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Joseph David "Joe" Keery (born April 24, 1992) is an American actor and musician. He is best known for his role as Steve Harrington in the American science-fiction horror TV series, Stranger Things.

Early life

Joe Keery grew up in Newburyport, Massachusetts. He attended River Valley Charter School for elementary and middle school then attended Newburyport High School. He is the second of five children and grew up surrounded by sisters. He began acting in high school, performing initially at his sister's insistence. Keery went on to study at The Theatre School at DePaul University and graduated in 2014.

Career

After graduating from DePaul, Keery went to over a hundred auditions. Before his breakout role in Stranger Things, Keery appeared in a KFC and Domino's commercial and had roles in Empire and Chicago Fire. His first appearance in a full-length film was in Stephen Cone's indie, Henry Gamble's Birthday Party. He was promoted from recurring cast to a series regular for the second season of Stranger Things, which premiered on October 27, 2017.

Music

Aside from acting, Keery is also a musician. He was previously a guitarist/vocalist for Chicago-based garage and psych-rock band Post Animal. Their debut full-length album was released in October 2015. He is no longer a part of the band, but still performs with them on some occasions.

Previously, Keery released music under the name "Cool Cool Cool".

Since July 2019, when he released his first album "Twenty Twenty", Joe has been making music under the name "Djo". His newest album "Decide" released on September 16, 2022.

Influences

His acting influences are Sylvester Stallone, Emma Stone and Kristen Stewart.

His music influences are Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Tame Impala and Black Sabbath.

His favorite movies are Indiana Jones movies and Star Wars movies.

His favorite TV show beside Stranger Things is Smart Guy (1997-1999).

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role
2015 Henry Gamble's Birthday Party Gabe
2016 The Charnel House Scott
2017 Molly's Game Cole
Shotgun Chris
2018 Slice Jackson
2019 How to Be Alone Jack
2020 Spree Kurt
2021 Free Guy Keys
2023 Finalmente l'alba Sean Lockwood
2024 Marmalade Baron
TBA Cold Storage Travis Meacham

Television

Year Title Role
2015 Sirens Scenester
Chicago Fire Emmett
Empire Tony Trichter III
2016-present Stranger Things Steve Harrington
2019-2021 No Activity Officer Ed Reinhardt
2020 Death to 2020 Duke Goolies
2021 Death to 2021
2023 Fargo Gator Tillman

Awards and Nominations

Year Award Category Nominated work Result
2017 Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series Stranger Things Won
2018 Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series Nominated
2020 Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series Nominated


Gallery

Trivia

  • His full name is Joseph David Keery.
  • He has 4 sisters.
  • His sister insisted he become an actor.
  • Besides acting, Keery is also a musician.
  • He's not related to Ben Schwartz.
  • He initially auditioned for the role of Jonathan, but later sent in a tape for his character Steve.
  • He filled the role of Ferris Bueller from Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) in a Domino's Pizza commercial.
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