Joe Keery’s Net Worth: From ‘Stranger Things’ Star to Music Artist

Introduction: Joe Keery’s Rise to Fame

Joe Keery, the American actor and musician, has captivated audiences worldwide with his talent and charisma. Best known for his role as Steve Harrington in the hit Netflix series “Stranger Things,” Keery has amassed a substantial net worth of $4 million. This article delves into the life, career, and financial success of Joe Keery, exploring his journey from a young actor to a rising star in both acting and music.

Early Life and Education

Born on April 24, 1992, in Newburyport, Massachusetts, Joseph David Keery grew up in a supportive family. His father, David Keery, worked as an architect, while his mother, Nina Keery, was an English professor. Joe is the second of five siblings: Caroline, Lizzy, Kate, and Emma. His early life was filled with creative pursuits. He attended River Valley Charter School, a Montessori school, and later Newburyport High School.

Keery’s interest in performing arts began early. He participated in Theater in the Open, a performing arts camp. During high school, encouraged by his older sister, he became more involved in acting. He honed his skills at The Theatre School at DePaul University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting in 2014. This rigorous training laid the foundation for his future success.

Acting Career: From Commercials to ‘Stranger Things’

After graduating from DePaul University, Joe Keery began his professional acting career. He started by auditioning for commercials, minor television roles, and independent films. During this period, he also worked as a waiter to support himself. Keery appeared in commercials for major brands like Domino’s and KFC. He also landed guest roles in popular television shows such as “Empire” and “Chicago Fire.”

His first film role was in the 2015 indie film “Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party,” directed by Stephen Cone. This experience provided him with valuable on-set experience and helped him gain recognition in the industry. These early roles were stepping stones to his breakout success.

‘Stranger Things’: The Role That Changed Everything

Joe Keery’s career took a significant turn in 2016 when he was cast as Steve Harrington in the Netflix series “Stranger Things.” Set in the 1980s, the science fiction horror drama became a global phenomenon. Initially, Keery’s role was intended to be recurring in the first season, but his portrayal of Steve, initially the antagonist and later a fan favorite, resonated with viewers. His character evolved from a popular jock to a caring friend and protector, which made him incredibly popular.

The show’s success led to Keery’s promotion to a main role from the second season onward. He reprised his role in subsequent seasons, including the third season in 2019 and the fourth in 2022. “Stranger Things” not only boosted his fame but also earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series in 2017, with the cast being nominated again in 2018.

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‘Stranger Things’ Salary and Earnings

The financial rewards of “Stranger Things” were substantial for the cast. During the first season, the child actors, including Keery, earned $10,000 per episode, totaling $80,000 for the season. Their salaries increased significantly for the second season, with each actor earning $30,000 per episode, approximately $270,000 for the season. From the third season onward, the main child actors’ per-episode salary jumped to $250,000, resulting in around $2 million per season. These figures reflect the show’s massive success and Keery’s growing prominence.

Other Acting Ventures

While starring in “Stranger Things,” Joe Keery continued to take on other acting roles, showcasing his versatility. In 2016, he appeared in the film “The Charnel House,” followed by a role in “Molly’s Game” in 2017. In 2018, he was featured in “After Everything” and “Slice.” In 2019, Keery starred in the short film “How to Be Alone” and had a recurring role in the television show “No Activity.”

In 2020, he played Kurt Kunkle in the film “Spree,” which brought him further attention. He also appeared in “Death to 2020.” In 2021, Keery had a role in the action comedy film “Free Guy,” which became a major box office hit. These diverse roles demonstrate his ability to thrive in different genres and continue to expand his acting portfolio.

Music Career: Djo and Post Animal

In addition to his acting career, Joe Keery is also a talented musician. He has managed to keep his acting and music endeavors relatively separate. He plays guitar as a member of the Chicago-based garage and psych-rock band Post Animal.

Post Animal released their debut full-length album in October 2015 and followed it up with “When I Think Of You In A Castle” in April 2018. Keery also contributed backup vocals to the album. However, Keery decided to stop touring with the band in 2019, fearing that the association with “Stranger Things” might overshadow the band’s music. He wanted to ensure that his bandmates were not held back by his fame from acting.

In July 2019, Keery launched his solo music project, Djo, releasing the single “Roddy.” He followed this with “Chateau (Feel Alright)” a month later. In September 2019, he released his debut album as Djo, titled “Twenty Twenty.” In September 2020, he released the single “Keep Your Head Up,” promoting it through Reddit and a conversation with Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips. He has since released music under the name “Cool Cool Cool” as well. His music career shows his dedication to artistic expression beyond acting.

Personal Life and Relationships

Joe Keery has cultivated a strong social media presence, endearing himself to fans with his down-to-earth and likable personality. He began dating actress Maika Monroe after meeting at a party in Los Angeles in 2017. Keery is known to avoid excessive drinking and smoking. Interestingly, he has stated that bread pudding is his biggest indulgence.

Joe Keery’s Net Worth Breakdown

Joe Keery’s net worth of $4 million is a testament to his successful career in both acting and music. Here’s a general breakdown:

• “Stranger Things” Salary: A significant portion of his wealth comes from his role in “Stranger Things,” particularly from the second season onwards.
• Film and Television Roles: Earnings from his roles in films like “Molly’s Game,” “Free Guy,” and others have contributed to his income.
• Music Royalties and Performances: Income from his music career with Post Animal and his solo project, Djo, adds to his overall net worth.
• Endorsements and Other Ventures: Any additional income from endorsements or other creative endeavors also contribute.

The combination of these income streams highlights the diversified nature of Keery’s financial success.

Conclusion: The Multifaceted Career of Joe Keery

Joe Keery’s career is an inspiring example of how talent, hard work, and versatility can lead to success in multiple creative fields. From his breakout role in “Stranger Things” to his musical pursuits with Post Animal and Djo, Keery continues to captivate and entertain audiences. With a net worth of $4 million, Keery’s journey reflects his ability to excel in acting and music, making him a prominent figure in contemporary entertainment. His future endeavors are highly anticipated, and his multifaceted career is sure to continue evolving.