Shannon Purser Biography: Early Life, Stranger Things Fame & Where She Is Now

Shannon Purser’s Hollywood breakthrough was anything but ordinary. Before landing her first role, she was a teenager in Georgia, balancing school with a job at a local movie theater. Then came Stranger Things (2016), where her portrayal of Barb Holland—though brief—became a cultural moment. The viral #JusticeForBarb movement catapulted her into the spotlight, earning her an Emmy nomination and opening doors to roles in Sierra Burgess Is a Loser and Riverdale.

But what happens after a breakout role? Purser’s career took a different path, one shaped by thoughtful role choices, advocacy for mental health and body positivity, and a quieter but meaningful presence in Hollywood. From her rise to fame to her evolving career, this in-depth biography explores the journey of an actress who made a lasting impression—beyond the viral moment.

Early Life and Life Before Fame

Family Background

Shannon Purser was born on June 27, 1997, in Atlanta, Georgia. She grew up in a deeply religious evangelical Christian household, where faith was a central part of daily life. Her parents instilled in her a strong sense of structure, discipline, and values, and she was raised with strict religious teachings that shaped her early worldview.

Her parents had unique careers—her father was an airline pilot, and her mother was a former flight attendant. Because of this, the family often traveled on standby, taking spontaneous trips whenever there were open seats on flights. However, the unpredictability of this perk sometimes meant getting all packed up, only to return home when no seats were available. “Well, we gave it our best shot,” she later joked about these almost-trips.

A Redhead Who Stood Out

As a natural redhead, Shannon was always aware of how her hair made her stand out. She and her sister, who also had red hair, would jokingly judge people who dyed their hair red, feeling a bit of pride in having the real thing. Growing up, she often received comments about her hair, some admiring, others teasing, but it became a part of her identity that she eventually grew to love.

She also admired Molly Ringwald, whose red hair and on-screen presence in classic 80s films like The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles resonated with her. Watching Molly in these roles contributed to her love for 80s cinema and further inspired her interest in film.

Despite their shared red hair, Shannon’s siblings had a different schooling experience. Unlike her, they were sent to public school, which made her homeschooling experience feel even more unique.

A Conflict Between Faith and Fantasy

Shannon’s religious upbringing meant that she was often restricted in what she could watch or read. She had to fight just to read Harry Potter because her parents believed it contained elements of witchcraft.

She attended what she described as a cult-like Christian school, where strict religious values were enforced. The school actively discouraged Halloween celebrations, as it was seen as incompatible with Christian beliefs. Instead of traditional school activities, students participated in religious performances representing the seven deadly sins, further reinforcing the school’s deeply moralistic teachings.

Despite these strict rules, Shannon was naturally drawn to fantasy, magic, and the supernatural. From a young age, she was captivated by stories of enchantment and adventure.

“I have been obsessed with fantasy for as long as I can remember,” she said.

“I have so many fond memories of scouring the library for magical books I hadn’t read yet. I would bring my novels to school, to restaurants, everywhere.”

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Her fascination didn’t stop at books.

“Just from like a super young age I was always really into like witchy things and fantasy,” she admitted in past interview. “Like I was that weird kid who would go in the backyard and try to talk to fairies and like I fully believed in mermaids for too long, I think.”

Her love for the mystical extended beyond just fantasy books. She also loved horror movies and, despite knowing she wasn’t supposed to, she managed to watch Scream as a child—an experience that left a lasting impression on her.

Shannon’s journey was a real and constant tug-of-war between faith and fantasy. Though her upbringing actively sought to steer her away from anything supernatural outside of religion, her natural curiosity led her toward the very things she was told to avoid. In the end, she embraced the world of magic and mystery, allowing herself to explore the imagination that had once been deemed off-limits.

Growing Up Among Girls

Shannon was raised in a household of all girls, which greatly influenced her personality and the way she interacted with others. Living in an environment filled with strong female energy, she naturally took on a nurturing, protective role among her peers, something that carried over into her friendships.

“I feel like I’m the mom of my friend group, too. I like to take care of people and give advice when they need it.”

