major interest of Finn’s is video games. He has been open about his love for classic and modern gaming, particularly The Legend of Zelda, which remains one of his all-time favorites.
Finn is also known for his casual fashion habits. In Vanity Fair, he admitted to wearing the same pair of pants for a month, saying:
“Jeans though, I feel like you can get away with for a long time, right?”
Despite these challenges, Finn remained committed to his education and personal growth, ensuring he experienced as much of a normal teenage life as possible while managing his rising career.
Music as a Creative Outlet
Beyond acting, music has been an essential part of Finn’s life. He has been playing the guitar since childhood, using it as a creative and emotional outlet. In GQ, he reflected on his deep connection to music:
“I love playing the guitar. It’s always been a big part of my life. I started playing when I was really young, and it’s just something that helps me relax.”
His love for live performances was solidified when he attended his first major concert—a Coldplay show—where the audience was given LED bracelets that lit up in sync with the music, creating a magical atmosphere. This experience left a lasting impression on him and deepened his passion for music.
He later co-founded the band Calpurnia with friends Malcolm Craig, Ayla Tesler-Mabe, and Jack Anderson, embracing his appreciation for indie and classic rock. His admiration for bands like Twin Peaks and Teenage Fanclub influenced his musical style. Later, he continued his journey with his second band, The Aubreys.
Though Finn is open to musical collaborations, he doesn’t see himself working with certain mainstream artists. When asked about a potential collaboration with Drake, he responded in Vanity Fair:
“Maybe if he wanted to do like an indie rock song, then great.”
Finn has even shared his dream festival lineup, which would feature The Beatles, Twin Peaks, and Teenage Fanclub performing their debut album in full—further proof of his deep-rooted passion for music.
Speaking Up: Advocacy for Young Artists
Growing up in a household where social issues were frequently discussed, Finn developed a strong awareness of marginalized communities. His father’s work as an indigenous rights researcher introduced him to real-world injustices, and his school experiences reinforced these lessons. Attending schools where many aboriginal students faced societal challenges gave him firsthand insight into inequality.
Beyond indigenous advocacy, Finn is also vocal about the struggles young artists face. He understands how many talented actors and musicians feel pressured into conventional careers instead of following their creative dreams. Reflecting on this issue in an interview with Coup de Main Magazine on April 18, 2017, Finn shared,
“My brother also knows guys who are great actors and musicians but their parents want them to be accountants or whatever. Does the world really need more accountants?”
His comment highlights his awareness of how societal expectations can discourage young creatives from pursuing their passions. His advocacy stems from his own experience of breaking into the industry despite the odds and his desire to support emerging artists.
Finn is also passionate about challenging ageism in the film industry. In an interview with Sharp Magazine on March 20, 2024, he addressed the issue directly, stating,
“I just want to set an example for people my age. [I have] so many friends that are my age, that are going to film school, that are brilliant and should be making films now, but they aren’t because there’s an ageist thing going on.”
He believes young creators bring fresh and valuable perspectives to filmmaking and should be given opportunities to showcase their talent. By setting an example through his own work, Finn hopes to pave the way for the next generation of filmmakers who are often overlooked due to their age.
Bringing Stories to Life: A Passion for Filmmaking
While best known as an actor, Finn has never lost sight of his passion for directing. He views filmmaking as a collaborative art form, with friendships and creative partnerships forming through the process. His debut feature film, Hell of a Summer, was both a rewarding and challenging endeavor that solidified his commitment to directing.
Speaking about the creative process of co-directing Hell of a Summer with his friend Billy Bryk, Finn told Tiff Originals:
“To be honest, it’s mostly just the two of us trying to make each other laugh, which is like, that’s kind of it. We have pretty similar sensibility and taste and stuff like that.”
The humor-driven approach made the experience feel natural, taking pressure off the project. Finn expressed pride in how authentic the film felt to their shared experiences and creative style, stating:
“I’m really proud of the movie… it really does feel like the film that best represents us as friends. That to me really helped take a lot of the pressure off.”
His collaborator Billy Bryk had a strong foundation in filmmaking, having made short films with his friends throughout high school before attending film school. Finn, on the other hand, used acting as a way to immerse himself in the industry, but both paths ultimately led them to co-directing together.
