The cinematic world is often defined by those who can seamlessly blend raw intensity with vulnerable charm. In the modern era of entertainment, few actors have managed this feat as effectively as Dacre Montgomery. Best known for his breakout role as the volatile Billy Hargrove in the global phenomenon Stranger Things, Montgomery has proven himself to be more than just a heartthrob or a character actor. He is a disciplined artist, a poet, and a visionary who approaches his craft with a level of preparation that borders on the obsessive. This is the story of a young man from Perth who navigated the hurdles of childhood bullying and industry rejection to become one of the most compelling faces in Hollywood today.
Early Life: The Foundation of an Artist in Perth
Dacre Kayd Montgomery-Harvey was born on November 22, 1994, in Perth, Western Australia. From the moment he entered the world, he was surrounded by the magic of the screen. His mother, Judith Barrett-Lennard, was a Canadian filmmaker, and his father, Scott Montgomery-Harvey, was a New Zealander working in the Australian entertainment industry. This multicultural upbringing provided Dacre with a global perspective from a young age, but it also placed him directly in the environment of film sets and production offices.
Despite being surrounded by the industry, Dacre’s childhood was far from easy. He has been remarkably candid about his struggles during his school years. Dacre often describes himself as a “fat kid” who didn’t fit into the traditional social hierarchies of Australian youth culture. He wasn’t the star athlete or the popular socialite; instead, he was a quiet, creative soul who found solace in the performing arts. This period of isolation became the fuel for his later success. The bullying he endured didn’t break him; it gave him a deep well of emotional experience to draw from when portraying misunderstood or “villainous” characters.
By the age of nine, Dacre began his formal acting training. He wasn’t looking for fame; he was looking for a voice. He attended the Mount Lawley Senior High School, which is renowned for its specialist visual and performing arts programs. It was here that he began to refine his skills, learning the technicalities of stagecraft and the importance of physical discipline. Unlike many child actors who stumble into the profession through luck, Montgomery approached acting with the seriousness of a scholar.
Educational Pursuit and The WAAPA Legacy
While many aspiring actors head straight to Los Angeles or Sydney as soon as they turn eighteen, Dacre chose to stay in Perth to complete his education. He understood that a career built on looks or luck is fleeting, but a career built on technique is permanent. He enrolled at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), one of the most prestigious drama schools in the world. WAAPA is famous for its grueling curriculum and for producing global icons like Hugh Jackman and Jai Courtney.
His time at WAAPA was transformative. He spent years studying voice, movement, and classical theater. He graduated in 2015, but the road to his first big break was still paved with challenges. During his final year of school, he was already sending out audition tapes, often filming them in his garage or living room. It was this relentless work ethic—sending out dozens of self-tapes while completing his degree—that eventually caught the eye of international casting directors.
The Big Break: Power Rangers and Global Visibility
In 2015, the news broke that Dacre Montgomery had been cast as Jason Scott, the Red Ranger, in the big-budget reboot of Power Rangers (2017). This was a monumental moment for the young actor. Transitioning from a drama student in Perth to the lead of a multimillion-dollar Hollywood franchise is a leap most only dream of.
The role of Jason Scott required Dacre to undergo a massive physical transformation. He spent months in the gym, adopting a strict diet and training regimen to inhabit the body of a high school quarterback and superhero. While the film received mixed reviews from critics, Montgomery’s performance was widely praised. He brought a sense of grounded leadership and internal conflict to a role that could have easily been one-dimensional. More importantly, Power Rangers gave him the visibility he needed. He was no longer just an Australian newcomer; he was a leading man on the global stage.
The Turning Point: Billy Hargrove and Stranger Things
While Power Rangers introduced him to the world, it was his entry into the Upside Down that solidified his status as a powerhouse performer. In 2017, Dacre joined the cast of Netflix’s Stranger Things for its second season. He was cast as Billy Hargrove, the step-brother of Max Mayfield. Billy was the quintessential 80s antagonist—complete with a denim jacket, a mullet, and a terrifyingly volatile temper.
The story of how Dacre got the role has become legendary in casting circles. He submitted a “crazy” self-tape where he danced to 80s music, wore a G-string, and channeled a manic energy that both terrified and intrigued the show’s creators, the Duffer Brothers. They saw in him an unpredictability that was missing from other auditions.
Key Highlights of Dacre Montgomery’s Career and Personal Stats
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Dacre Kayd Montgomery-Harvey |
| Date of Birth | November 22, 1994 |
| Birthplace | Perth, Western Australia |
| Education | Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) |
| Breakout Role | Billy Hargrove in Stranger Things |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Other Major Works | Power Rangers, Elvis, The Broken Hearts Gallery |
The Complexity of Billy Hargrove
In Season 2 of Stranger Things, Billy was a human antagonist—a bully who represented the real-world horrors of abuse and toxic masculinity. However, it was in Season 3 that Dacre took the character to legendary heights. As the “flayed” host for the Mind Flayer, Dacre had to balance the terrifying physicality of a possessed monster with the heart-wrenching trauma of a broken child.