Growing up around other girls also gave her a deep understanding of friendship, loyalty, and the emotional complexities of growing up, which she later channeled into her acting.

Despite her ability to connect with people, she also found herself feeling out of place at social events she didn’t want to be at. She prioritized friendships where she made the other person feel important, but the same effort wasn’t always returned. She later compared this experience to Barb and Nancy’s friendship in Stranger Things—where Barb put Nancy first, but Nancy didn’t prioritize Barb in return.

A life-changing piece of advice she received from her best friend in Norway was to “be true to yourself.” While she admitted it sounded cliché, the message stuck with her and influenced how she approached life moving forward.

Books, Movies, and Music

Shannon’s love for storytelling started early and shaped her entire childhood.

“I used to read a lot—just my nose in a book all the time—and I really fell in love with stories and storytelling, and that kind of evolved as I got older. I would watch old movies with my parents, and I really just loved that and thought it was the coolest thing.”

Books became her constant companions, offering her an escape into different worlds.

She adored 1980s cinema, especially films like The Goonies, Stand By Me, and The Breakfast Club. She also admired Winona Ryder, which made it surreal for her to later work with her on Stranger Things.

Beyond books and movies, music also played a major role in her life. She loved how music could express emotions words sometimes couldn’t, and as she got older, she found herself drawn to emo and alternative rock music.

Embracing the Emo Phase and Fashion as Expression

During her middle school, she went through an emo phase—a time of bold fashion choices and self-discovery. She loved My Chemical Romance and their deeply emotional lyrics. Inspired by the music and culture, she wore studded belts, plaid skirts, and Converse sneakers, feeling connected to the aesthetic and the sense of individuality it represented.

One of her biggest fashion experiments during this phase was trying to dye her hair black using Manic Panic. She imagined a dramatic, dark transformation, but instead, the color faded to a murky green that she found absolutely disastrous​. Still, she laughed about it later, recognizing it as one of those teenage experiments gone wrong.

Even as she moved past the emo phase, she retained her love for vintage-inspired fashion, drawn to the classic elegance of old Hollywood and retro styles.

Early Struggles with OCD, Faith, and Identity

At 16, Shannon Purser was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a condition that deeply shaped her mental health and faith. In May 2024, she reflected on how OCD created a relentless cycle of intrusive thoughts and compulsions, particularly fixating on moral perfection.

“The OCD mind is never at rest and never satisfied,” she wrote, explaining how it convinced her she was “evil to the core.”

Growing up in a religious environment, she internalized scripture but struggled with obsessive self-doubt.

“Believing the worst things about yourself, confusing horrific thoughts and images with reality, doubting your sanity and the goodness of your intentions at every turn—it’s hell.”

Her struggles extended to her queer identity.

“I used to pray for God to take away my identity, my mind, my ego, so I could be filled with something better.”

Taught that being queer was incompatible with faith, she sought answers in scripture, reading interpretations that both condemned and accepted homosexuality.

“Being told that wanting to love and be loved is worthy of hell doesn’t feel like love.”

Witnessing how other queer people were treated, she felt alienated. “I saw how other queer people I loved were treated and talked about. They were instantly othered.”

As she questioned the teachings that shaped her, she faced a breaking point. “I tried desperately to reconcile the wonderful, happy, good queer people I met with what I was taught they deserved.” Ultimately, she chose self-acceptance over fear.

“I made the radical, terrifying, heretical, dangerous decision to try to love myself and others without condition—to trust that my heart wasn’t wicked and beyond cure.”

The shift took time, but prioritizing her well-being marked a turning point.

Her project Devotion explores these themes, questioning how blind faith can obscure pain and whether unconditional love can exist within rigid doctrines.

“When your eyes are fixed on heaven, what darkness escapes your notice?”

With themes of religious trauma, mental health awareness, and personal resilience, Purser uses her platform to highlight the struggles of OCD, faith, and identity.

An Unconventional Education: The Small-School Experience

Shannon was homeschooled but participated in a co-op program with around 200 other homeschool students.

The co-op school experience was unique—it allowed students to attend structured classes together while maintaining the flexibility of homeschooling. She only attended classes a few times a week, spending the rest of her time studying independently.

