Joe Keery: The Multifaceted Talent of American Actor and Musician
Joseph David Keery, better known as Joe Keery, was born on April 24, 1992, in Newburyport, Massachusetts. He is an American actor and musician who has won over audiences with his charm, versatility, and undeniable talent. Keery is best known for playing Steve Harrington in the hit Netflix sci-fi show Stranger Things. He has smoothly combined his acting skills with a growing music career, making him a versatile entertainer.
Life and Schooling in the Past
Keery was the second of five children in a close-knit family. He loved acting when he was young, and he did it in school plays and local theater. After finishing high school in Newburyport, he went to DePaul University in Chicago, where he studied at The Theatre School and got a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting in 2014. His time in Chicago’s lively theater scene helped him get ready for future success by improving his skills in both serious and funny roles.
Stranger Things was a big hit for them.
In 2016, Joe Keery got his big break when he was cast as Steve Harrington in Stranger Things, the Duffer Brothers’ nostalgic tribute to 1980s pop culture. At first, Steve was just a typical high school jock, but Keery gave the character depth, humor, and heart, which made him a fan favorite. Steve became a cultural icon because of how he played the lovable “mom” of the group, complete with famous hair and the ability to swing a baseball bat. Keery’s chemistry with his co-stars, especially Natalia Dyer and Maya Hawke, made him stand out even more in the ensemble cast.
Keery became well-known after the success of Stranger Things. As of 2025, when the show’s fifth and final season came out, Keery’s performance is still praised for how emotional and mature it is, which is similar to how he has grown as an actor.
Projects in Film and Television
Keery has shown his range in many movies and TV shows besides Stranger Things. In 2020, he starred in Spree, a dark comedy-thriller about a rideshare driver who wants to go viral. People praised his scary performance as a sociopath who wants to be famous. He also starred in the 2021 action-comedy Free Guy with Ryan Reynolds. His role as a tech-savvy programmer showed off his comedic timing and charm.
Keery joined the cast of Fargo Season 5 in 2022 as Gator Tillman. This role let him explore the strange and dramatic world of the anthology series inspired by the Coen Brothers. His ability to play a wide range of roles, from horror to comedy to crime drama, shows how flexible he is as an actor.
Djo’s Music Career
Joe Keery is a talented musician as well as an actor. He goes by the stage name Djo. Keery used to be in the Chicago-based psych-rock band Post Animal. He worked on the band’s first albums before moving on to his own music. His first album, Twenty Twenty, came out in 2019. It mixed psychedelic pop with lyrics that made you think. The album’s single “Roddy” got a lot of attention because of its catchy melody and old-school feel.
His second album, Decide, which came out in 2022, was what made Keery famous. The song “End of Beginning” went viral on sites like TikTok, where it got millions of streams and made it onto charts all over the world. Keery’s music has rich instrumentation and deep themes that show how creative he is and how well he can connect with people on a personal level. He still tours and puts out new music in 2025, and he does a great job of balancing both of his careers.
Personal Life and Public Image
Fans all over the world love Keery because he is down-to-earth and easy to relate to. He has been dating actress Maika Monroe for a long time, and even though they are famous in Hollywood, they keep their lives very private. His style, which often includes bold patterns and looks inspired by the past, has made him a style icon for younger people.
Keery is active on social media sites like X, where he talks to fans about his music and projects and often shares behind-the-scenes looks at how he makes things. His posts show that he really cares about his fans, which makes him even more well-known as a star who is easy to talk to.
The Past and Future
Joe Keery has already made a big impact on both the music and entertainment industries at the age of 33. His peers and fans respect him for being able to act and sing at the same time while still being true to himself. As Stranger Things comes to an end, Keery is ready for even more success. He has new movies and possibly new music coming up.
Joe Keery is a talent to watch, whether he’s fighting Demogorgons, rocking a stage, or charming audiences with his infectious smile. Keery’s star will only rise more in the years to come because he is always dedicated to his work and knows how to reinvent himself.