Joe Keery is a versatile American actor and musician best known for playing Steve Harrington in Stranger Things and creating hit indie music under his stage name, Djo.
Joe Keery—Full Biography (Actor & Musician)
Joseph David Joe Keery (born April 24, 1992) is an American actor, musician, and songwriter best known for his breakout role as Steve Harrington in the Netflix science-fiction horror series Stranger Things, as well as for his musical career under the stage name Djo.
Keery has successfully built a dual reputation in both film/television and the music industry, gaining widespread acclaim for his performances, songwriting, and dynamic public persona.
Early Life and Background
Joe Keery was born on April 24, 1992, in Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA. He is the second of five children and grew up in a close-knit family with four sisters.
As a child, Keery attended the River Valley Charter School for elementary and middle school, where his early interest in performing arts began to take shape.
Keery’s passion for performance was encouraged by his older sister, who persuaded him to take part in acting during his high school years at Newburyport High School.
Outside of school, he also participated in Theatre in the Open, a performing arts camp held at scenic Maudslay State Park, which further cemented his interest in acting from a young age.
After graduating from high school, Keery pursued formal acting training at The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois.
There, he studied for a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in acting, graduating in 2014. This formal education equipped him with theatre technique and on-camera skills that would later support his professional acting career.
Joe Keery’s Acting Career
Early Work and Breakthrough
Upon graduating from DePaul University in 2014, Joe Keery began auditioning for professional acting roles. In the early stages of his career, he appeared in several commercials for brands like KFC and Domino’s.
He had minor television appearances, including small parts on shows such as Chicago Fire and Empire. His first appearance in a full-length film was in the indie drama Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party in 2015.
Keery’s breakthrough came in late 2015–2016 when he landed the role of Steve Harrington on Netflix’s Stranger Things.
Although initially cast in a recurring role, the show’s creators—the Duffer Brothers—quickly extended Steve’s presence due to Keery’s compelling performance and audience appeal.
From the second season onward, he was promoted to a series regular, and his character evolved from a stereotypical high-school bully to one of the show’s most beloved and layered protagonists.
Film and Television Highlights
As Stranger Things became a global phenomenon, Joe Keery’s profile rose exponentially. The series premiered in 2016 and has been a significant cultural force, blending supernatural horror, 1980s nostalgia, and character-driven storytelling.
Keery’s Steve Harrington became a fan favourite, known for his charm, humour, and heroic development arc.
Outside of Stranger Things, Keery has expanded his acting portfolio:
- Free Guy (2021): Keery appeared in this hit action-comedy film starring Ryan Reynolds, where he played the character Keys.
- Molly’s Game (2017): He had a role in this Aaron Sorkin-directed drama based on the true story of poker entrepreneur Molly Bloom.
- Fargo (2023–2024): Keery starred in the fifth season of the critically acclaimed crime comedy-drama series Fargo, showcasing his range in a different genre.
- Upcoming Films: Projects such as Cold Storage and Marmalade are among his newer film credits as of 2025.
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Through these roles, Keery has demonstrated versatility—transitioning from television sci-fi to both comedic and dramatic film roles with ease.
Music Career
Early Musical Roots and Post Animal
Aside from acting, Joe Keery has maintained a strong passion for music throughout his life.
Early in his musical journey, he joined the Chicago-based garage and psychedelic rock band Post Animal, where he contributed as a guitarist, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist. The band released their debut full-length album in October 2015. (Stranger Things Wiki)
Keery eventually left Post Animal in 2018 due to his acting commitments on Stranger Things, but remained connected to the rock and indie music communities and continued to pursue his own musical projects.
Solo Career as Djo
In 2019, Keery launched his solo music career under the artistic moniker Djo (pronounced like “Joe”). He crafted a distinct sound that mixes neo-psychedelia, indie rock, synth-pop, and psychedelic rock, showcasing Keery’s songwriting and instrumental talents.
- Twenty Twenty (2019): His debut solo studio album, introducing audiences to his musical identity beyond acting.
- Decide (2022): The second album reflected growth in his sound, incorporating electro and pop influences with introspective lyrics.
- The Crux (2025): Released on April 4, 2025, this third album continued his sonic evolution. Songs like “Basic Being Basic” and other tracks blend layered instrumentation with personal themes.
Viral Success and Chart Recognition
Keery’s song “End of Beginning”—a track from his solo work—became a global phenomenon after going viral on TikTok in 2024 and bringing his music to a broader audience, marking his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
This crossover success helped solidify his reputation as a serious musician, not just an actor who makes music.
In 2025, Keery also rejoined Post Animal briefly to work on their album IRON, released that year, merging his solo and band-related music efforts.
He headlined the Back on You World Tour, with Post Animal as the opener.
Artistic Style and Influences
Joe Keery’s musical style as Djo blends psychedelic, synth-pop, and indie rock elements, often characterised by expansive soundscapes, atmospheric production, and emotionally resonant lyrics.
His music has drawn comparisons to artists who mix retro sensibilities with modern production techniques.
In acting, Keery’s portrayal of Steve Harrington has been praised for its emotional range—from humorous, carefree beginnings to courageous, nuanced character development.
His confidence, comedic timing, and heartfelt scenes have made him a standout in the ensemble cast of Stranger Things.
Joe Keery’s Personal Life
While Keery is known for being fairly private, several details about his personal life and relationships have been publicised.
He was in a long-term relationship with actress and professional kiteboarder Maika Monroe from 2017 to 2023, and the pair were frequently seen together at premieres and events.