When she graduated in May 2016, her class had only about 15 students, a stark contrast to the typical high school graduation experience. After graduating, she enrolled at Kennesaw State University in Georgia later that year.

Theater: The First Step Toward Acting

Even though she was naturally introverted, Shannon found an unexpected sense of freedom on stage.

“I always loved being on stage, which was weird because I’m a pretty introverted person. But when you’re on stage, there is a kind of freedom to be whoever you want to be.”

She started acting in school plays and community theater, experimenting with different roles and building her confidence. Some of her earliest performances included Seussical and The Jungle Book, productions that, at the time, felt like huge achievements for her.

By 13 or 14, she had a realization—acting wasn’t just a hobby. It was what she wanted to do for the rest of her life.

She thought acting was the coolest job in the world, not just because of the art itself, but because actors got to act and get paid for it—something that fascinated her from a young age.

At 15, Shannon Purser auditioned for an acting agency in Atlanta, despite having no professional experience. Once she began auditioning for roles, she quickly learned how challenging the process could be. One of her most difficult auditions required her to play a peppy cheerleader, a character far from her natural demeanor. Being more reserved, she struggled to match the high-energy enthusiasm expected, realizing it wasn’t the right fit for her. Though she didn’t land the role, the experience gave her a better understanding of the audition process and reinforced her strengths in playing more introspective, emotionally complex characters.

Life Before Fame: The Struggles of a Regular Teen

First Job: Working at a Movie Theater

Before she ever stepped onto a professional film set, Shannon worked at a local movie theater, doing everything from ripping tickets to cleaning theaters and selling concessions​.

Even after booking Stranger Things, she kept working at the theater because she wasn’t sure if she’d get another acting job. “I needed money for Starbucks!” she joked​.

Things became surreal when fans started recognizing her. One night after her shift, she found a couple waiting by her car, which made her realize that her life was starting to change​.

Eventually, she quit her theater job when she got a manager in Los Angeles and decided to focus on acting full-time​.

Stranger Things Journey: From Audition to Cult Icon

Breaking into Hollywood and Landing the Role of Barb

In 2015, while still in her senior year of high school, Shannon Purser secured her first professional acting role as Barbara “Barb” Holland in Stranger Things. At the time, the show was originally titled Montauk and was influenced by conspiracy theories surrounding MKUltra and Camp Hero, a decommissioned military base in Montauk, New York. As the show evolved, it became Stranger Things, set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana.

Having signed with an agency at 15, Purser had been auditioning for various roles when she received a casting notice for Stranger Things. Without access to professional equipment, she recorded a self-tape with a friend who had a better camera and submitted it. Soon after, she was invited for an in-person audition with the Duffer Brothers, and within a day, she was offered the role. She found out the news while watching a movie with her mother, whispering her excitement before putting her phone away. At the time, she had no idea how significant this role would become.

Filming began in 2015 while Purser was still in high school, requiring her to balance academics with her new acting career. Having been homeschooled, stepping into the 1980s-inspired high school setting of Stranger Things was an entirely new experience for her. She was fascinated by the attention to detail in the show’s costumes, set designs, and background elements, which contributed to its immersive nostalgic feel.

Barb’s Role in Stranger Things

Barb was introduced as Nancy Wheeler’s loyal and pragmatic best friend, offering a stark contrast to Nancy’s growing attraction to Steve Harrington and his popular crowd. She was the protective, skeptical voice of reason, cautioning Nancy about getting too involved in reckless teenage antics. Her arc unfolded over four episodes, with prominent appearances in the first three and a brief but impactful return in Episode 7, when her lifeless body was discovered in the Upside Down.

Barb’s character served as a pivotal turning point in the story, representing the unintended consequences of youthful recklessness. Unlike other missing persons in Hawkins, her disappearance was largely overlooked by her peers, which fueled significant fan frustration. This led to the viral Justice for Barb movement, where viewers demanded recognition for the character’s fate. Though Barb’s screen time was brief, her storyline was instrumental in shaping Nancy Wheeler’s character arc, ultimately motivating her to investigate Hawkins Lab and uncover the dark secrets surrounding the town.