Finn has also acknowledged how much his influences shaped the film, sharing:
“It is so inspired by all the movies that just formed us growing up… it’s not like crazy, so we’ll see, but I’m proud of it. I think people are gonna like it.”
The experience of directing while acting in Hell of a Summer also came with challenges. During an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in January 2023, Finn reflected on the difficulty of balancing both roles:
“When I was acting in it, I was like, ‘Man, this is going so well.’ Then I got into the edit room, and I realized — I was, like, watching it, and I was like, ‘Whoa. I’m not acting in that shot. I’m not acting in that shot.’ It’s just basically me watching the movie like this.”
He humorously admitted that he even found himself unintentionally mouthing along with other actors’ lines on set, highlighting how deeply he was immersed in both aspects of the production.
While best known as an actor, Finn has never lost sight of his passion for directing. He views filmmaking as a collaborative art form, with friendships and creative partnerships forming through the process. His debut feature film, Hell of a Summer, was both a rewarding and challenging endeavor that solidified his commitment to directing.
Finn also highlights the struggles young filmmakers face, particularly ageism in the industry. Many of his film school friends struggle to secure funding despite their talent. He hopes to change this by proving that young creators deserve opportunities to bring their visions to life.
Keeping It Real: Finn’s Humor and Personality
One of Finn’s most relatable qualities is his humor. Whether reminiscing about Blockbuster late fees or sharing his disastrous “worst date” experience at a gas station bathroom, he keeps things lighthearted. He doesn’t take himself too seriously, often poking fun at his own quirks—like eating cereal for dinner or avoiding exercise, only to feel winded climbing stairs.
This authenticity makes Finn more than just a Hollywood star; it makes him someone fans feel connected to on a personal level.
Staying Grounded: The Heart Behind the Fame
Despite his growing fame, Finn remains grounded. He still cherishes childhood favorites like School of Rock, prefers a McChicken over fine dining, and holds onto the nostalgic moments that shaped him.
His journey—from a movie-loving kid in Vancouver to a successful actor, musician, and filmmaker—has been driven by an unwavering passion for storytelling and a strong support system. As his career continues to grow, Finn Wolfhard proves that he was destined to win—long before the spotlight found him.
Key Takeaways
- Multifaceted Talent: Finn Wolfhard is not just an actor but also a musician and filmmaker. He gained fame for Stranger Things and later expanded his career into music with Calpurnia and The Aubreys, as well as filmmaking with his directorial debut Hell of a Summer.
- Early Life & Family Influence: Born in Vancouver, Canada, Finn grew up in a creative household. His father worked as an indigenous rights researcher, and his mother had a background in visual arts, both of which helped shape his artistic sensibilities.
- Love for Film from a Young Age: Finn’s early love for movies was sparked by childhood favorites like School of Rock and Super 8, and frequent trips to Blockbuster with his family deepened his appreciation for storytelling.
- Unconventional Start in Acting: Unlike many actors, Finn’s first gigs weren’t in traditional auditions but through music videos and a Craigslist ad. His first role was in a local band’s music video, which paved the way for his acting career.
- Breakthrough with Stranger Things: Finn was the last actor cast for Stranger Things. He auditioned remotely while sick in bed and was chosen to play Mike Wheeler, a role that launched him into global fame.
- Filmmaking Aspirations: Inspired by directors like the Duffer Brothers and Shawn Levy, Finn was fascinated by filmmaking from an early age. He stayed late on sets to observe and eventually transitioned into directing his own projects.
- Balancing Fame & Education: Finn attended St. Patrick’s Regional Secondary School in Vancouver while juggling an increasingly demanding career. Later, he transitioned to online schooling due to his acting commitments.
- Creative Passion Over Celebrity Status: Despite his fame, Finn remains dedicated to his craft. He values storytelling and artistry over the spotlight and continues to pursue creative projects in acting, music, and directing.
| Sources & References: |
| https://sharpmagazine.com/2024/03/20/finn-wolfhard-interview-2024/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6016511/bio/?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm https://youtu.be/jpdWCbQEdaA https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/finn-wolfhard-interview-ghostbusters-frozen-empire-ysl-beauty https://www.thenewcurrent.co.uk/finn-wolfhard https://www.coupdemainmagazine.com/finn-wolfhard/12527 https://youtu.be/MYHD71ykm-o https://youtu.be/83AGOGW2JSc https://youtu.be/-yJMVVh5p_4 |
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