Why Joe Keery Is More Than Just the Guy with Great Hair
Joe Keery is an American actor and musician best known for playing Steve Harrington in Netflix’s Stranger Things and for his solo music career under the stage name Djo. Born on April 24, 1992, in Newburyport, Massachusetts, the 33-year-old has built a remarkable dual career in Hollywood and the indie music scene.
Quick Facts About Joe Keery:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Known For | Steve Harrington in Stranger Things (2016-present) |
| Music Alias | Djo (previously Cool Cool Cool) |
| Most Popular Song | “End of Beginning” – 1.4 billion streams, #11 on Billboard Hot 100 |
| Awards | Screen Actors Guild Award (2017), Grammy nomination for Best Album Cover (2026) |
| Albums as Djo | Twenty Twenty (2019), Decide (2022), The Crux (2025) |
| Height | 5’10½” (1.79 m) |
| Education | The Theatre School at DePaul University (BFA in Acting, 2014) |
Most people know Keery as the hair-flipping hero from Hawkins, Indiana. But behind that iconic character lies a fascinating story of near-misses, secret identities, and a music career that rivals his acting success.
What makes Keery unique is his intentional separation of his two careers. When he launched his solo music project, he performed in disguise—complete with wig and sunglasses—because he wanted the music judged on its own merits, not because it came from “that guy from Stranger Things.” This deliberate choice speaks to an artist who values authenticity over easy fame.
His journey wasn’t always glamorous. Before landing his breakout role, Keery waited tables, auditioned over a hundred times after graduating, and appeared in commercials for KFC and Domino’s Pizza. He was even supposed to audition for a different character in Stranger Things—and his character Steve was originally meant to die in season one.
Today, Keery commands a $6 million salary for Stranger Things Season 5 while simultaneously touring the world as Djo, with over 21 million monthly Spotify listeners. He’s turned viral TikTok success into chart-topping hits and Grammy nominations—all while maintaining the kind of creative control that most artists only dream about.
Quick * joe keery* definitions:
The Unlikely Path to Hawkins Hero
For many, Joe Keery burst onto the scene as Steve Harrington, the charismatic, albeit initially arrogant, high school jock in Stranger Things. However, his path to becoming a fan-favorite and an integral part of one of Netflix’s most popular shows was anything but straightforward. His story is a testament to perseverance, talent, and a little bit of fate.
Fact 1: He Originally Auditioned for a Different ‘Stranger Things’ Character
It’s hard to imagine anyone else as Steve Harrington, but believe it or not, Joe Keery initially had his sights set on another role in Stranger Things. He first auditioned for the part of Jonathan Byers, the brooding and artistic older brother of Will Byers. Thankfully for fans of Steve’s incredible character development, he didn’t get that part. Instead, after that initial audition, Keery sent in a tape for Steve Harrington.
The show’s creators, the Duffer Brothers, were so impressed by Keery’s performance that they began to reshape Steve’s character arc. What started as a fairly one-dimensional antagonist, often seen as the arrogant boyfriend of Nancy Wheeler, evolved into one of the most beloved figures in the series. As the Duffer Brothers themselves “slowly fell in love with” Keery’s portrayal, they rewrote Steve’s ending for Season 1, saving him from an early demise that was originally planned. This pivotal decision allowed Steve to transform from a high school bully into the protective “babysitter” of the younger kids, a role that cemented his status as a true hero and a fan favorite. We’ve seen him grow from a self-absorbed teenager to a loyal friend, a brave protector, and undeniably, a style icon.
Fact 2: He’s a Real-Life Ferris Bueller (Sort Of)
Before the Upside Down, before the demogorgons, and even before he was serving ice cream in a Scoops Ahoy uniform, Joe Keery was honing his craft in a very different arena: commercials. While many actors might try to gloss over their early commercial work, Keery’s pre-fame roles included some rather memorable spots that hinted at his future on-screen charm.
One of his most notable early gigs involved recreating iconic scenes from the classic 1986 film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off for a national Domino’s Pizza commercial. This wasn’t just any commercial; it was a clever homage that showcased Keery’s comedic timing and ability to embody a beloved character, even if it was just for a pizza ad. It’s quite fitting, considering the carefree, cool-guy persona that Ferris Bueller represents, and the similar effortless charm we’d later see in Steve Harrington.
Beyond pizza, Keery also appeared in commercials for other major brands like KFC and amiibo. These roles, while seemingly small, were crucial stepping stones, providing him with valuable on-set experience and a paycheck while he pursued his acting dreams. His early career also included guest spots on popular TV shows like Empire and Chicago Fire, demonstrating his versatility even before his big break. He graduated from The Theatre School at DePaul University in 2014 with a BFA in Acting and then started on the challenging journey of auditioning for over a hundred roles, often while working as a waiter, before Stranger Things came calling. This humble beginning reminds us that even stars have to pay their dues, and sometimes, those dues involve delivering pizzas.