Filming Barb’s Death Scene: A Physically Demanding Challenge

One of the most demanding sequences for Purser was Barb’s death scene in the Upside Down. At the time of filming, the show’s production team had not yet fully developed the Upside Down, requiring them to construct a unique set specifically for her sequence. The eerie, gooey substance covering Barb was created using a mix of baby food and glycerin, which made filming physically exhausting. Multiple takes were needed as Purser repeatedly had to cough up the slimy substance.

She performed most of her own stunts, leading to bruises from being dragged into the portal by the Demogorgon. Between takes, she had to frequently change out of the slimy costume, wear a harness, and reset for each shot. The entire process was grueling and time-consuming, making it one of the most challenging experiences of her career.

Purser was kept in the dark about Barb’s ultimate fate until late in production. She only discovered what would happen when the makeup team informed her that they needed to test her “death makeup.” She also found it strange that Barb’s parents were barely acknowledged in the storyline, further amplifying the tragedy of her character’s demise.

The Unexpected Popularity of Barb and the #JusticeForBarb Movement

Despite appearing in only a handful of episodes, Barb quickly became a fan favorite. Many viewers were frustrated by how little attention was given to her disappearance within the show’s narrative, leading to the rise of the #JusticeForBarb movement on social media. The movement gained significant traction, prompting the Duffer Brothers to address Barb’s fate in Season 2. Her death was acknowledged, and Nancy Wheeler was given an emotional arc in which she struggled with guilt over abandoning her friend.

The sudden and overwhelming popularity of Barb took Purser by surprise. She initially assumed her character would be easily forgotten, but instead, her social media following skyrocketed, growing from just 70 followers to over 130,000. Her family also found the fan response surreal, often gathering together to look at the growing collection of Barb fan art and tributes. One of the most striking displays of her character’s impact was a large mural of Barb’s face painted on a wall, a moment that cemented her status as an unexpected cultural icon.

Behind-the-Scenes Moments and Comic-Con Surprise

Among the highlights of Purser’s Stranger Things experience was her opportunity to meet Winona Ryder at the first table read. Though they never shared scenes, Purser was deeply starstruck and later had the chance to sit across from Ryder at a cast dinner, an experience she struggled to play cool.

One of her most unforgettable moments came during San Diego Comic-Con 2017, where she made a surprise appearance. The Duffer Brothers secretly arranged for her to attend, and she snuck into the panel disguised in a mask. She posed as a fan during the audience Q&A before dramatically revealing her identity. The crowd, along with the Stranger Things cast, erupted in excitement, making it one of the most thrilling moments of her journey with the show.

Another standout experience was the support she received from her co-stars, particularly David Harbour, who played Hopper. He was a strong advocate for her work and personally congratulated her when she received an Emmy nomination, something she never expected.

The Unexpected Emmy Nomination

In July 2017, just a year after Stranger Things premiered, Shannon Purser received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series. This was an extraordinary achievement for Purser, considering Stranger Things was her first professional acting role.

She found out about the nomination while traveling to Vancouver to film Riverdale, where she had been cast as Ethel Muggs. Aware that the Emmy nominations were being announced that day, she tried not to get her hopes up.

“I remember being really sad because I knew they were going to announce the nominees, and I was on a plane,” she recalled.

After landing and turning off airplane mode, she was met with an overwhelming flood of messages. “It’s just like, moving—people are blowing it up,” she said.

“And then almost immediately, I get a call from my manager and my publicist, and they’re both literally crying on the phone.”

The moment was surreal, and she admitted she had the urge to stand up on the plane and announce it to everyone, joking, “I don’t know if anybody cares, but I just got nominated for an Emmy!”

Riverdale: Guest Star (2017-2023)

Shannon Purser’s career flourished after her breakout role in Stranger Things, allowing her to explore a diverse range of roles across television and film. From teen dramas to horror and animation, she established herself as a versatile performer, demonstrating that she was far more than just a one-hit wonder. One of her most notable post-Stranger Things roles was as Ethel Muggs in Riverdale, the dark, edgy reimagining of the classic Archie Comics series. Purser’s time on Riverdale spanned from 2017 to 2023, and her portrayal of Ethel showcased her ability to adapt to different genres and character dynamics.

