Joe Keery: Based on NeemTime research
Biography / Personal Details / Who is Joe Keery
Joe Keery is an American actor and musician best known for his breakout role as Steve Harrington on the hit Netflix series Stranger Things.
He was born on April 24, 1992, in Newburyport, Massachusetts, and developed an early passion for the performing arts.
Keery graduated from DePaul University’s Theatre School in Chicago, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting.
Aside from his acting career, he is a musician who initially performed under the stage name “Cool Cool Cool” before gaining more attention with the band Post Animal.
Joe is known for his distinctive long hair, which unintentionally became iconic due to his character’s evolving arc in Stranger Things.
He maintains a relatively low profile despite his fame, often avoiding media attention unless promoting a project.
Keery’s persona is marked by humility and humor, often praised by castmates and fans for his grounded personality.
While he gained fame through streaming television, he has expressed admiration for indie filmmaking and smaller productions.
He has a unique blend of retro and modern style, often considered a fashion-forward figure at red carpet events.
Joe is also known for balancing both his acting and music careers without letting one overshadow the other.
Background / Childhood / Early Life Highlights of Joe Keery
Joe Keery grew up in a large family with four sisters, which he says taught him patience and empathy from a young age.
He attended River Valley Charter School and later Newburyport High School, where his interest in acting began to take shape.
His early performing experiences included participation in Theater in the Open, a performing arts camp based in Massachusetts.
During high school, he played in a local band and balanced his interests in both music and drama.
He initially pursued acting as a way to overcome shyness and build confidence in social settings.
Encouraged by supportive teachers, Joe auditioned for and was accepted into DePaul’s prestigious Theatre School.
His upbringing in a supportive and artistically inclined environment helped nurture both his creative ambitions.
While in college, Keery appeared in several student films and stage productions, steadily honing his craft.
He worked part-time jobs like waiting tables while attending auditions in Chicago’s competitive theater scene.
Joe credits his early community theater work and formal education as equally important in shaping his acting approach.
Career / Other Work / Current Life Highlights of Joe Keery
Joe Keery’s professional breakthrough came when he was cast as Steve Harrington in Stranger Things, originally meant to be a minor character.
His portrayal of Steve evolved due to fan response, turning him from a potential antagonist into a beloved series regular.
Outside of Stranger Things, he has appeared in films like Spree and Free Guy, showcasing his versatility beyond the teen heartthrob mold.
Keery is also a musician and released a solo album titled Twenty Twenty under the moniker Djo, exploring psychedelic and alternative rock sounds.
He has collaborated with artists across different genres and remains actively involved in writing and producing his own music.
His fashion choices have gained attention from style magazines, often placing him on best-dressed lists at premieres and award shows.
Joe has voiced animated characters and lent his talent to indie short films, broadening his range as a performer.
He is open to directing or producing in the future, indicating long-term ambitions beyond acting.
As of now, Keery continues to balance his music and acting careers, with new film and music projects reportedly in development.
His approach to fame is notably relaxed, prioritizing quality projects and artistic fulfillment over celebrity status.
Dating History / Family Members / Personal Life of Joe Keery
Joe Keery has been in a long-term relationship with actress Maika Monroe, known for her role in It Follows, and they are often seen attending events together.
The couple has kept their relationship relatively private, rarely discussing it in interviews or on social media.
He was raised in a close-knit household, with his mother working as an English professor and his father in architecture.
His family background encouraged creative expression, which influenced both his acting and music development.
Keery has expressed gratitude for his siblings, particularly his sisters, for shaping his understanding of different perspectives.
Despite being part of a massive pop culture phenomenon, he maintains strong ties to his family and childhood friends.
Joe and Maika reportedly live together and share a passion for independent cinema and vintage art.
He avoids oversharing personal details online, preferring to keep boundaries between his public and private life.
Keery is not known to be involved in public feuds or celebrity drama, which contributes to his likable reputation.
His off-screen persona is often described as introspective, kind, and loyal to a small circle of trusted friends and collaborators.
