Are you a fan of Netflix’s Stranger Things? Then, you must have noticed Joe Keery, who plays the role of Steve Harrington in the series.
The actor’s charming personality and good looks have won many hearts across the globe. But there has been speculation about his sexual orientation.
Is Joe Keery gay? In this blog post, we will get into his personal life to find out more about the talented actor and set the record straight once and for all!
So buckle up and keep reading to get all your questions answered!
Joe Keery’s Life and Career
Joe Keery is an American actor, musician, and producer, best known for his role as Steve Harrington in the hit Netflix series, “Stranger Things.” He has gained immense popularity for his portrayal of a character who started as a stereotypical high school bully but later evolved into a lovable hero. His on-screen charisma and personality have won him a massive fan base.
Joe Keery was born on April 24, 1992, in Newburyport, Massachusetts. He grew up in a family of five, with two sisters, and his parents were supportive of his creative endeavors from an early age. Keery attended The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting. After graduation, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career, and he landed his breakout role in “Stranger Things” in 2016.
Keery’s success on “Stranger Things” has led to a range of other acting opportunities. He has appeared in several films, including “Molly’s Game” and “Free Guy,” and he has also been cast in upcoming projects like “Spree” and “The Afterparty.” In addition to his acting work, Keery is also a musician. He has played in several bands over the years and released his debut solo album, “Twenty Twenty,” in 2020.
Despite his growing fame, Joe Keery has remained relatively private about his personal life. However, in a 2017 interview with GQ, Keery did discuss his upbringing and how it has influenced his career.
“I think the way I grew up, it was like, you’re going to college and you’re getting a job,” he said. “And then when I said I wanted to go to acting school, it was like, ‘Oh, well, that’s not a job.’ But then I got to the point where I was like, ‘No, this is what I want to do.’ And then I think they came around to it.”
This quote reveals little about Joe Keery’s personal life, but it does suggest that he comes from a supportive family who has encouraged him to pursue his passions. It also highlights his determination to succeed as an actor, despite any obstacles he may have faced along the way.
In addition to his acting and music careers, Joe has also been involved in various charitable causes. In 2017, he participated in a fundraising event for the Alzheimer’s Association, and he has also supported organizations like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Keery’s commitment to giving back to his community demonstrates that he is not only a talented actor and musician but also a caring and compassionate individual.
His Relationships
Joe Keery has been very private about his romantic relationships, and there is very little information available about his dating history. He has not publicly disclosed any long-term relationships, and there are no reports of him being married or engaged.
Public curiosity around celebrities often goes far beyond what they choose to share. In today’s social media-driven culture, fans frequently turn to online tools and platforms to look for clues about a public figure’s personal life, whether those clues actually exist or not. Search trends, speculation forums, and sometimes even an onlyfans search, even when there is no real connection to the person in question.
In Joe Keery’s case, this highlights a broader issue rather than a personal one: the growing gap between what audiences want to know and what celebrities intentionally keep private. His consistent decision to stay quiet about his relationships reinforces that not every aspect of a public figure’s life is meant for public consumption.
However, in 2017, he was photographed with his then-girlfriend, actress and model Maika Monroe, at a red carpet event. The couple was rumored to have been dating since early 2017, but they never publicly confirmed their relationship, and it is unclear when they parted ways.
Aside from that, Joe Keery has not been linked to anyone publicly, and it seems that he prefers to keep his personal life out of the public eye. While fans may be curious about his romantic relationships, it is important to respect his privacy and allow him to share whatever information he feels comfortable sharing in his own time.
Maika Monroe
Maika Monroe is an American actress and professional kiteboarder. She was born on May 29, 1993, in Santa Barbara, California, and grew up in a family of athletes. Before pursuing acting, she was a competitive kiteboarder and even ranked as the second-best junior kiteboarder in the world at one point.
Monroe began her acting career in 2012, appearing in minor roles in films like “At Any Price” and “The Bling Ring.” Her breakthrough role came in 2014, when she starred in the horror film “It Follows,” which received critical acclaim and helped to establish her as a rising star in Hollywood.
Since then, Maika has appeared in a variety of films, including “Independence Day: Resurgence,” “The Guest,” and “The Tribes of Palos Verdes.” She has also appeared in TV shows such as “Felt,” “The Stranger,” and “The Sinner.”
In addition to her acting career, Monroe continues to pursue kiteboarding as a passion. She has participated in various international competitions and even performed stunts in the 2015 film “Independence Day: Resurgence.”