Joining the Cast of Riverdale

In 2017, shortly after the massive success of Stranger Things, Purser was invited to join the cast of Riverdale as Ethel Muggs, a character from the original Archie Comics. Unlike her role as Barb, which she had to audition for, Purser was offered the role of Ethel based on her rising popularity and the impact of her performance in Stranger Things. In a 2017 interview, she recalled how she landed the role:

“They just invited me into the workroom and were like, ‘Hey, we saw you on Stranger Things, and do you want to be in our show?'”

This was a significant moment for Purser, as it marked her first major role in a television series following her breakout in Stranger Things.

Ethel Muggs: From Shy Outsider to Darker Depths

Ethel Muggs, a character familiar to fans of the Archie Comics, was initially portrayed as a shy, bookish girl who often found herself on the outskirts of Riverdale High’s social scene. Purser’s portrayal of Ethel began as a relatively minor role, but over time, the character evolved into a more complex figure, entangled in the town’s darker mysteries. In Riverdale, Ethel’s journey took her from being a background character to someone involved in the show’s more sinister storylines, including her involvement with the cult-like group known as “The Farm” in later seasons.

Purser embraced the evolution of Ethel’s character, finding the transition from a shy, awkward girl to someone embroiled in the town’s darker secrets both challenging and rewarding. In a 2018 interview, she reflected on how Ethel’s character allowed her to explore different facets of her acting abilities, saying,

“I don’t really have a whole lot of bias. If a story jumps out at me or if a character resonates, then I go for it. I think that’s why I’ve done such a variety of things, and I want to keep that up in the future.”

The Fast-Paced World of Riverdale

Stepping onto the set of Riverdale was a new experience for Purser, and she admitted that the fast-paced nature of the show was initially overwhelming. In a 2017 interview, she described the transition from Stranger Things to Riverdale as a learning curve, saying,

“It was a whole new world for me. Riverdale is such a fast-paced show, and it was a bit overwhelming at first.”

However, she quickly adapted to the rhythm of the show and found her footing as Ethel Muggs.

Purser also appreciated the opportunity to work with a new ensemble cast, including KJ Apa, Lili Reinhart, and Cole Sprouse. She enjoyed the collaborative environment of Riverdale and the chance to explore a character who, like Barb, was an outsider but had a more active role in the show’s central mysteries.

Ethel’s Darker Storylines and Purser’s Growth

As Riverdale progressed, Ethel Muggs became more involved in the show’s darker and more dramatic storylines. In later seasons, Ethel’s character took on a more prominent role, particularly in her involvement with “The Farm,” a cult that played a significant part in the show’s narrative. This shift allowed Purser to showcase her range as an actress, moving from the shy, awkward Ethel to a character who was more assertive and entangled in the town’s darker secrets.

Purser’s ability to navigate Ethel’s transformation demonstrated her versatility as an actress. She was able to bring depth and nuance to a character who could have easily remained one-dimensional, making Ethel one of the more intriguing supporting characters in Riverdale.

Purser’s Reflections on Ethel and Riverdale

Throughout her time on Riverdale, Purser remained grateful for the opportunity to play Ethel Muggs and to be part of a show that redefined the teen drama genre. In a 2018 interview, she reflected on how her role in Riverdale allowed her to explore different aspects of her craft, saying,

“I definitely enjoy the heavy stuff. I’m a good crier, so it’s a good time.”

She also appreciated the chance to work on a show that blended drama, mystery, and dark humor, which was a departure from the nostalgic tone of Stranger Things.

Purser’s time on Riverdale also allowed her to connect with a new fanbase, as the show became a cultural phenomenon in its own right. She enjoyed interacting with fans of the series and appreciated the support she received from viewers who followed Ethel’s journey.

The Departure

On March 24, 2023, Shannon Purser marked the end of her Riverdale journey with an emotional Instagram post, reflecting on nearly seven years as Ethel Muggs. Alongside a photo of her personalized cast chair, she expressed gratitude for the experience, writing,

“When I think about all the life I’ve lived and the ways I’ve grown as a person and artist in that time, it’s overwhelming.”

