Joseph David Keery – born April 24, 1992 – is one of the rare creative forces in contemporary entertainment who has successfully bridged the worlds of mainstream acting and credible independent music. Known to global audiences as Steve Harrington on the hugely acclaimed Netflix series Stranger Things, Keery’s artistic identity is far richer and more complex than any single role could suggest.
Early Life and Artistic Foundations
Joseph David Keery grew up in Newburyport, Massachusetts, as the second of five children. From an early age, he showed a proclivity for the arts, first encouraged by his family to explore performance. He pursued formal acting training at The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting in 2014.
Before his breakout, Keery navigated the familiar uncertainties of an aspiring actor: dozens of auditions, occasional commercial gigs for brands like KFC and Domino’s, and small parts on television dramas such as Empire and Chicago Fire. These early chapters of effort laid the groundwork for a breakthrough opportunity that would come with extraordinary cultural significance.
From Hawkins, Indiana, to Global Stardom: Stranger Things
In 2015, Keery auditioned for Stranger Things, initially seeking another part before ultimately being cast as Steve Harrington – a role that would become his signature. Over the course of nearly a decade (2016–2025), Steve evolved from a somewhat arrogant teenager into one of the emotional and moral cores of the show, beloved for his bravery, humor, vulnerability, and surprisingly deep bonds with the younger protagonists.
By the time the final season of Stranger Things rolled out across late 2025, Keery had spent roughly a third of his life immersed in the role – a detail he openly reflected on as both overwhelming and exciting, acknowledging the profound impact the experience had on his identity and creative ambitions.
The finale of the series was a cultural event, closing a chapter not just for fans but for Keery himself. As he told interviewers, the end of such a long journey prompted a renewed creative energy and an urgency to “try new things,” a sentiment that aptly captures his mindset at this transitional moment.
Parallel Paths: Acting Beyond Stranger Things
While Stranger Things remained his main acting platform for years, Keery steadily honed his craft in other projects. His film roles included parts in the satire Spree (2020) and the blockbuster Free Guy (2021). He also appeared as Gator Tillman in Season 5 of the critically lauded series Fargo (2023–2024).
In 2026, Keery continued to expand his filmography with his starring role in the horror-comedy film Cold Storage. Released in mid‑February 2026, the movie co-stars Liam Neeson and has been described as a “retro popcorn thrill ride.” Director Jonny Campbell praised Keery’s performance as “absolutely brilliant,” highlighting his range and professional dedication—an indication that his screen persona continues to resonate with both genre audiences and industry professionals.
The combination of genre work, indie films, and emerging roles suggests that Keery’s acting career is entering a new stage—one less tethered to a single character, and more reflective of his evolving artistic identity.
Becoming Djo: A Musical Identity Distinct from Acting
Parallel to his acting trajectory, Keery has cultivated a serious career in music, performing under the stage name Djo (pronounced “Joe”). This persona has become a defining facet of his artistic expression and one of the most intriguing aspects of his public evolution.
His musical roots lie in the Chicago psych‑rock band Post Animal, which he co‑founded. Keery contributed as a guitarist, drummer, and vocalist before departing in 2018 to focus on acting commitments. Yet his musical ambitions never waned; in 2019, he launched his solo project under the pseudonym Djo—a deliberate choice to let his music stand on its own merits, separate from his celebrity persona.
Djo’s sound blends neo‑psychedelia, indie rock, synth‑pop, and experimental tones, revealing influences ranging from Tame Impala to classic electronica. Keery’s early albums—Twenty Twenty (2019), Decide (2022), and The Crux (2025)—chart a constant evolution of style and substance.
The Crux and the 2025 World Tour
In 2025, Djo’s third studio album The Crux served as both a creative pinnacle and a public statement. Released independently on April 4, the album was met with favorable reviews for its ambitious blend of sonic elements and existential themes. Singles like “Basic Being Basic,” “Delete Ya,” and “Potion” demonstrated Keery’s songwriting range—from introspective reflection to playful social commentary.
To support the album, Keery embarked on the Back on You World Tour, covering Oceania, North America, and Europe with over 70 shows. Notably, his former band Post Animal opened many dates, signaling a full-circle moment in his musical journey.
Beyond the massive global tour, The Crux Deluxe arrived later in 2025, adding new material to an already compelling album and showing Keery’s commitment to pushing his music forward. Critics noted both the artistic ambition and occasional unevenness of the work—an almost inevitable tension for an artist straddling commercial success and experimental impulses.
Viral Success and Global Chart Dominance
2026 has seen an explosive resurgence of Keery’s earlier music – not because of fresh radio play, but through the power of cultural context. His track “End of Beginning” from the 2022 album Decide became a global phenomenon after the finale of Stranger Things. The song not only ascended to the top of Spotify’s global charts, dethroning massive hits – including a prolonged run by Taylor Swift—but also emerged as a symbol of closure and transition for fans.
This achievement cannot be understated: a song four years old, detached from its original context, suddenly resonates with millions and ascends to No. 1 worldwide. In the UK and across multiple charts, “End of Beginning” now stands as a testament to Keery’s emotional connection with global audiences.
Keery himself has described his reaction to this success as one of genuine surprise- “shocked and confused” – underscoring the organic nature of the song’s viral ascent.
Balancing Fame, Authenticity, and Creative Identity
Throughout interviews and public commentary, Keery has wrestled with the interplay between visibility and authenticity. In a candid interview from mid‑2025, he acknowledged experiencing impostor syndrome, anxiety, and the challenge of being taken seriously as a musician after stardom in a mega‑hit show. Yet he also expressed gratitude and a clear desire to evolve creatively, even as he remains humble about the unpredictability of artistic life.
Meanwhile, his decision to self‑fund and maintain independence in his music project – often avoiding major label constraints – reflects a rare commitment to artistic control in an industry that rarely favors it. Fan discussions and community commentary amplify how this DIY ethos appeals to younger audiences, with many viewing Keery as a model for navigating fame without compromising creative integrity.
The Future: Beyond 2026
As of early 2026, Keery remains a uniquely positioned figure. He has just starred in a new film, celebrated global chart success, and continues to expand his musical presence with planned shows in Mexico and other parts of the world.
His post‑Stranger Things identity is not defined by nostalgia for the past but by a bold embrace of multiple artistic avenues. Whether he chooses dramatic roles, continued musical experimentation, production work, or even theatrical performance – an aspiration he has occasionally referenced – his future feels less like a prediction and more like a set of possibilities.
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