Joe Keery: From Hawkins to Headlining Tours
LONDON, 23 January 2026 – As the final season of *Stranger Things* concludes a global pop culture phenomenon, one of its breakout stars is charting a new course. Joe Keery, the actor and musician who captured hearts as Steve Harrington, is stepping out of the Upside Down and into a future defined by creative autonomy, with major music tours and film projects on the horizon.
From Commercials to Global Stardom
Joseph David Keery was born on 24 April 1992 in Newburyport, Massachusetts. His path to acting began in high school at his sister’s insistence, leading him to study at The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago, where he graduated in 2014. Before his big break, Keery appeared in commercials for KFC, Domino’s, and Amiibo, and had small roles in series like *Empire* and *Chicago Fire*.
His breakthrough came in late 2015 when he was cast as Steve Harrington in the Netflix sci-fi series *Stranger Things*. Initially auditioning for the role of Jonathan Byers, he later sent in a tape for Steve—a character originally written to be killed off early in the show’s first season. The Duffer Brothers, however, were so impressed by Keery’s performance that they rewrote the character’s fate, turning him into a series regular and one of the show’s most beloved figures.
A Dual Career: Acting and Music
While millions watched Keery battle monsters in Hawkins, he was quietly building a parallel career in music. Even before *Stranger Things*, he was a co-founder, drummer, guitarist, and vocalist for the Chicago-based psychedelic rock band Post Animal. He left the band in 2018 due to his acting commitments, but the musical connection remained strong.
In 2019, he launched his solo musical project under the stage name Djo (pronounced “Joe”). His debut album, *Twenty Twenty*, was released that September. His third studio album, *The Crux*, released on 4 April 2025, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Album Cover in 2026.
Life After Stranger Things
As *Stranger Things* launched its fifth and final season in three parts starting 26 November 2025, Keery reflected on the decade-long project coming to an end. In interviews, he expressed a sense of calm readiness for the next chapter. “It does feel like it’s time,” he told *Esquire* in November 2025. “I owe my whole career to being on that show and all the opportunities that I had since are because of that show.”
His immediate plans are ambitious. He stars in the sci-fi horror comedy *Cold Storage*, set for release on 13 February 2026, alongside Liam Neeson. Musically, he is set to embark on a South American tour in March 2026, headlining Lollapalooza dates in Argentina, Chile, and Brazil.
Key Facts & Career Milestones
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joseph David Keery |
| Born | 24 April 1992, Newburyport, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor, Singer, Musician |
| Years Active | 2015–present |
| Breakout Role | Steve Harrington in *Stranger Things* (2016–2025) |
| Musical Alias | Djo |
| Notable Film Roles | Kurt Kunkle in *Spree* (2020), Walter “Keys” McKey in *Free Guy* (2021), Gator Tillman in *Fargo* Season 5 (2023–2024) |
| Recent Music | Third studio album, *The Crux* (released 4 April 2025). Grammy-nominated for Best Album Cover (2026). |
| Upcoming Project | *Cold Storage* (film, scheduled for release 13 February 2026) |
| Upcoming Tour | South America & Mexico, starting March 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Joe Keery’s musical stage name?
He releases music under the stage name Djo (pronounced “Joe”).
Is Joe Keery still in Post Animal?
Joe Keery left the touring line-up of Post Animal in 2017 and officially departed the band in 2018 due to his acting commitments on *Stranger Things*. However, in 2025, he reunited with the band to co-produce and contribute to their new album, *Iron*, which was released on 25 July 2025. He is not a full-time touring member but remains creatively involved.
What was Joe Keery’s role in *Free Guy*?
He played Walter “Keys” McKey, a game developer, in the 2021 action comedy film *Free Guy* starring Ryan Reynolds. The film was a major box-office hit, grossing over $330 million worldwide.
What is Joe Keery’s next acting project?
His next major film role is in the sci-fi horror comedy *Cold Storage*, alongside Liam Neeson and Georgina Campbell. The film is scheduled for release on 13 February 2026.
Is Joe Keery dating anyone?
As of January 2026, Joe Keery’s current relationship status is not publicly confirmed. His only publicly confirmed long-term relationship was with actress Maika Monroe, which lasted from 2017 to 2022. He has been the subject of unconfirmed dating rumours since, but maintains a private personal life.