Finn Wolfhard reflects on growing up in Stranger Things and his music career

Finn Wolfhard, known for his role in Stranger Things, expressed the challenges of growing up on television during an interview. The actor, now 23, shared insights about his transition from child stardom to pursuing a music career. Following the finale of the hit Netflix series at the end of 2022, Wolfhard is adapting to life away from the spotlight of his iconic character.

Adjusting to Life After Stranger Things

Wolfhard's journey to fame began in 2016 at the age of 13, when Stranger Things premiered. He recalls returning to school in Vancouver, where his peers and teachers treated him differently. “People didn’t know how to treat me, especially the teachers,” he noted. The sudden attention was overwhelming, as he experienced a shift in social dynamics.

He reminisced about a specific incident where a classmate insisted on taking a photo with him, saying, “I remember thinking: ‘Shit, man. I have no control over this. This seems crazy.’” This lack of control over his public persona has been a recurring theme in his life since then.

The Impact of Growing Up on Screen

During his time on Stranger Things, Wolfhard and his co-stars navigated adolescence while under the public eye. Their on-screen experiences mirrored real-life milestones, including first kisses. Wolfhard stated, “I’d kissed a girl when I was maybe in second grade, but it wasn’t real at all.” He approached his first on-screen kiss with a professional mindset, focusing on character rather than nerves.

As the series progressed, the young actors became cultural icons for their generation. Wolfhard mentioned the pressure that comes with such fame, especially with the rise of social media. “For us, there was no choice because we had such public-facing jobs at such young ages,” he explained. He recognizes the impact of growing up in the digital age, contrasting his experience with that of younger generations who face similar pressures.

Moving Forward in Music

Now focusing on his music career, Wolfhard is embracing his identity beyond acting. He has recently taken time off to explore Europe with family and reflect on his journey. Despite being recognized frequently, he appreciates moments of anonymity, stating, “I could tell people were recognizing me, but they weren’t coming up for photos.”

As he transitions into adulthood, Wolfhard remains aware of the scrutiny that comes with fame. He aims to maintain a sense of normalcy while pursuing his passions, both in music and acting. The challenges he faced during his formative years have shaped his perspective on fame and personal growth.