Dacre Montgomery recently opened up about his decision to step away from Hollywood and the valuable lessons he learned during his self-imposed hiatus. The Australian actor became widely recognized for his standout role as Billy Hargrove in the hit series “Stranger Things,” which debuted its second season in 2017 when he was just 22. Despite his meteoric rise in fame, Montgomery chose to leave the spotlight, taking nearly four years off to reflect on his life and career.
Feeling overwhelmed by the sudden attention, he returned to Perth to disconnect and rejuvenate. “It can be very exposing and can really breed a fragility that I think I was starting to feel,” he explained. The break allowed him to protect his mental health and regain clarity about his professional and personal aspirations.
Montgomery’s hiatus came to an end when he received an unexpected call from acclaimed director Gus Van Sant, known for films like “Good Will Hunting.” The director invited him to star in “Dead Man’s Wire,” a thriller inspired by a real-life kidnapping incident from 1977. Montgomery stars opposite Bill Skarsgård in a story that scrutinizes themes of desperation and celebrity, amidst a backdrop of media frenzy.
“Honestly, my first thought [when I got the call] was, Why did Gus think of Bill and I to play two 50-year-olds?” Montgomery remarked humorously, referring to the age of the real-life figures depicted in the film. This project, which was released in select theaters and is set for nationwide distribution on January 16, represented everything he wanted in a comeback: a topical narrative, a collaboration with Van Sant, and a character that challenged him.
Montgomery noted that working alongside Skarsgård pushed him beyond his comfort zone. Skarsgård encouraged him to engage socially off-camera, which was a pivotal lesson for Montgomery about the importance of connection in performance. “He was like, ‘Dude, this is part of it. I can’t act with [someone] that’s not accessible,’” he recalled. This advice underscored the need for actors to not only immerse themselves in their roles but also to remain open to collaboration and camaraderie.
Reflecting on his time away from Hollywood, Montgomery emphasized how it helped him understand his identity as an actor and the vulnerability associated with it. “So many things that inform your work as an actor because the vocation that I’ve chosen is one where you bring yourself to it,” he said. This reinforced his desire to engage with meaningful projects rather than simply chasing fame or monetary gain.
Although he cherished his experience on “Stranger Things,” where he appeared throughout multiple seasons, Montgomery stated he is looking forward to exploring new creative avenues, including directing. He recently completed filming his first project behind the camera, affirming his commitment to intentional and passionate filmmaking.
Montgomery’s journey emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and the value of pursuing work that resonates personally and creatively. His return to acting is not merely about regaining fame but rather about finding purpose in his craft. As he embarks on this new chapter, it’s clear that he is poised to continue making a meaningful impact in the industry.