Natalia Dyer’s Journey: From Nashville Beginnings to Hollywood Stardom & Stranger Things Fame

By February 24, 2025 Stranger Things Cast 0 Comments

Before Natalia Dyer became a fan favorite as Nancy Wheeler in Stranger Things, she was just a small-town girl with big dreams. Growing up in Nashville, Tennessee, she was surrounded by creativity, encouraged by her family to explore everything from ice skating to painting. But acting? That wasn’t really the plan—until a twist of fate at summer camp changed everything. A sprained ankle landed her in the drama section, and just like that, a lifelong passion was born.

Her journey to Hollywood wasn’t instant. From local theater to indie films, Natalia worked her way up, balancing school, auditions, and the unpredictability of the entertainment industry. Even after landing Stranger Things, fame didn’t come easy. She had to navigate overnight recognition, the pressures of Hollywood, and the challenge of keeping her private life out of the spotlight.

Natalia Dyer

But there’s more to Natalia than her on-screen persona. She’s an old soul with a love for literature, vintage fashion, and film photography. She’s also deeply passionate about storytelling, always looking for roles that push boundaries and showcase complex female characters.

So how did a girl from Nashville go from community theater to starring in one of Netflix’s biggest shows? This article dives into Natalia Dyer’s early life, career milestones, personal passions, and what’s next for her. Whether you’ve been a fan for years or are just discovering her work, here’s everything you need to know about Natalia Dyer.

Early Life and Background

Childhood and Family

Natalia Danielle Dyer was born on January 13, 1995, in Nashville, Tennessee, where she grew up in a supportive and close-knit family. As the middle child, she had an older sister and a younger sister. Her mother, Karen Dyer Young, worked as an exercise physiologist, while her father, Allen Miles Dyer, pursued a career in business. Their parents ensured a well-rounded upbringing, exposing their children to various activities to help them discover their interests.

Natalia Dyer father and sister
Natalia Dyer and her mother

From an early age, Natalia and her older sister were encouraged to explore a wide range of extracurricular activities. Their mother, always eager to provide new experiences, enrolled them in everything from ice skating and painting to dance and theater. Rather than pressuring them to commit to one pursuit, she allowed them the freedom to discover what truly resonated with them. Looking back on her childhood, Natalia has expressed deep appreciation for her mother’s efforts:

“My mom was a really lovely mom… she was really into, you know, finding extracurriculars for her children. It was a bit of, you know, like a privilege and a luxury and really lovely for her to do that.” (Collider Ladies Night, 2022)

Many of her fondest childhood memories stem from these experiences, and she has often reminisced about them on social media. One such memory was shared in an Instagram post, where she reflected on her visits to Dollywood and Gatlinburg with her mother. Accompanying a nostalgic photo of a playful car ride, she wrote:

“So many childhood memories formed at Dollywood and Gatlinburg. My heart goes out to those affected, especially with the approaching holidays.”

Through this post, she not only reflected on the warmth of her past but also expressed empathy for those impacted by nearby disasters.

Natalia has also shared glimpses of her childhood excitement for Halloween. In another Instagram post, she uploaded an old photograph of herself as a child, sitting beside a festive scarecrow and dressed in a pumpkin-themed outfit. With a playful caption, she wrote:

“Waiting for Halloween like…”

These cherished moments highlight her gratitude for the experiences that shaped her and the joy she finds in reminiscing about them.

Although Natalia grew up in an athletic household, sports never truly resonated with her. Her introduction to acting happened by chance during a summer camp primarily focused on athletics. Not particularly enthusiastic about the camp, she unexpectedly discovered her passion for drama after spraining her ankle. With limited options, she was reassigned to the drama section—a turn of events that would change her life.

“I grew up in an athletic family. I was at sports camp. I didn’t like it… I sprained an ankle, and the only spot left in the camp was in the drama section. So I was put in that… I’d never really done anything like that before, and I just loved it.” (SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations, 2020)

Recognizing her growing interest, her parents, especially her mother, encouraged her to explore acting further. She began auditioning for local community theater productions, immersing herself in the world of storytelling and performance.