Beyond his romantic life, Keery is noted for his creative interests beyond acting and music—including fashion, skateboarding, and a playful engagement with fans and pop culture through interviews and social media.
Legacy and Public Impact
Joe Keery’s career trajectory exemplifies a modern multidisciplinary artist: one who balances mainstream success in television with artistry in music.
Stranger Things remains a cornerstone of his mainstream fame, but his music as Djo adds a significant artistic dimension that resonates with fans worldwide.
Critics and fans alike often note Keery’s ability to transition between acting and music without being pigeonholed, a rare feat in an industry where entertainers usually stick to a single discipline.
His rising trajectory in both fields continues to build momentum with each new project.
Here’s a comprehensive summary of Joe Keery covering everything you asked about—movies & TV shows, music, band, songs, education, personal life, Instagram, net worth, and his famous role in Stranger Things—in clear, up-to-date English:
Joe Keery – Overview
Joseph David “Joe” Keery (born April 24, 1992) is an American actor and musician known globally for his role as Steve Harrington in the Netflix science-fiction series Stranger Things and for his musical career as Djo.
Movies & TV Shows
Joe Keery has appeared in both television series and films since beginning his professional career in 2015:
Television
- Stranger Things (2016–2025): Keery’s breakthrough role as Steve Harrington, a character that evolved from a minor recurring role to a fan favourite and central figure over five seasons.
- Chicago Fire (2015): Guest appearance early in his career.
- Empire (2015): Brief TV role.
- Fargo (2023–2024): Starred in the fifth season of this acclaimed crime drama series.
Films
- Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party (2015)—Indie debut role.
- The Charnel House (2016): Supporting role.
- Molly’s Game (2017): Played Trust Fund Cole.
- After Everything (2018): Minor role.
- Slice (2018): Supporting role.
- Spree (2020): Starred as Kurt Kunkle in this social-media satire.
- Free Guy (2021): Played Walter “Keys” McKeys opposite Ryan Reynolds.
- Finalmente l’alba (2023): ruolo internazionale.
- Marmalade (2024): Featured role.
- Pavements (2024): Supporting role.
- Cold Storage (2026): Upcoming comedy-horror film with Liam Neeson.
Joe Keery & Stranger Things
Joe Keery’s portrayal of Steve Harrington in Stranger Things made him one of the most beloved characters on the show.
Originally intended to be a short-lived role, the character’s popularity led to major story expansion and to Keery’s promotion to series regular.
How old was Joe Keery in Stranger Things when it started
Joe Keery was 24 years old when Stranger Things first began in 2016.
- Joe Keery’s birthdate: April 24, 1992
- Stranger Things Season 1 release: July 2016
So he was 24 at the time of filming and release.
Joe Keery: Music Career
Joe Keery isn’t just an actor—he’s also a musician, performing under the name Djo:
Bands
- Post Animal – Chicago-based psychedelic rock band where Keery played guitar and sang before leaving in 2018 to focus on acting.
- Djo—His own music project. While “Djo” is essentially Keery’s solo music alias, his live performances often include collaborators (e.g., Adam Thein), and in 2025, he performed touring shows supported by former Post Animal members.
Joe Keery Songs & Albums
As Djo, Keery has released several albums and songs popular with indie and alternative audiences:
Albums
- Twenty Twenty (2019)—Debut solo album.
- Decide (2022)—Synth-pop and alt-pop album.
- The Crux (2025)—Third LP reflecting personal themes; supported by the Back on You World Tour.
Notable Songs
- “End of Beginning”—a viral song on TikTok in 2024, his first major global hit, and entered charts internationally.
Other tracks from his albums include fan favourites like Chateau, Gloom, Back to Basic, Figure You Out, and Lonesome is a State of Mind (as discussed among fans).
Education
Joe Keery pursued formal training in acting:
- Attended River Valley Charter School and Newburyport High School in Massachusetts during his youth.
- Studied acting at The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago, graduating with a BFA in Acting in 2014.
Personal Life
Relationship
Joe Keery was in a long-term relationship with actress and professional kiteboarder Maika Monroe from 2017 to 2023. They were frequently seen together at public events during their time together.
Lifestyle & Interests
Keery is known for his love of vintage fashion and often shops at thrift stores. He enjoys skateboarding and gaming in his free time.
Instagram & Social Media
Joe Keery is active on social media, where he shares insights into his work and life.
Instagram: His official account is @joe_keery (as referenced by popular celebrity-tracking services and his public profiles).
Net Worth
Estimates of Joe Keery’s net worth vary, but as of the latest reports (2025), it is around $4 million, earned from acting, music releases, tours, and other entertainment projects.
Summary—Joe Keery in a Snapshot
- Best known for: Stranger Things (as Steve Harrington)
- Films: Free Guy, Spree, Molly’s Game, and more.
- Music: Performs as Djo; albums include Twenty Twenty, Decide, and The Crux.
- Hit song: “End of Beginning” (viral on TikTok).
- Education: BFA in acting from DePaul University.
- Relationship: Formerly with Maika Monroe (2017–2023).
- Instagram: @joe_keery.
- Net worth: ~US$3M (estimated)
Conclusion
Joe Keery stands as a compelling example of artistic versatility in contemporary entertainment.
From his humble beginnings in Newburyport, Massachusetts, to becoming one of Netflix’s most beloved stars and a chart-recognisable musician, Keery has proven his talent, resilience, and creative drive across mediums.
With Stranger Things, acclaimed solo albums under Djo, and expanding roles in film and television, his career continues to evolve, making him one of the most dynamic and influential performers of his generation.