Barb Holland
Barb just wants the best for her best friend Nancy, and her concerns are raised when she gets into a relationship with Steve and starts hanging around with the cool kids.Credit Netflix
Shannon Purser
In real life, Barb is played by breakout star Shannon Purser. Shannon works in a movie theatre outside of acting and she's a big Harry Potter fan. Shannon has also become quite a hit on Twitter, using the hashtag #barbtweets to please her growing followers. Find her on Twitter here.Credit ShannonPurser7/Twitter
Shannon Purser
Shannon Purser also recently came out as bisexual. The 19-year-old actress, who plays Ethel Muggs on Riverdale, reacted to a fans being annoyed about the show teasing a kiss between the two female leads, suggesting the network was 'queer baiting' without following through on the romance.
Shannon shared on social media: "I don't normally do this, but I figure now is just as good a time as any to get personal," she tweeted. "I've only just recently come out as bisexual to my family and friends. It's something I am still processing and trying to understand and I don't like talking about it too much.
"I'm very very new to the LGBT community. I have never heard the term 'queer-baiting' in my life until today. That being said, I have never ever wanted to alienate anyone and my tweet was thoughtless. I wasn't referring to all the Beronica shippers, just the ones who had been particularly cruel to me personally.
"Either way, it wasn't a wise or kind thing to say and I'm disappointed in myself, especially as a Christian who has always been taught to speak love to others. Thank you to all the people who kindly reached out to me and educated me about the reality [of] your feelings about queer-baiting and I apologize to those who were hurt. Much love."
Dr. Martin Brenner
Dr. Martin Brenner is the manipulative scientist in charge of Hawkins Laboratory and the experiments performed there. He's cold, evil and totally creepy. But is the actor who plays him anything alike?Credit Netflix
Matthew Modine
Short answer: no. Matthew Modine, who plays Brenner, is pretty much the antithesis of his character. Just follow him on Twitter here to read his musings on politics, his compliments about his co-stars and frequent emoji use.
As for his acting, he's known for his roles in The Dark Knight Rises, Transporter 2 and Memphis Belle.
Matthew is also married with two kids.Credit Netflix
Karen Wheeler
Karen Wheeler is the concerned mother of Mike and Nancy, and friend to Joyce Byers.
She's *really* anxious in the show, but given the events, who can blame her...Credit Netflix
Cara Buono
IRL, Karen is played by actress Cara Buono, who you may recognise for her roles in The Sopranos and Mad Men. Cara's Instagram is comprised of holiday snaps, photos of her kids and behind-the-scenes shots from the Stranger Things set. Check it out here.Credit Cara Buono/Instagram
Jim Hopper
In the series, Jim Hopper plays the brooding copper who leads the investigation to find Will Byers. He's also got a sad past, only fully delved into in the later episodes...Credit Netflix
David Harbour
Hopper (as he's affectionately known) is played by American actor David Harbour. David's also known for his roles in Brokeback Mountain, The Equalizer and Quantum of Solace. And he's kinda hot, no? Find him on Twitter here.Credit davidkharbour/Twitter
Jonathan Byers
Jonathan Byers is the concerned, introvert brother of Will Byers in the series. Though he's a bit of a social outsider, his determination to find his brother drives him through...Credit Netflix
Charlie Heaton
Jonathan is played by English actor Charlie Heaton (yep - that accent isn't real), with Stranger Things being his breakthrough role. He also does a bit of amateur modelling on the side. Is he reminding anyone else of a young Leo DiCaprio here? Find him on Instagram here.Credit charlie.r.heaton/Instagram
Mike Wheeler
Mike Wheeler is the devoted friend of Will, whose determination to find his best friend is unwavering. We all wish we had a friend like Mike.Credit Netflix
Finn Wolfhard
