Joseph David Keery was born on April 24, 1992, in Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA, as the second of five children. He grew up surrounded by his sisters and participated in performing arts from a young age, attending theatre camps like Theatre in the Open at Maudslay State Park. Keery first began acting during high school, encouraged by his older sister. After graduation, he enrolled at The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago, earning a BFA in Acting in 2014, laying the foundation for his future career in film and television.
Breakthrough with Stranger Things
Joe Keery’s breakthrough came in 2016 when he was cast as Steve Harrington in the Netflix science-fiction hit Stranger Things. Initially intended as a recurring role, his performance won such praise that he was promoted to a series regular from Season 2 onwards. The character, a charming, evolving figure who grows from a typical high-school bully to one of the show’s most beloved heroes, became iconic and central to the series’ success.
Keery has spoken candidly about how filming Stranger Things became an emotional and life-defining experience, revealing that working on Season 5, the show’s final season, spanned a year and felt like “one-third of his life” due to the deep bonds he formed with his co-stars.
In the news: Finn Wolfhard and Natalia Dyer recently named Keery the best cook among the Stranger Things cast, highlighting his skills off-screen and playful presence among castmates.
Film & Television Career Beyond Hawkins
Beyond the upside-down world of Stranger Things, Keery has also built a varied acting résumé:
- Film Roles:
• Spree (2020), a dark comedy horror satire.
• Free Guy (2021), a mainstream action-comedy where he starred alongside Ryan Reynolds.
• Marmalade (2024), a romantic heist film showcasing his range beyond sci-fi.
• Cold Storage (2026, upcoming), a comedy horror starring Keery with Liam Neeson and others, scheduled for release in February 2026. - Television & Streaming:
• Fargo (2023–2024), a crime drama series where he played a major role.
• The American Revolution (2025), voice work in a PBS documentary mini-series.
There are also reports that Keery is rumoured to be in talks for a role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Harry Osborn for the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day, potentially marking his entry into a major comic-book franchise.
Music Career as “Djo”
In addition to acting, Joe Keery is a musician known by his stage name Djo. He began as a member of the Chicago psych-rock band Post Animal, eventually leaving in 2018 to focus on acting but later rejoining the group for their 2025 album IRON.
As Djo, he’s released three studio albums:
- Twenty Twenty (2019), his debut solo album.
- Decide (2022), which included his breakout track “End of Beginning”, which went viral and earned him his first Billboard Hot 100 entry after TikTok popularity.
- The Crux (2025), the latest project, acclaimed for its thematic depth, was followed by a deluxe edition and a Back on You World Tour with Post Animal opening.
In 2025, Keery revealed a tense moment when he almost lost all his album tracks after leaving a hard drive in an Uber, a story that ended happily when the drive was returned to him. Among all his musical works, “End of Beginning“ stands out as the song that defines Joe Keery’s artistic journey, a track loved by millions, even by listeners who didn’t initially know that the voice behind it was his.
Personal Life & Public Persona
Joe Keery tends to keep his personal life private. He was in a long-term relationship with actress Maika Monroe from 2017 to 2023.
Keery’s presence off-screen often reflects his playful and creative character. He once wore his Scoops Ahoy uniform, the same costume his Stranger Things character wore in a friend’s wedding, making it an iconic yet sweet moment.
Legacy & Ongoing Projects
Now in his early 30s, Joe Keery has carved out a rare dual career as both a beloved actor and a serious musician. With Stranger Things coming to an end, his filmography expanding, music gaining critical and viral traction, and potential roles in major film franchises, Keery’s career shows no sign of slowing. His evolving artistry continues to earn respect from fans and critics alike, whether he’s battling supernatural forces on screen or reinventing himself in the studio.