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Height / How to Get Body Like Joe Keery
Joe Keery stands approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall, which gives him a naturally lean and proportionate frame well-suited for both casual and stylized fashion.
Unlike actors who bulk up significantly, Keery maintains a toned yet slender physique, emphasizing balance over muscle mass.
His body type suggests a focus on cardio, functional strength training, and high-rep weight routines rather than heavy lifting.
Joe likely integrates yoga or stretching into his fitness regimen, as he has been noted for his flexible movements and posture on camera.
He has an ectomorph build, making it easier for him to stay slim with minimal fat accumulation even during long shooting schedules.
His diet is assumed to be moderate, possibly including lean proteins, whole grains, and low-sugar options to maintain energy and definition.
Joe’s active filming schedule, especially in action-heavy roles like Spree or Free Guy, contributes to his cardiovascular endurance.
He may rely on light, regular workouts to stay in shape without dramatic transformations, allowing for consistency across roles.
Keery avoids the over-sculpted aesthetic often seen in Hollywood, opting instead for a more relatable, achievable appearance.
His approach suggests sustainability over intensity, making his fitness routine practical for fans aiming to emulate his build.
Interview Quotes of Joe Keery (where/when)
In a 2017 Interview Magazine feature, Keery said, “I think the weirdest thing is when people come up and grab my hair,” reflecting his humorous take on fame.
During a 2020 GQ interview, he stated, “Music is just as much a part of me as acting,” confirming his deep passion for both crafts.
On The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2021, he joked about his bowl haircut in Stranger Things, calling it “a character of its own.”
In a 2019 Collider conversation, he revealed, “Steve wasn’t supposed to be likable,” referencing the unexpected evolution of his character in Stranger Things.
Speaking to NME in 2020 about his solo music, he said, “Djo is kind of a playground for experimentation. I don’t want it to sound too polished.”
At the 2022 San Diego Comic-Con panel, he said, “Fans’ support kept Steve in the show—thank them, not me,” acknowledging the influence of viewers.
During a 2021 Rolling Stone podcast, he discussed balancing work: “I feel lucky I get to jump between acting and music—both keep me sane.”
At a 2018 Netflix FYC panel, Keery described his process: “Sometimes, less is more in a scene. You can say a lot without saying anything.”
He told Esquire in 2022, “I don’t want to be boxed into just one type of role—genre jumping keeps me fresh.”
In a radio interview on BBC Radio 1 in 2020, he laughed: “My bandmates still make fun of me for the ‘Stranger Things’ memes. I deserve it.”
TV / Movie Quotes of Joe Keery (where/when)
In Stranger Things Season 2, Steve famously tells Dustin, “I may be a pretty shitty boyfriend, but turns out I’m actually a pretty damn good babysitter.”
In Spree (2020), his character Kurt says, “If you’re not documenting yourself, are you even really alive?” critiquing influencer culture.
In Free Guy (2021), as Keys, he says, “He found the button. The button that lets you kiss her. And he pressed it,” during a pivotal meta moment.
In Stranger Things Season 3, Steve tells Robin, “You can’t spell America without Erica,” showing off his comedic chemistry with the younger cast.
In Stranger Things Season 4, Steve says to Nancy, “Maybe we just keep pretending we’re in high school,” hinting at unresolved feelings.
In Spree, Keery delivers the line, “I’m not crazy. I’m just ahead of the curve,” channeling a manic energy similar to social media satire.
In Stranger Things Season 1, he taunts Jonathan with, “You’re creepy, man,” before later evolving into one of the show’s most beloved characters.
In Free Guy, Keys encourages Guy, saying, “You don’t have to be a background character,” reinforcing the movie’s core theme of self-awareness.
In Spree, Kurt says, “All I ever wanted was to be seen,” revealing the dark root of his character’s obsession.
In Stranger Things Season 2, he famously tells Dustin, “Use the Farrah Fawcett spray,” becoming a meme-worthy mentor figure.
Controversies / Gossip / Scandals of Joe Keery
Joe Keery has largely avoided personal scandals, earning a reputation as one of the more grounded and controversy-free young actors in Hollywood.