“We started going to auditions just locally for little community theater things, and it just kind of took… I was just very in love with that world and doing it.” (Collider Ladies Night, 2022)

In addition to her artistic pursuits, Natalia was raised in a religious community in Nashville, which played a significant role in shaping her early experiences. While she appreciated certain aspects of it, she later reflected on the internal conflicts that arose when personal beliefs clashed with the expectations of her community.

“I grew up in a religious community, and I’ve seen both sides of it… If your group is telling you that you are inherently wrong for being who you are, that creates friction.” (SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations, 2020)

ent industry.

Education and Early Interest

Natalia attended the Nashville School of the Arts, where she was able to refine her acting skills and gain experience in stage productions. She thrived in this environment, fully immersing herself in creative pursuits, which solidified her desire to pursue acting professionally. In addition to acting, she explored a variety of artistic disciplines, including literature, film studies, and even music.

Her passion for storytelling was evident early on, and she found inspiration in strong female performances in film and theater. She admired actors like Meryl Streep for their depth and versatility.

“When I was younger, I definitely looked more towards Broadway… or people like Meryl Streep… that’s still the name you just throw around.” (SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations, 2020)

After high school, Dyer pursued higher education at NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study, a program that allowed her to craft a personalized curriculum. This flexible academic environment enabled her to combine different subjects, including literature, art history, and performance, while simultaneously developing her acting career.

“Gallatin was great because it allowed me to mix things up. I got to study literature, art history, and acting all at once, which really gave me a well-rounded perspective.” (SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations, 2020)

At NYU, she continued to hone her craft while balancing auditions and film projects. Though her career began gaining traction, she remained committed to her studies, recognizing the importance of a well-rounded education.

Early Career and Breakthrough

First Steps in Acting

Dyer started with local theater before making her film debut in Hannah Montana: The Movie (2009), playing a minor role. Reflecting on her first red carpet experience at age 13 or 14, she humorously recalled dressing herself:

“Yes! That was my first red carpet. And, obviously, I dressed myself. Thank you, Betsey Johnson, at the Green Hills Mall.” (Jimmy Fallon Interview, 2022)

She also found it surprising that she was cast as a British character, despite being from Nashville, which was not a major film hub at the time:

“So, I grew up in Nashville… it wasn’t a huge film town at that time. And then this… sort of major production was rolling through. It was a big deal… They said, ‘We want a girl from Nashville, Tennessee, to be British.’”

Her first major film role came in I Believe in Unicorns (2014), an independent film that allowed her to explore a more complex character. She developed a deep appreciation for indie cinema, later stating:

“Independent films and short films always have such a sensibility of passion from everybody—from the actors, from the crew… there’s such room for creativity and exploration, even despite budgets.” (SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations, 2019)

Landing Stranger Things

In 2015, Natalia auditioned for the role of Nancy Wheeler in Stranger Things. Initially, she doubted her performance:

“It was an audition that had three stages, and at least for the first two, I really thought I just screwed it up. Just did not do good.” (Collider Ladies Night, 2022)

However, she impressed the Duffer Brothers and secured the role, with Nancy quickly becoming a fan favorite. To prepare, she immersed herself in ‘80s culture, even researching era-appropriate perfumes:

“I like one thing I like to do with characters is like have a scent for them… so I looked up what perfumes might have been popular with teenage girls at the time, and there’s this one called Charlie.” (SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations, 2019)

She also studied 1980s horror films, particularly A Nightmare on Elm Street, as Nancy Wheeler was partly inspired by that film’s protagonist, Nancy Thompson.

Rise to Fame with Stranger Things

When Stranger Things premiered in 2016, it became a cultural phenomenon, launching Dyer into stardom. The overnight fame was overwhelming for her:

“It really sort of was overnight success which still blows my mind a bit.” (August 2022 Interview)

As an introvert, she struggled with public recognition but found solace in the close-knit cast:

“It’s literally overnight, sort of being recognized on the street… so it’s nice to have people to talk to and share experiences with, who understand.” (August 2022 Interview)

Despite the supernatural themes of the show, she appreciated its grounded real-world narratives, particularly Nancy’s arc in Season 3, which tackled workplace sexism:

