Dacre Montgomery exploded onto the global stage as the volatile, charismatic, and ultimately tragic Billy Hargrove in Netflix’s mega-hit, Stranger Things. With a scorching screen presence and a meticulously crafted performance, the Australian actor became an instant icon of the series. But to limit his story to Hawkins, Indiana, would be to miss the depth and drive of a truly compelling artist.
From Perth to Hollywood
Born in Perth, Western Australia, to a Canadian mother and a New Zealander father who both worked in the screen industry, Montgomery was seemingly destined for a life in film. He began performing on stage and screen at a young age, honing his craft and developing a passion that would lead him to the prestigious Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) at Edith Cowan University, where he graduated in 2015.
It didn’t take long for Hollywood to notice. In 2017, Montgomery was cast as Jason Scott, the Red Ranger, in the blockbuster reboot of Power Rangers. This demanding role required not just acting chops but intense physical training, proving he had the discipline and screen presence of a leading man. If you want to see his heroic beginnings, you can find the Power Rangers movie and other Power Rangers toys and merchandise to relive the action.
Stealing the Show in Hawkins
While Power Rangers introduced him to a global audience, his role as Billy Hargrove in seasons two and three of Stranger Things made him a superstar. Billy was a complicated antagonist—a product of abuse who inflicted his pain on others. Montgomery imbued the character with a swaggering, dangerous energy, but also allowed heartbreaking glimpses of the frightened boy underneath. His performance in the third season, as Billy becomes the host for the Mind Flayer, was a tour de force of physical and emotional acting, culminating in one of the series’ most heroic sacrifices.
The impact of his character is undeniable, and Billy Hargrove remains a fan favorite. You can celebrate his unforgettable role with a wide range of collectibles, including Billy Hargrove Funko Pop! figures, or dive into the complete saga with the Stranger Things series on Blu-ray.
More Than Just an Actor
Since his dramatic exit from Stranger Things, Dacre Montgomery has been careful to showcase his versatility. He showed a lighter, more romantic side in the 2020 romantic comedy The Broken Hearts Gallery and took on a supporting role in Baz Luhrmann’s critically acclaimed biopic Elvis.
Beyond the screen, Montgomery has cultivated a space for his more introspective and artistic pursuits. In 2020, he released a collection of his own poetry titled “DKMH: Poems,” which offers a raw and personal glimpse into his thoughts and emotions. The collection was accompanied by a podcast where he recited the poems over ambient music, further blending his creative worlds. You can search for Dacre Montgomery’s poetry book to experience his unique voice.
From a troubled teen bully to a big-screen superhero and a published poet, Dacre Montgomery has consistently defied expectations. He is an artist driven by a need to explore the complexities of the human experience, whether through a menacing glare, a heroic sacrifice, or the quiet intimacy of a poem. As he continues to choose fascinating and diverse projects, one thing is certain: the world will be watching.