The Secret Musical Life of Joe Keery
While the world was busy obsessing over Steve Harrington’s hair and heroic deeds, Joe Keery was quietly cultivating a parallel career as a musician. This wasn’t just a hobby; it was a serious artistic endeavor that he purposefully kept distinct from his acting persona, showcasing a deep commitment to his craft in both fields.
Fact 3: His Music Career Started Under a Different Secret Name
Long before he became the synth-pop sensation Djo, Joe Keery was deeply immersed in the indie music scene. His musical journey began as a guitarist for the psychedelic rock band Post Animal. He was a founding member of the group, contributing to their unique sound and touring extensively with them. We’ve heard that he was quite the force on stage, bringing his energy and guitar skills to their performances.
However, even before Post Animal, Keery experimented with music under an even more obscure alias: Cool Cool Cool. This early musical endeavor highlights his continuous passion for creating and performing music, a drive that predates his acting fame. When he decided to launch his solo project, he chose the moniker Djo. This wasn’t just a catchy name; it was a deliberate strategy. As he himself put it, “It’s cheeky. It’s my name, but it’s not my name.” He even performed in a wig and sunglasses, specifically to create a sense of anonymity and allow his music to be judged on its own merits, separate from the overwhelming fame of his Stranger Things role. This dedication to artistic integrity is something we truly admire.
Fact 4: He Left His First Band to Protect Their Identity
The rise of Stranger Things brought immense fame to Joe Keery, but it also presented a unique challenge for his musical aspirations. As his acting career skyrocketed, Post Animal, the psychedelic rock band he co-founded and played guitar for, started gaining attention not just for their music, but largely because their guitarist was “the guy from Stranger Things.” This unintended association began to overshadow the band’s independent identity, something Keery deeply valued.
To ensure Post Animal could forge its own path and be recognized purely for its musical talent, Keery made the difficult decision to step back from touring with the band in 2018. He openly stated that it was important to disassociate Steve Harrington from Stranger Things from the band, fearing that his celebrity might ultimately hinder their growth. This move was a selfless act of artistic integrity, demonstrating his commitment to his bandmates and their collective vision.
However, the story doesn’t end there! In a heartwarming turn of events, Keery rejoined Post Animal for their album IRON, which was released in July 2025. This reunion shows that while he needed to create space for their individual growth, the bond and musical connection remained strong. It’s a fantastic example of an artist navigating the complexities of fame while staying true to his roots and supporting his fellow musicians. You can find More on Post Animal’s new album.
From Indie Darling to Global Chart-Topper
Joe Keery’s journey as Djo has been a captivating evolution, changing him from a musician with a secret identity into a globally recognized artist. His unique blend of neo-psychedelia, indie rock, and synth-pop has resonated with millions, leading to unexpected viral success and significant industry accolades.
Fact 5: A Two-Year-Old Song Made Him a TikTok Sensation
In the unpredictable world of music, sometimes a track needs time to find its moment. For Joe Keery as Djo, that moment came in 2024, when “End of Beginning,” a song from his 2022 album Decide, unexpectedly exploded on TikTok. This sleeper hit captured the hearts of millions, sparking a massive viral trend that propelled it to unprecedented heights.
The track’s sudden popularity was a game-changer. “End of Beginning” quickly became a global phenomenon, charting at an impressive #11 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Keery’s first entry on this prestigious chart. Its success wasn’t just fleeting; the song has amassed an astonishing 1,410,363,724 streams, and has been certified 3x Platinum by the RIAA. This incredible achievement demonstrates the power of organic findy and the enduring appeal of Djo’s unique sound. It’s a testament to the fact that great music, regardless of its initial release date, can always find its audience, especially with the help of platforms like TikTok.
Fact 6: He’s a Grammy-Nominated Artist… For Album Art
Beyond catchy melodies and viral success, Joe Keery’s artistic vision as Djo extends to the visual field, earning him a prestigious nomination that few musicians achieve. His album The Crux, released in 2025, caught the attention of the recording academy, leading to a Grammy Award nomination in 2026 for Best Album Cover.
This nomination isn’t just a nod to a pretty picture; it acknowledges the thoughtful creative direction and aesthetic appeal that Djo brings to his entire musical package. It highlights the importance of visual artistry in enhancing the listener’s experience and showcases Keery’s commitment to every aspect of his craft. For us, it’s a reminder that a true artist considers all dimensions of their work.
Here’s a look at Djo’s studio albums that have shaped his journey:
- Twenty Twenty (2019)
- Decide (2022)
- The Crux (2025)
What’s Next for the Multi-Talented Star
With Stranger Things heading into its final season and Djo’s music career reaching new heights, we’re all wondering what the future holds for Joe Keery. His ability to seamlessly transition between high-profile acting roles and a flourishing music career speaks volumes about his ambition and creative drive.
