Dacre Montgomery
An Australian actor who channeled 80s bravado into the menacing Billy Hargrove, creating one of 'Stranger Things' most complex and unforgettable antagonists.
Born 1994 (age 32)·Australian actor·Birthday: November 22·Millennials
Biography
Dacre Montgomery's path to acting was forged in the unique crucible of a Western Australian high school that required drama class for all students—a rule he initially resented. That reluctant beginning blossomed into a passion, leading him to study method acting and land his first major film role as the Red Ranger in the 2017 'Power Rangers' reboot. But it was his casting as Billy Hargrove, the volatile, mullet-sporting newcomer in the third season of 'Stranger Things,' that etched him into the pop culture firmament. Montgomery didn't just play a bully; he infused Billy with a palpable, tragic rage, rooted in abuse, making him a villain audiences loved to hate and, unexpectedly, mourn. Off-screen, he is a thoughtful student of the craft, creating detailed character journals and poetry books for his roles, revealing an artistic depth that stretches far beyond the Hawkins National Laboratory saga.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Dacre was born in 1994, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Dacre Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Dacre's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed the iconic role of Billy Hargrove in the smash-hit Netflix series 'Stranger Things'.
- Made his major feature film debut as Jason Scott, the Red Ranger, in the 2017 'Power Rangers' movie.
- Won the AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance in 'Stranger Things'.
- Directed and starred in a short film titled 'Soldier' that explores PTSD.
- His performance in 'Stranger Things' was widely praised for adding a new layer of psychological depth to the series.
Did You Know?
He is a distant relative of Hollywood legend Judy Garland.
Montgomery created a 100-page journal and a book of poetry to develop the backstory for his character Billy Hargrove.
He was a nationally ranked swimmer in his youth in Australia.
He cites Heath Ledger's performance in 'Brokeback Mountain' as a major inspiration for his acting approach.
“I think the most interesting characters are the ones that live in the grey area.”