She thanked Riverdale‘s creator, cast, and crew, recalling the unique arcs her character took—from cult acolyte to teen sleuth—and the unexpected moments of singing, dancing, and screaming along the way. “It was a blast,” she shared, acknowledging the dedication of those behind the scenes. While she didn’t post more behind-the-scenes images at the time, she assured fans that they would come later, leaving them eager to celebrate her journey on the show.

Expanding Into Horror with Wish Upon (2017)

Later in 2017, Purser expanded into film with Wish Upon, a supernatural horror thriller in which she played June Acosta, the best friend of Joey King’s lead character. The experience was unlike anything she had done before. She found the horror genre fascinating, particularly the intricate work behind practical effects. The night shoots were grueling, but she enjoyed the eerie atmosphere of the set and the challenge of maintaining tension across multiple takes. At the time, she was also balancing her work on Riverdale, making her schedule particularly hectic.

Leading Sierra Burgess Is a Loser (2018)

In 2018, Shannon Purser landed her first leading role in Sierra Burgess Is a Loser, a Netflix high school rom-com inspired by Cyrano de Bergerac. The film, which premiered on September 7, was a major milestone in her career—not only was it her first time carrying a movie, but it also featured her first on-screen kiss.

Unlike her role in Riverdale, where she was invited to join the cast after her breakout performance in Stranger Things, Purser had to fight for the role of Sierra Burgess. In a 2018 interview, she revealed that she went through multiple auditions and even a chemistry read with co-star Noah Centineo, who played Jamey, Sierra’s love interest. Purser shared,

“I got the script for the movie several months before they even started casting… I auditioned several times, I think like three or four times.”

One of the most unexpected challenges was recording Sunflower, a song featured in the movie. Purser had never sung professionally on screen before and described the experience as terrifying. Despite her nerves, her performance was well received, and many fans praised her voice. Though Sierra Burgess faced some controversy regarding its plot, Purser remained focused on its message of self-acceptance and appreciated the opportunity to lead a film for the first time.

While Sierra Burgess Is a Loser sparked some controversy over its plot, Purser remained focused on its themes of self-acceptance and personal growth. She particularly valued the way the film explored female friendships, noting that Sierra’s dynamic with Veronica (Kristine Froseth) was just as significant as the romance.

“I think the film reinforced the idea of not obsessing over fitting in and embracing who you are,” she reflected.

For Purser, the project was not just a career breakthrough but a story that resonated deeply on a personal level.

Expanding Into Horror with Wish Upon (2017)

In 2017, Shannon Purser continued to diversify her acting portfolio by venturing into the horror genre with Wish Upon, a supernatural horror thriller starring Joey King. In the film, Purser played June Acosta, the best friend of King’s lead character, Clare. This role marked Purser’s first foray into horror, offering her a chance to explore a new genre and work with practical effects, which she found both challenging and fascinating.

A New Challenge in the Horror Genre

Wish Upon was a departure from Purser’s previous work in Stranger Things and Riverdale. The film follows Clare, a teenage girl who discovers a magical box that grants her wishes—but at a deadly cost. Purser’s character, June, serves as Clare’s loyal and supportive best friend, providing a grounding presence amidst the film’s escalating supernatural chaos.

Purser found the horror genre intriguing, particularly the technical aspects of creating suspense and fear on screen. In a 2017 interview, she shared her fascination with the intricate work behind practical effects, which were used extensively in Wish Upon. She described the experience as “unlike anything she had done before,” noting that the night shoots and eerie atmosphere of the set added to the film’s chilling tone.

Grueling Night Shoots and Eerie Atmosphere

Filming Wish Upon was physically demanding, especially due to the night shoots required to create the film’s dark and ominous mood. Purser admitted that the grueling schedule was challenging, but she embraced the unique atmosphere of the set. In a 2017 interview, she reflected on the experience, saying,

“The night shoots were grueling, but I enjoyed the eerie atmosphere of the set and the challenge of maintaining tension across multiple takes.”