His performance in the Season 3 finale is often cited as one of the best in the series. The moment Billy stands his ground against the Mind Flayer to save Eleven, sacrificing himself in the process, was a masterclass in emotional acting. Dacre managed to make the audience weep for a character they had spent two seasons hating. This ability to find the humanity in the monstrous is the hallmark of his acting style.
Expanding Horizons: Beyond the Screen
Dacre Montgomery is far from a one-dimensional actor. He is a polymath with a deep interest in various forms of artistic expression. One of his most notable projects outside of acting is his podcast, DKMH. The podcast features Dacre reciting his own beat poetry, set to experimental music produced by various musicians. It is a raw, surreal look into his psyche, dealing with themes of love, anxiety, and the human condition.
His commitment to “the craft” extends to his lifestyle as well. He is known for being incredibly focused, often avoiding the party scene of Hollywood in favor of working on his own projects or refining his physical health. He has also ventured into the world of fashion, often appearing in high-profile campaigns and on the covers of major magazines, where his sharp features and 80s-inspired aesthetic have made him a style icon.
The Elvis Connection and Modern Cinema
In 2022, Dacre appeared in Baz Luhrmann’s Oscar-nominated biopic Elvis. In the film, he played Steve Binder, the visionary producer behind Elvis Presley’s ’68 Comeback Special. Working with a director as stylized as Luhrmann allowed Dacre to showcase a different side of his talent—one that was more professional, clean-cut, and intellectually driven.
Following Elvis, Dacre has continued to choose roles that challenge him. From romantic comedies like The Broken Hearts Gallery, where he showed off his lighter, more charming side, to gritty independent films, he refuses to be typecast. He has expressed a strong interest in directing and producing, wanting to have a hand in the storytelling process from the ground up.
Physicality and Mental Preparation
One cannot discuss Dacre Montgomery without mentioning his legendary preparation process. He is known for creating elaborate “bibles” for his characters, which include playlists, scent profiles, and detailed backstories that aren’t even in the script. For the film Elvis, he researched the real Steve Binder extensively to ensure his portrayal was historically grounded while still serving the film’s narrative.
His physical transformations are equally intense. He treats his body like an instrument, often changing his weight or muscle mass to fit the silhouette of the character he is playing. Whether it’s the bulked-up Red Ranger or the leaner, wiry Billy Hargrove, Dacre understands that an actor’s physical presence tells a story before they even speak a word.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Despite his fame, Dacre remains a private individual.A. Liv Pollock, an Australian model, has been in a long-term relationship with him. The couple often keeps their relationship out of the tabloids, appearing together only at major industry events. This privacy has helped Dacre maintain a sense of normalcy in the midst of the Hollywood machine.
Additionally, he is an outspoken supporter of mental health awareness.Having struggled with anxiety and the effects of bullying, he often uses his platform to encourage young people to pursue their passions regardless of social pressure. He frequently speaks about the “underdog” mentality and how being an outsider can actually be a superpower if harnessed correctly.
The Future of Dacre Montgomery
As we look toward the future, it is clear that Dacre Montgomery is just getting started. With several projects in development, including potential forays into directing, he is positioned to become a major force in the industry for decades to come. He represents a new generation of actors who are not content with just being “famous”—they want to be impactful.
His tale serves as an example of the strength of perseverance. From a bullied teenager in Perth to a global icon, Dacre’s journey proves that the only limits that exist are the ones we place on ourselves. He continues to live by the mantra of hard work and creative integrity, ensuring that every role he takes on leaves a lasting impression on the audience.
Conclusion
Dacre Montgomery’s life story is one of transformation. He transformed his pain into art, his isolation into a career, and his dreams into reality. Through characters like Billy Hargrove and Jason Scott, he has explored the depths of heroism and villainy, always finding the common thread of humanity that connects us all. As he continues to evolve as an actor, poet, and creator, the world watches with bated breath to see what this Australian visionary will do next. His biography is still being written, but the chapters already completed are nothing short of extraordinary.
FAQs
Q: Where is Dacre Montgomery from?
A: Dacre was born and raised in Perth, Western Australia.His father is from New Zealand, and his mother is from Canada..
Q: Did Dacre Montgomery really do his own dancing in the Stranger Things audition tape?
A: Yes! Dacre famously submitted a self-tape where he danced to 80s hits like “Come on Eileen” while shirtless, which helped him land the role of Billy Hargrove.
Q: What did Dacre Montgomery study in college?
A: He graduated with a degree in Acting from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in 2015.
Q: Is Dacre Montgomery related to any other famous actors?
A: While his parents both worked in the film industry in behind-the-scenes roles, he is not related to any other famous “Montgomery” actors in Hollywood.
Q: What is Dacre Montgomery’s podcast about?
A: His podcast, DKMH, is a creative outlet where he performs his own original beat poetry set to music. It focuses on internal emotions and personal reflections.
Q: How did Dacre Montgomery lose weight for his acting career?
A: Dacre has spoken about being overweight in high school and how he transformed his physique through intense discipline, boxing, and a strict diet to prepare for his professional acting roles.
Q: Has Dacre Montgomery won any awards for his acting?
A: While he has not yet won a major Oscar or Emmy, he has received several nominations, including Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award nominations for “Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series” for Stranger Things.