Raphael Luce: The American-French Talent Behind Stranger Things’ Young Henry Creel
Raphael Luce is an American-French actor recognized for his role as Young Henry Creel in Stranger Things. Growing up in a Cirque du Soleil family, he developed a background in stunt performing, which shaped his approach to acting. Filming his Stranger Things role over three years — from age 12 to 15 — Raphael kept his involvement under wraps, recalling moments like a tornado warning on set and connecting with castmates such as Sadie Sink and Gaten Matarazzo.
Beyond Stranger Things, Raphael has set his sights on new roles, including his dream of playing Spider-Man in the Marvel universe. With a growing presence in film and television, he continues to explore opportunities that showcase his versatility and dedication to his craft.
Table of Contents
Early Life
Family Background
Raphael Luce was born on December 29, 2006, at 12:29 AM, in Vermont, a northeastern state in the United States known for its scenic beauty and rural charm. He is the son of professional stunt performers Jade Kindar-Martin and Karine Mauffrey. His father, known for his daring high-wire performances, created a stunt act called the FireWire, where he crosses a flaming tightrope. His mother spent 18 years as a gymnast before moving into stunt work. The two met while performing high-wire stunts for Cirque du Soleil.
Raphael has two younger siblings, Gabriel Sky and Jophielle Love, who are also active in the entertainment industry. Gabriel is known for work in General Hospital, while Jophielle has appeared in various television productions.
Upbringing & Education
Raphael Luce’s childhood was filled with travel, performance, and adventure. Born in Vermont, he spent his formative years moving between multiple cities and countries due to his family’s unconventional lifestyle. His parents’ work as professional stunt performers often had them traveling for shows and film projects, resulting in frequent relocations to Vermont, France, Los Angeles, and New Orleans. This nomadic upbringing exposed Raphael to diverse cultures and environments, contributing to his adaptability and creativity. During their cross-country travels in the United States, Raphael’s family often lived in a converted bus that served as a mobile home.
From a young age, Raphael was immersed in the world of stunts and performance. Inspired by his father’s daring high-wire stunts and his mother’s extensive gymnastics background, he quickly became fascinated with stunt work. Under the guidance of his parents, he trained in several stunt techniques such as high falls, air ramps, and ratchet pulls. He participated in a dedicated stunt camp where he honed these skills and experienced physically demanding activities like flips and a controlled fire burn, an intense but carefully supervised experience that helped build his confidence. In addition to his stunt training, he developed in various physical disciplines, including acrobatics, alpine skiing, archery, and stage combat.
Raphael was homeschooled alongside his siblings. This flexible educational arrangement allowed him to balance his academic commitments with his professional aspirations, accommodating auditions, filming schedules, and other industry demands without compromising his studies.
His upbringing was also shaped by a rich cultural background. Being raised in both French and English-speaking environments, he became fluent in both languages.
Outside of acting, Raphael is a passionate music enthusiast with a particular fondness for The Beatles. His admiration for comedic icons such as Adam Sandler and Jim Carrey has also fueled his interest in comedy and filmmaking, which he hopes to explore further in his career.
Breakthrough & Stranger Things Journey
Raphael Luce’s journey to portraying Young Henry Creel in Stranger Things is a remarkable tale of perseverance, discovery, and memorable moments. Before landing the role, Raphael had faced nearly 50 rejections for other acting opportunities, demonstrating his dedication to his craft. His breakthrough came when he auditioned by filming a self-tape where he had to portray panic and fear as though a monster was attacking him.
When Raphael received the news that he had landed the role, it was an unforgettable and unexpected moment. He later shared that he was “fairly naked” when he found out, making the surprise even more memorable. Caught off guard, he quickly snapped a photo to capture the surreal experience.
Filming for Stranger Things began in 2019 when Raphael was 12 years old and concluded in 2022 when he was 15. The COVID-19 pandemic caused delays, which meant he had to keep his involvement a secret for three years — a challenge he described as “so tough,” especially given the excitement of playing a significant role in such a popular series.
Raphael appeared as Young Henry Creel in four episodes of Stranger Things Season 4: Episode 4 (“Dear Billy”), Episode 6 (“The Dive”), Episode 7 (“The Massacre at Hawkins Lab”), and Episode 9 (“The Piggyback”). His performance highlighted Henry’s troubled past, growing resentment, and eventual transformation into Vecna, one of the show’s primary antagonists.
From Secrecy to Surprise: The Character Reveal
For nearly two years on set, Raphael had limited knowledge about his character. Despite knowing he was playing a villain, he wasn’t aware of the character’s full arc. Only when he began getting the “001” tattoo applied on his wrist did the pieces start to fall into place — that’s when he realized he was playing Young Henry Creel, the younger version of Vecna. The secrecy was so intense that he had to rely on makeup artists and crew members to piece together information about his character’s backstory.