The horror genre also required Purser to tap into a different kind of emotional intensity. Unlike her previous roles, which often leaned into vulnerability and relatability, Wish Upon demanded a heightened sense of fear and urgency. Purser rose to the challenge, delivering a performance that balanced June’s loyalty and warmth with the growing tension of the film’s supernatural elements.

Balancing Wish Upon with Riverdale

At the time of filming Wish Upon, Purser was also juggling her role as Ethel Muggs in Riverdale, making her schedule particularly hectic. In a 2017 interview, she discussed the challenges of balancing multiple projects, saying, “It was a busy time, but I was grateful for the opportunity to work on such different projects.” Despite the demanding schedule, Purser remained committed to both roles, showcasing her dedication and work ethic.

Her ability to transition between the dark, mysterious world of Riverdale and the supernatural horror of Wish Upon demonstrated her versatility as an actress. Purser’s performance in Wish Upon further solidified her ability to adapt to different genres, proving that she was more than just a breakout star from Stranger Things.

Honoring LGBTQ+ History in Equal (2020)

Shannon Purser expanded her career with Equal, an HBO Max docuseries that premiered on October 22, 2020, highlighting LGBTQ+ historical figures. In a BUILD Series interview the next day, she reflected on the significance of the project. Having publicly come out as bisexual on April 18, 2017, she saw Equal as an opportunity to honor those who paved the way and to contribute to a greater awareness of LGBTQ+ history.

Growing up in a religious household in Georgia, Purser lacked exposure to LGBTQ+ representation, which made self-acceptance more challenging. Much of what she initially learned about queerness came through media, often portrayed in a negative light.

Portraying queer historical figures in Equal was a particularly meaningful experience for Purser. The project featured a predominantly LGBTQ+ cast and crew, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment on set. She appreciated being part of a space where authentic representation was prioritized and where those involved were passionate about telling these important stories.

Challenging Herself with The 24 Hour Plays (2021-2022)

Purser pushed her creative limits by participating in The 24 Hour Plays between 2021 and 2022, a unique theater initiative where actors, writers, and directors collaborate to create performances in a single day. Her monologue explored themes of self-perception and societal expectations, incorporating surreal elements like crushing whole tomatoes and applying them to her face as a beauty ritual. The experience was exhilarating and deeply rewarding, expanding her skills as a performer. She described it as a moment of artistic catharsis and credited it with deepening her appreciation for live theater.

Shannon Purser’s Music Releases: Lullaby and Bog Man

Shannon Purser, known for her roles in Stranger Things and Riverdale, ventured into music with the release of Lullaby on March 16, 2023. Inspired by Enya’s May It Be, she described the song as something she needed to hear herself. In a social media post on March 22, she thanked listeners for their support and shared how she initially thought music production was reserved for those with more experience. She hoped her journey would encourage others to start without fear of being beginners.

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Following Lullaby, she released another song, Bog Man, on July 26, 2024. While details about the song’s inspiration and production are limited, its release marked her continued exploration of music alongside her acting career.

2024: A Year in Theatre and 2025

In October 2024, she joined the cast of La Cage Aux Folles at The Pasadena Playhouse, taking on the role of Anne. Having always held a deep love for musical theatre, she embraced the opportunity to return to the stage, calling it an “honor” to perform alongside a talented cast. The production marked a significant moment in her career, blending her passion for live performance with a renewed sense of artistic fulfillment.

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Throughout the run, Purser found herself deeply connected to the experience, both on and off stage. She spoke of the joy, kindness, and camaraderie she shared with her castmates, reflecting on how the production had created a space filled with love and acceptance. When the show closed in December, she expressed gratitude for the experience, calling it a transformative moment in her journey as a performer.

The themes of La Cage Aux Folles—self-expression, identity, and authenticity—left a lasting impact, and Purser emerged from the production with a newfound passion for theatre. Eager to continue exploring the stage, she shared her enthusiasm for future opportunities, declaring, “I want to do more! Hello world, I want to do more theatre!!!”

As she stepped into this new chapter of her career, Purser’s time in La Cage Aux Folles solidified her place in the theatre world and set the stage for exciting possibilities ahead.

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