A minor media buzz occurred in 2020 when he cut his signature long hair, causing a flurry of reactions online, but it wasn’t scandalous—just unexpected.
There was unfounded speculation in 2021 about his relationship with Maika Monroe after they weren’t publicly seen together for several months.
Some tabloids falsely suggested tension between Keery and Stranger Things co-stars, but these rumors were never substantiated by credible sources.
In 2022, fan forums briefly speculated on whether Keery was distancing himself from Stranger Things due to fewer promotional appearances—later attributed to scheduling conflicts.
Joe faced light criticism for making rare public statements about social issues, with some fans wanting more advocacy, though he’s known to support causes privately.
His shift to experimental music as Djo initially confused some fans, but over time it gained respect for its authenticity and bold style.
A deepfake video circulated in 2023 falsely depicting Keery in a controversial context, prompting discussions about AI misuse in celebrity media.
He once jokingly walked off an interview due to a “hair question overload,” though the moment was staged and meant in good fun.
Despite online gossip, Keery has consistently maintained a positive public image with no confirmed incidents of professional misconduct or scandal.
Lesser Known Unknown Facts Trivia of Joe Keery
Joe Keery is a graduate of DePaul University’s Theatre School in Chicago, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting, laying the foundation for his screen career.
Before landing his breakout role on Stranger Things, he worked in commercials, including one for Domino’s Pizza, and auditioned over a hundred times for various roles.
Keery is also a musician who releases psychedelic-pop music under the stage name “Djo,” showcasing his versatility beyond acting.
He was once in a Chicago-based garage and psych-rock band called Post Animal, but left the group to focus on acting after Stranger Things took off.
Joe’s audition for Stranger Things was originally for the role of Jonathan Byers, but the Duffer Brothers thought he was a better fit for Steve Harrington.
He has synesthesia, a rare neurological condition where he associates sounds with colors, which he says influences his musical compositions.
Keery edited much of his solo music using a basic setup in his apartment, favoring a lo-fi production style to maintain creative control.
Despite his fame, he’s been known to ride public transit in New York without drawing much attention, due to his modest and low-key demeanor.
Joe is a self-proclaimed introvert who prefers reading and writing music in solitude over traditional Hollywood parties or nightlife.
He modeled briefly for Saint Laurent in 2020, showcasing his appeal in the high fashion world despite not actively pursuing modeling as a career.
Most Commonly Frequently Discussed Questions/Topics with Answers on Joe Keery
Is Joe Keery still making music as Djo?
Yes, fans often praise his solo music under the Djo moniker, especially after his 2022 album DECIDE, which received strong fan support.
Did Joe Keery leave Post Animal on bad terms?
No, most fans say it was an amicable split, and his departure was simply due to the time commitment required by his acting career.
What’s the deal with Joe Keery’s hair?
His hair has become iconic, with entire fans threads discussing its changes over the seasons of Stranger Things and even memes celebrating it.
Is Joe Keery dating anyone?
Fans often mention his long-term relationship with actress Maika Monroe, though they note the couple keeps things very private.
Why do fans love Steve Harrington so much?
Users widely agree it’s due to Keery’s natural charisma and how his character evolved from a jerk to a beloved protector of the younger kids.
Is Joe Keery underrated as an actor?
Many fans believe he is, citing his emotional range in later seasons of Stranger Things and his intense performance in Spree as evidence.
What genre is Joe Keery’s music as Djo?
Fans describe it as a mix of psychedelic rock, indie pop, and synthwave, often comparing it to Tame Impala or early MGMT.
Will Joe Keery return for Stranger Things Season 5?
Most users believe he will and hope he survives the final season, as Steve is considered one of the show’s most beloved characters.
What are some good movies to watch besides Stranger Things that feature Joe Keery?
Fans often recommend Spree and Free Guy to see his range outside of the Steve Harrington role.
What’s Joe Keery like in real life?
From fan encounters shared, he’s described as humble, down-to-earth, polite, and surprisingly quiet compared to his on-screen personas.