Despite playing the younger version of Jamie Campbell Bower’s character, Raphael never met Bower during filming. However, in 2022, Raphael shared that he was set to meet Bower during a scheduled trip to Germany.
On-Set Experiences and Memorable Moments
Raphael’s first week on set was overwhelming, but a warm gesture from Gaten Matarazzo helped ease his nerves. During his first lunch break, Gaten invited him to join the main cast at their table, where he was welcomed by Sadie Sink, Caleb McLaughlin, and others. This immediate inclusion helped Raphael feel part of the team early on.
His first scene was an intense confrontation with Grace Van Dien (Chrissy), which required him to portray Henry’s emerging dark side through menacing stares and aggressive behavior. Raphael described the experience as “intense and insane” during the Q&A at Monterrey, 2023, adding that the scene involved “a lot of growling” and efforts to create fear. He recalled feeling a huge sense of relief once the scene played out successfully, knowing that the performance had landed as intended.
In August 2021, during a break in filming, the cast and crew faced a tornado warning that forced everyone into a warehouse for safety. Raphael spent that unexpected downtime bonding with Gaten Matarazzo and Mason Dye, playing games and sharing stories, making what could have been a stressful situation into a memorable bonding experience.
At age 13, Raphael had his first shave in the Stranger Things makeup trailer. This unexpected milestone became a memorable part of his experience on set, as the same makeup artist had shaved many of the show’s young cast members during earlier seasons, turning it into something of a tradition.
Technical Challenges and Filming Details
The chilling dinner table scene, where Henry kills his mother, involved detailed technical work. Raphael shared during a YouTube interview with Tyler Boronski on June 21, 2022, that the sequence was filmed in multiple parts. The production first shot his reaction during the moment Henry manipulates the lights. The floating sequence was filmed separately and involved a stunt performer in a green screen suit, who was lifted by wires to simulate the mother levitating before appearing to crash onto the table. Raphael recalled that “it was just the lights part first… then I zoomed into my face, and that was it.” The floating sequence itself was complex, with the crew filming in two parts — one focused on the stunt performer being pulled up by wires, and another capturing her body crashing onto the table to complete the illusion.
In the ritual scene, real black widow spiders were placed in jars on the table. Raphael mentioned that if a jar had been dropped, production would have been halted for days until the spider was found and safely recovered. Fortunately, the spider crawling on his hand was added via CGI using tracking dots.
Due to the extensive flashback sequences involving Henry’s past, Raphael wore 11 different costumes throughout production — the most of any character in Season 4. When production resumed following pandemic delays, Raphael had grown taller, which required wardrobe adjustments to account for his growth spurt.
Performing Without Dialogue
Despite Henry Creel’s importance to the story, Raphael’s portrayal of the character was entirely non-verbal. Relying heavily on body language, Raphael explained that mastering subtle facial expressions was essential to conveying Henry’s descent into darkness. Describing the experience at Atlanta Comic-Con 2023, he said “it’s all about the eyebrows” and emphasized how his performance depended on facial tension to create Henry’s unsettling presence. Without dialogue to rely on, he found that staying in “a chill mode” and delivering “the death stare” allowed him to capture Henry’s menacing nature effectively.
Henry’s isolation played a major role in shaping his descent into violence. Reflecting on his character’s emotional state, Raphael explained that Henry was “lonely… he has no one to talk to about these powers that he’s just found out he has… he has no friends… and for some reason, he has an addiction to kill stuff.” The character’s inability to express his thoughts and emotions contributed to his twisted path, which Raphael conveyed through calculated stares, clenched jaws, and chilling expressions.
Unforgettable Behind-the-Scenes Moments
The seemingly eerie “bunny rabbit” scene was filmed with an unusual trick — instead of a real rabbit, the production team used a rolled-up piece of blue tape as a visual reference. This simplified setup helped Raphael deliver a tense performance despite the unconventional visual target.
For nearly two years, Raphael had little insight into Henry’s backstory, relying heavily on casual conversations with crew members to piece together the character’s motivations and significance to the plot. He described the secrecy as frustrating yet rewarding when the truth about Henry’s role as Vecna’s younger self was finally revealed.
Rising Fame and Fan Recognition
Before Stranger Things, Raphael had around 600 Instagram followers and 16,000 TikTok followers. Following the show’s release, those numbers surged to over 2 million on TikTok and 300,000 on Instagram.
Raphael was especially touched by fans who cosplayed as Young Henry Creel at conventions, viewing it as a meaningful connection with viewers. He also expressed admiration for the detailed artwork created by fans, which he found both inspiring and surreal.