Overall, Maika Monroe is a talented actress and athlete who has achieved success in both fields. With her talent and dedication, she is sure to continue making waves in Hollywood and beyond.
Joe Keery’s Sexuality
In 2018, rumors started circulating that Joe Keery might be gay. This was due to a scene in the show Strangers Things where his character kissed another boy. However, the actor has never addressed these rumors publicly, and there is no concrete evidence to support them.
As such, it is important to remember that speculation about someone’s sexual orientation should be treated with respect and sensitivity, and it is ultimately up to the individual to decide if and when they want to disclose their identity.
Why These Rumors Started
The rumors around Joe Keery did not start because of anything he publicly said or confirmed. They grew out of how modern fan culture works, especially around a show as widely discussed as Stranger Things.
A big part of it comes from the way audiences connect actors to their characters. Keery’s character, Steve Harrington, changed a lot over the series. Steve became more emotionally open, caring, and supportive, moving away from the typical “tough guy” stereotype. In online fandoms, that kind of character is often read as a reflection of the actor himself, even when there is no real-world connection.
The conversation also picked up after Noah Schnapp, who plays Will Byers, publicly came out as gay. His openness led fans to reexamine the show and its cast through a more personal lens. In those spaces, curiosity about one cast member often spills over into assumptions about others, even without evidence.
Joe Keery’s personal style has added to that curiosity. His fashion choices, relaxed approach to gender norms, and expressive stage presence as a musician stand out compared to more traditional Hollywood images of masculinity. Online, especially on social platforms, those traits are sometimes misread as indicators of sexual orientation rather than simply personal or artistic expression.
This pattern is not unique to Keery. Actors who play kind, emotionally expressive, or non-aggressive male characters are frequently subject to similar speculation. The rumors say more about how fandom culture interprets masculinity and representation today than they do about Joe Keery’s actual private life.
Joe Keery’s Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Joe Keery’s estimated net worth is between $4 million and $6 million, based on publicly available industry reports, acting salaries, music revenue, and long-running television work. The largest contributor to his wealth remains his role on Stranger Things, which became one of Netflix’s most valuable original franchises.
Keery’s earnings increased significantly after the early seasons of the show, as cast salaries rose in response to its global success. In addition to base pay, long-term exposure from the series has opened doors to higher-profile film roles, brand opportunities, and music sales.
Unlike many actors who rely on a single income stream, Keery benefits from maintaining parallel careers in acting and music, which helps stabilize and grow his overall net worth.
Major Career Achievements
Joe Keery’s career stands out for its steady growth rather than sudden celebrity spikes. His portrayal of Steve Harrington is widely regarded as one of the strongest character arcs on Stranger Things, transforming from a minor antagonist into a central and fan-favorite figure. That evolution earned him strong critical reception and long-term relevance within the series.
Beyond television, Keery has built a solid film résumé, appearing in studio projects such as Molly’s Game and Free Guy, as well as genre-driven films like Spree. He has also expanded into voice acting and ensemble-based comedy through projects like The Afterparty, showing range beyond dramatic roles.
While he has not aggressively pursued awards campaigns, his work is often cited for consistency, adaptability, and audience connection—qualities that contribute to long-term career sustainability in Hollywood.
Joe Keery’s Music Career and Band Projects
In addition to acting, Joe Keery has an established music career under the stage name Djo. His sound blends psychedelic rock, synth-pop, and alternative influences, distinctly separate from his on-screen persona. This separation has helped his music gain credibility on its own, rather than being treated as a celebrity side project.
Keery released his debut album Twenty Twenty in 2020, followed by DECIDE in 2022. Both projects received positive responses for their production quality and cohesive style. His music explores themes such as isolation, identity, and modern pressure, resonating with listeners beyond the Stranger Things fan base.
Before his solo work, Keery also played in bands like Post Animal, contributing to songwriting and live performances. His continued involvement in music shows a long-term commitment to creative expression rather than short-term experimentation.
Conclusion
There is no evidence to support rumors that Joe Keery is gay, and it is ultimately up to him to disclose his sexual orientation if and when he chooses to do so.
However, his impressive acting and music careers, coupled with his commitment to charitable causes, suggest that he is a talented and compassionate individual who has a bright future ahead of him.
In any case, this shouldn’t take away from his accomplishments as an artist and entertainer, whether he identifies as gay or not!