“Nancy has this new monster, a real-world monster in her life… it’s interesting to see how she handles it.” (Build Series Interview, 2019)

Acting Challenges and Character Evolution

Playing Nancy came with its challenges, including impractical wardrobe choices:

“The best thing about playing Nancy is she does some pretty cool things like fighting monsters. I’m gonna say the worst thing is probably the shoes… They’re always like heels or flats, just the most inconvenient.” (Cosmopolitan UK Interview, 2022)

She enjoyed the camaraderie of the cast, especially with co-stars like Winona Ryder and David Harbour:

“There’s a lot to learn just from being around them and working with them.” (August 2022 Interview)

Working with CGI was also a new experience for her:

“It was one of the weirdest nights of filming… there’s lights flashing and a lot of CGI elements, and then you get this guy in a full red suit and helmet, and he gives so much. But as an actor, you’re like, ‘Okay, I’m seeing this, but it’s nuts.’” (Build Series Interview, 2019)

Handling Fame and Social Media

Dyer remains cautious about social media, often retreating from it when a new season of Stranger Things is released:

“I think naturally, I’m not super on top of social media for that reason, just in general. So yeah, I think I tend to back off a little bit after [a season drops]… there’s a lot and I’m an anxious person, so it’s a little bit of anxiety for me.” (Hollywood Reporter Interview)

She has also acknowledged the surreal nature of fame, especially having a Funko Pop doll made in her likeness:

“When you have a Funko Pop doll of yourself is bizarre, but yeah, people in general, just people.” (Hollywood Reporter Interview)

Despite her tendency to step back from the online spotlight, she has shared personal moments that reflect her outlook on life. One such moment came on November 9, 2016, when she posted a screenshot of a text message from her father on Instagram. In the caption, she reflected on his influence, writing:

“Morning mantra from a man who is always teaching me to practice open-mindedness and unconditional love.”

The message, seemingly a heartfelt note of encouragement, read:

“Shit happens. Life goes on. Try to make good things happen. Stop bad things as much as you can. Stake your claim in the universe. Find peace.”

Though the exact context remains unclear, these words of wisdom suggest a father offering reassurance and perspective—perhaps a reminder to stay grounded amid the unpredictability of life and fame. This glimpse into her personal life highlights the importance of family support in navigating the challenges of Hollywood.

Future Aspirations, Hobbies, and Behind-the-Scenes Personality

Dyer has expressed a desire to explore diverse roles beyond horror and sci-fi. Her indie project Yes, God, Yes (2020) tackled female sexuality and self-discovery in a way she found refreshing:

“I can’t think of many films, teenage coming-of-age films, that have showed female sexuality and discovery in such a humorous, but also very delicate way.” (MTV News Interview, 2020)

She’s also interested in action-heavy roles:

“I want to be Tom Cruise, man. I just want to do stunts. I just want to see what it’s like.” (SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations, 2020)

Beyond acting, Dyer has a variety of creative interests. She enjoys film photography, journaling, and collecting crystals. She has a strong appreciation for fashion and vintage aesthetics, often blending her personal style with that of her characters. Music also plays a role in her creative process—she curates playlists to help her get into the mindset of a role and once kept a journal for Nancy Wheeler to explore her character’s thoughts and emotions.

Off-screen, Dyer is known for her quirky and down-to-earth personality. She describes herself as introverted and prefers to keep certain aspects of her life private, valuing authenticity and admiring those who are unapologetically themselves. She enjoys working closely with her co-stars and has a strong bond with the younger Stranger Things cast members.

