Dacre Montgomery: The Hollywood Exit and New Beginnings
Dacre Montgomery: The Aussie Heartthrob Who Walked Away from Hollywood's Spotlight
In a shocking move, Stranger Things star Dacre Montgomery has revealed why he stepped out of the spotlight after finding success in Tinseltown. The 30-year-old Perth-born actor recently sat down with The Australian to dish on his decision to take a break from the limelight.
"I think things have changed," Dacre explained, hinting at the demise of traditional Hollywood glamour. "Social media has ruined the mystery surrounding celebrities. That's part of why I dropped off the map for the last five years." He added with a sly smile, "I'm not trying to compete with anyone else; I'm just living my truth – and hopefully paying the rent while doing it!"
Dacre first burst onto the scene in 2017 as Billy Hargrove in Stranger Things' season two, alongside the likes of Winona Ryder and Millie Bobby Brown. However, his character met a tragic demise in season three, leaving fans wondering if they'd seen the last of him on the show.
"I've given a piece of myself to every role I've played," Dacre confessed, revealing that burnout was a major factor in his decision to step away. "Lately, there's been a lot of personal reflection about what I want in my career." He admitted to wanting more control over his projects, which is likely why he won't be appearing in the upcoming fifth and final season of Stranger Things.
But don't worry, Dacre fans! You'll get to see him on screen soon enough. First up is the psychological thriller Went Up The Hill, set to hit theaters on August 15. And if that's not enough, the Aussie actor will also be making his directorial debut with The Engagement Party, a drama film with an "extremely important and timely message" – according to Dacre himself.
"I couldn't be more honored to be directing this film," he exclaimed in a statement shared by Deadline. "I'm equally thrilled to have such a wonderful team of collaborators to help bring this story to life." And it looks like his friends and family are backing him all the way; Joel Edgerton, an Australian actor turned director, is a big supporter of Dacre's project.
When asked about The Engagement Party, Dacre revealed that it's a tightly-focused drama with only four characters, each one as complex as a Shakespearean play. "It's like a chamber piece," he explained, "a story that takes place in one location over the course of just one night." Sounds intense!
Interestingly, Dacre told The Daily Telegraph last year that he didn't plan to appear in his directorial debut – but now it seems he's changed his mind. When asked about this, he laughed and said, "Not to be too sadomasochistic about it, but I really believe failure and rejection are the best form of learning."
As for what inspired him to take on directing duties, Dacre credits Joel Edgerton as an influence. "He's a great example of an Australian actor who has become a director," he said admiringly. And with Nash Edgerton, Joel's brother, producing The Engagement Party and offering his expertise, it seems like Dacre is in good hands.
Dacre's parents, both working in the film industry themselves, must be thrilled to see their son taking on this new challenge. When asked if he'd always planned to direct, Dacre smiled wryly and said, "I'm not looking for this to be an engine for my acting career at all."
So what does the future hold for Dacre Montgomery? Will we see him back in front of the camera or behind it as a director? Only time will tell – but one thing's for sure: we can't wait to find out!