Mike is played by Canadian actor Finn Wolfhard, an up and coming star who has previously landed other roles in The 100 and Supernatural (we're sensing sci-fi might be his forte?). He also plays a bit of guitar from time to time, as seen here. Find him on Twitter here.Credit finnwolfhardofficial/Instagram
Lucas Sinclair
Lucas Sinclair is another pal of Will's who'll do just about anything to get his friend back, even if it means falling out with other friends (Mike) along the way.Credit Netflix
Caleb McLaughlin
The loyal Lucas is played by Caleb McLaughlin, who's previously had small roles in Law and Order and Shades of Blue. He'll also be playing the young American footballer Ricky Bell in an upcoming biopic. Find him on Twitter here.Credit calebrmclaughl1/Twitter
Dustin Henderson
Dustin, or 'Toothless' (as the school bullies call him), is one fourth of the gang of friends that go in search for their friend Will, along with Mike and Lucas. Dustin is loveable, funny, but mostly loyal.Credit Netflix
Gaten Matarazzo
In real life, Dustin is played by American Gaten Matarazzo who's also acted in the film Blacklist. His hair is just as curly IRL... though this photo shows it slightly crazier. Find him on Twitter here.Credit GatenM123/Twitter
Joyce Byers
Joyce Byers is the devoted mother whose son's disappearance drives her a little crazy. But despite doubts and accusations, she never stops searching.Credit Netflix
Winona Ryder
Winona Ryder, who plays Joyce Byers, is one of actresses from the series that we already know of. Despite taking a bit of a step down from the spotlight since her 90s heyday, the Beetlejuice actress is back with a bang with this performance.Credit amandaefriedman/Instagram
Nancy Wheeler
Nancy Wheeler is sister of Mike, and love interest of school cool kid Steve Harrington. When her friend Barb goes missing, she devotedly joins Jonathan to find out what's going on.Credit Netflix
Natalia Dyer
She's starred alongside Miley Cyrus in Hannah Montana: The Movie, but Stranger Things is for sure to be Natalia Dyer's big break.Credit angela_peterman/Instagram
Steve Harrington
We all fancied a Steve Harrington in school. The popular guy starts off as the love interest of Nancy Wheeler, but he has a bit of a douche moment. Will he end up redeeming himself?Credit Netflix
Joe Keery
The (easy on the eye) Joe Keery, who plays Steve Harrington, has done acting bit and bobs in the past, but Stranger Things is his first major role. In real life, Joe's hair is a bit less bouffant. Find him on Twitter here.Credit uncle_jeezy/Instagram
Eleven
Eleven is the mysterious, other-worldly girl who Mike, Lucas and Dustin stumble upon when looking for Will. At first they're cautious of her, but Eleven soon becomes their friend in spite of their reservations.Credit Netflix
Millie Bobby Brown
The dark and broody Eleven is played by her polar opposite, cherpy 12-year-old Millie Bobby Brown. For the role, Millie *actually* shaved off her long locks. Now that's dedication. Find her on Twitter here.Credit milliebobby_brown/Instagram
Millie Bobby Brown
In March 2016, Millie announced she had to cancel a Comic Con appearance to “rest”. Posting a video of herself on Instagram, she told fans: She told her fans: “Hey guys, I’ve never had to do one of these videos before, but I have had to cancel a Comic-Con last minute, which is something I’ve never done and I’m planning on never doing again".
She continued: “I just think I’ve worked too hard and I have to rest, as I’ve had a really long shoot and I’m still filming Stranger Things.
“I’m sorry to everyone who was going and I promise you guys I’m going to get back to you,” she added. “I love you guys all, thank you so much for your continued support and thank you.”Credit Getty Images
Will Byers
Will is the son of Joyce, brother of Jonathan and best friend of Mike, Lucas and Dustin who is abducted in the first episode. Will he be found?Credit Netflix
Noah Schnapp
Will is played by Noah Schnapp, who's already had some big acting gigs including one alongside Tom Hanks in Bridge of Spies. No mean feat for an 11-year-old. Find him on Twitter here.Credit noah_shnapp/Twitter
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