She has also shared humorous behind-the-scenes moments, such as an audition where she was reprimanded for chewing gum during a scene. In interviews, she’s opened up about her love for lip balm, rotating between different brands, and her unconventional beauty tip of using raw potatoes under her eyes to reduce puffiness:

“Forget cucumbers, just raw potatoes really do something… It always shocks me a little bit. I mean, it could be placebo, but I think it works.” (Cosmopolitan UK, 2022)

Natalia Dyer: Authentic Facts from Her Own Words

Personal Life & Interests

Personality & Privacy

  • Describes herself as introverted and private, preferring to keep parts of her personal life separate from the public.
  • Avoids social media, especially when a new Stranger Things season is released, due to the overwhelming attention.
  • In a 2022 interview, admitted to limiting social media use for mental health reasons and preferring to step back from online interactions.
  • Finds being secretly photographed by fans in public uncomfortable and feels awkward being recognized in unexpected places, like bathrooms.
  • Still feels nervous on red carpets despite years in Hollywood and struggles with networking.
  • Admits to overthinking almost everything, once saying, “99% of the time, I am definitely overthinking.”
  • Had a moldy bread panic incident before 2022, where she convinced herself she was in danger after eating a tiny piece of moldy bread.
  • Has had work-related anxiety dreams, such as showing up on set without knowing her lines or realizing she was there without clothes.

Background & Upbringing

  • Grew up in a religious community in Nashville, which influenced her early worldview.
  • Discovered acting accidentally after spraining her ankle at a sports camp, which led her to take a drama class.
  • Was a fan of Broadway and musical theater as a child, which helped shape her love of performance.

Hobbies & Interests

  • Enjoys film photography and has been seen using analog cameras on set and in personal life.
  • Has a habit of journaling and once kept a journal for Nancy Wheeler to explore her character’s mindset.
  • Loves music and makes playlists for her characters to help get into the right headspace.
  • In 2022, mentioned binge-watching P-Valley in one sitting
  • Enjoys collecting vintage clothing and incorporating vintage aesthetics into her wardrobe.
  • Has a deep appreciation for ‘80s music, which developed while working on Stranger Things.
  • Loved the animated movie Anastasia as a child and once mentioned wanting to play the lead in a live-action version.
  • Committed to character immersion—researched popular perfumes from the 1980s to connect with Nancy Wheeler’s world.
  • Uses movie soundtracks to get into the right emotional space for a scene.

Personal Preferences & Habits

  • Rotates between different lip balms and enjoys trying new brands.
  • Uses raw potatoes under her eyes as a beauty trick for reducing puffiness.
  • Has double-jointed elbows and demonstrated this unusual flexibility in an interview.
  • Finds waiting on set one of the most frustrating parts of acting.
  • Once joked that she wants to be “Tom Cruise” because she dreams of doing action roles and stunts.
  • Once left her phone in an Uber and had to track it down.
  • Would love to be on The Great British Bake Off, despite not being able to bake.

Career & Stranger Things

Audition & Casting

  • Originally auditioned for a different role before being cast as Nancy Wheeler.
  • Her initial audition only included selected scenes, and she didn’t receive a full script.
  • Believed she completely bombed her audition and even considered quitting acting before getting the role.
  • Never expected Stranger Things to become a hit and initially thought it was just a small project.

Character & Performance

  • The Duffer Brothers stated that Nancy Wheeler was inspired by Nancy Thompson from A Nightmare on Elm Street.
  • Was asked to watch classic ‘80s horror films as preparation for the role.
  • Found filming CGI-heavy scenes challenging, especially when reacting to stunt actors in red suits.
  • Joked about Nancy’s impractical shoe choices and wished she could have worn sneakers in action scenes.
  • Felt personally connected to Season 3’s sexism storyline, as it reflected real workplace struggles.
  • Praised Stranger Things for evolving to highlight strong female characters and appreciated its LGBTQ+ representation.
  • Was surprised by how much fans connected with Nancy’s journey over the seasons.
  • Enjoys ensemble storytelling because it allows different characters to shine.
  • Called reading the Season 4 script emotional, saying it was one of the most intense seasons.

On-Set Experience

  • Describes the Stranger Things set as feeling like “summer camp,” as the cast reunites for each season.
  • Found the mall setting in Season 3 “super fun,” as it felt like stepping into the past.
  • Loved the arcade setting in Season 2, calling it a fun throwback to classic ‘80s pop culture.
  • Once suggested that Nancy and Murray Bauman should team up, as both characters investigate mysteries.
  • Cited Winona Ryder and David Harbour as actors she has learned a lot from on set.
  • Expressed interest in doing her own stunts, though safety restrictions sometimes prevent it.
  • Found filming in the Upside Down disorienting.

Sources & References:

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