Fact 7: His ‘Stranger Things’ Paycheck Fuels His Passion Projects
Fame and fortune from a blockbuster series like Stranger Things come with significant perks, and Joe Keery is strategically leveraging his success to fuel his artistic passions. For Stranger Things Season 5, Keery is reportedly earning a remarkable $6,000,000. This substantial income provides him with an invaluable level of creative freedom, allowing him to pursue projects that genuinely excite him, both in acting and music, without the usual financial pressures.
This financial independence means he can invest in his solo music project, Djo, touring, recording, and collaborating on his own terms. It empowers him to take on diverse acting roles that challenge him creatively, rather than just those that offer the biggest paycheck. We’ve seen him dive into a variety of projects, including the fifth season of the critically acclaimed series Fargo (2023–2024), where he took on a new and complex character. He’s also ventured into films like the horror comedy Cold Storage with Liam Neeson, demonstrating his desire to explore different genres and expand his acting repertoire. You can find details on his sci-fi film ‘Cold Storage’.
As Stranger Things approaches its much-anticipated final season, the conclusion of the show marks a significant “inflection point” for Keery. He’s spoken about feeling a sense of nostalgia for his twenties, which were so intertwined with the show, and how the end of this chapter is allowing him to fully accept his thirties and new creative endeavors. Living in New York City, Keery is perfectly positioned to continue navigating these exciting dual careers, drawing inspiration from the city’s vibrant cultural scene as he plans his next moves. He’s even expressed a desire to explore different musical genres, like metal, and “make the song he hasn’t made yet.” We’re certainly looking forward to seeing what innovative projects he brings to life next.
Frequently Asked Questions about Joe Keery
We often get asked about the man behind the iconic hair and the mesmerizing music. Here are some of the most common questions about Joe Keery, answered with all the facts we’ve gathered!
How old is Joe Keery?
Joe Keery was born on April 24, 1992, making him 33 years old. He hails from Newburyport, Massachusetts, where he spent his early life. His journey into the performing arts began early, attending Theater in the Open, a performing arts camp. He later pursued formal training at The Theatre School at DePaul University, graduating in 2014 with a BFA in Acting. His transition into his thirties, as he’s openly discussed, coincides with significant career milestones like the conclusion of Stranger Things and the release of his album The Crux, making this a period of profound personal and professional growth for him.
What is Joe Keery’s most popular song?
Without a doubt, Joe Keery’s most popular song as Djo is “End of Beginning.” This track, originally released on his 2022 album Decide, achieved massive viral success on TikTok in 2024, becoming a global sleeper hit. It soared to #11 on the Billboard Hot 100, and its popularity is reflected in its staggering 1,410,363,724 streams.
But “End of Beginning” isn’t his only notable musical achievement. Other popular tracks by Djo include “Chateau (Feel Alright),” which has over 133 million streams, and “Roddy,” with over 95 million streams. His consistent output and unique sound have garnered him an impressive 21,299,550 monthly listeners on Spotify, ranking him among the top artists globally.
Is Joe Keery still in Stranger Things?
Yes, Joe Keery is very much still in Stranger Things! He continues to portray the beloved character Steve Harrington, who has been a series regular since the second season. As of our current understanding, he will be a central part of the show’s upcoming fifth and final season. Fans, especially those in our vibrant New York communities who’ve followed the show since its inception, are eagerly anticipating how Steve’s journey will conclude. The final season promises to bring closure to the epic saga, and we’re sure Keery’s performance as Steve will be as memorable as ever. Given the show’s impact, his role in Stranger Things will forever be a defining part of his career.
Conclusion
From a budding actor navigating commercial gigs to a multifaceted star commanding both the screen and the stage, Joe Keery’s journey is a compelling narrative of talent, dedication, and strategic artistic choices. He has masterfully balanced his iconic role as Steve Harrington in Stranger Things with a thriving, critically acclaimed music career as Djo, often working in disguise to ensure his art stands on its own merit. We’ve seen how a near-miss audition led to a beloved character, how his early commercial work honed his craft, and how his commitment to music led him to protect his band’s identity before achieving global viral success and even a Grammy nomination for his album art.
As Keery’s star continues to rise, he embodies the creative spirit found in vibrant cultural hubs like our very own New York City. His ability to evolve, take risks, and passionately pursue both acting and music makes him a truly inspiring figure. Just as we celebrate the unique flavors and innovative spirits in Brooklyn’s culinary scene, we celebrate artists like Joe Keery who bring their distinct flair to the world. We can’t wait to see what he cooks up next, whether it’s on screen or through his captivating melodies.