Career Beyond Stranger Things
Raphael Luce’s career began with his first modeling job for La Compagnie des Petits Dunkerque, a French children’s clothing brand. This early experience introduced him to the entertainment industry and paved the way for his acting career.
Building on his modeling background, Raphael expanded his acting portfolio with various roles. In addition to acting, Raphael has a background in stunt work, influenced by his parents’ experience in Cirque du Soleil, which has helped him excel in physically demanding roles.
In 2021, Raphael appeared in Marvel’s Loki, where he shared a scene with Owen Wilson. The following year, he played a young James Roosevelt in the historical drama The First Lady, appearing in the episode titled “Smoke and Mirrors.”
Reflecting on the experience of working alongside Kiefer Sutherland and Gillian Anderson, he described it as “a small part but fun to be on to see the pros at work.”
Raphael also appeared in the 2022 film Moon Manor, where he played the role of Kid at Funeral, adding a subtle yet impactful presence to the narrative. The dark comedy tells the story of an aging man’s planned farewell party.
2023 Career Highlights and Achievements
2023 was a remarkable year for actor Raphael Luce, filled with notable film appearances, global travel, and exciting new ventures. One of Raphael Luce’s major highlights in 2023 was his role as a security guard in the hit horror film Five Nights at Freddy’s, an adaptation of the popular video game franchise that became a box-office success.
Sharing his excitement on Instagram, he congratulated the cast and crew, adding, “I’m so proud of my dad for playing Bonnie and my sister for playing the soul kid of Chica.”
Later reflecting on the project, Raphael shared his gratitude, saying, “FNAF definitely took over our life this year, and we are so grateful for it all.”
In addition to his film work, Raphael’s 2023 included extensive travel for industry events, charity campaigns, and memorable family experiences. He attended the Cannes Film Festival in France, where he walked the iconic red carpet steps, highlighting his growing involvement in international events. He also visited Austria and England as part of Stand Up to Cancer’s “Don’t Look Down” campaign, where he taught celebrities to walk on a high-wire for charity. During his visit to England, Raphael also visited West Ham Stadium, immersing himself in local culture and supporting the awareness campaign.
Raphael’s journey also took him to Peru, where he explored Machu Picchu with his family. Throughout the year, he appeared at numerous conventions with his family, connecting with fans and embracing his growing presence in the entertainment world.
Raphael expanded his acting portfolio in 2023 by working on the crime drama series Will Trent while in Atlanta. Meanwhile, his sister, Jophielle, had a remarkable year as well, performing her original song Shine on national TV for General Hospital, where the show earned the Emmy Award for Best Daytime Drama.
Beyond professional projects, 2023 also brought personal milestones. Raphael also pursued new skills by taking professional stunt driving lessons, reflecting his dedication to expanding his range as a performer. on a professional circuit, broadening his skill set with hands-on training.
Astrological Profile: Raphael Luce’s Zodiac Traits
Raphael Luce is a Capricorn with a Cancer Ascendant and a Virgo Moon. His Capricorn Sun drives his ambition, discipline, and dedication to his craft, traits that are evident in his perseverance throughout his career. Capricorns are known for their resilience, thriving in demanding environments through strategic thinking and long-term planning — qualities reflected in Raphael’s ability to navigate diverse roles, from acting to developing skills like stunt driving. His Cancer rising shapes his caring and family-oriented nature, seen in his strong bond with his family and their shared creative projects. Cancer ascendants often possess a protective side, valuing close-knit relationships and demonstrating empathy toward those around them — traits that resonate with Raphael’s collaborative approach and deep familial ties. Meanwhile, his Virgo Moon sharpens his practical mindset, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills. Virgo Moons excel at methodical thinking and precision, which may explain Raphael’s ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining focus on growth. However, this balanced personality also comes with its challenges. Capricorns, while ambitious and disciplined, can sometimes become overly serious, stubborn, or overly focused on work, risking burnout or emotional detachment. Cancer ascendants, though nurturing and empathetic, may struggle with mood swings or heightened sensitivity, sometimes taking things too personally. Meanwhile, Virgo Moons, while precise and detail-oriented, may become overly critical, anxious, or perfectionist, which can create self-doubt or excessive worry. This combination makes Raphael capable of remarkable achievements, but it also requires careful management to avoid overburdening himself or becoming too self-critical.
| References: |
| https://youtu.be/o52p9rR1rKE https://youtu.be/OYWOfkGXxl4 https://youtu.be/5oZpCAcwTZI https://youtu.be/ih5WZuIzhDY https://youtu.be/dBLZ_yqgLVk https://www.instagram.com/raphael_luce/ |
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