Dacre Montgomery is an actor who moved from supporting parts to global recognition in a few short years. He first drew wide attention as Jason Scott, the Red Ranger, in the 2017 Power Rangers reboot
Later that same year, his role as Billy Hargrove in Netflix’s Stranger Things turned him into a household name.
Montgomery’s work ranges from mainstream studio films to smaller independent projects. He is known for intense character choices, a physical presence on screen, and a willingness to explore vulnerable emotional territory.
This article traces Montgomery’s life from his childhood in Perth to his training and early roles, his breakout moments, and his path since Stranger Things.
It also includes a clear stats table, filmography highlights, frequently asked questions, and reliable sources for further reading. Wherever possible the facts are backed by public sources.
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Table of Contents
Dacre Montgomery’s Biography
Early life and background
Dacre Kayd Montgomery-Harvey was born on 22 November 1994 in Perth, Western Australia. He grew up in a family with ties to the screen industry.
His father is from New Zealand and his mother is Canadian. Montgomery has described a childhood shaped by creative curiosity and some social challenges at school. He took to performing from an early age and was involved in theater and on-screen projects as a child.
During secondary school he pursued dramatic arts and later committed to formal acting training. Montgomery earned his acting credentials from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) at Edith Cowan University.
WAAPA is a well-regarded Australian program that has produced many successful actors. Montgomery’s training there helped him refine his craft and prepared him for professional work.1
— Dacre Montgomery (@dacremontgomery) September 8, 2025
Early Career: Short Films and First Steps
Montgomery’s screen work began in small roles and short films. He appeared in Australian projects and music videos which gave him on-set experience and camera confidence.
Like many actors, his early years were a mixture of study and small paid work. The training and early credits set the stage for a major audition that would change his career trajectory.
One interesting early note is how unconventional Montgomery’s audition process could be. For Stranger Things, he created a short, bold audition tape that showcased both courage and originality, something casting directors remember.
That creative risk paid off and led to him being cast in one of the most watched shows worldwide.2
Breakthrough: Power Rangers and Stranger Things
2017 was the year Montgomery moved from relative obscurity to international notice. First, he starred as Jason Scott / Red Ranger in the Power Rangers reboot.
Playing a superhero required physical preparation and an ability to anchor a mainstream action franchise. The film introduced him to a global audience and opened doors to larger projects.
That same year he joined Stranger Things as Billy Hargrove. The role evolved quickly into one of the series’ most talked-about characters.
Billy is abrasive, volatile, and deeply troubled. Montgomery’s performance added layers of complexity and made the character memorable. Over seasons two and three his arc went from antagonist to a tragic figure, and his final acts resonated with many viewers.
Stranger Things became a cultural phenomenon, and Montgomery’s portrayal was a big reason why his profile rose so fast.
Film and TV after the breakout
After Stranger Things and Power Rangers, Montgomery split his time between genre projects and more character-driven work.
He appeared in the horror-leaning slasher Better Watch Out and the romantic comedy The Broken Hearts Gallery.
He also took on roles that allowed him to test different styles and directors. As his career matured he showed interest in projects that challenged him emotionally and artistically.
In recent years Montgomery returned to independent and art-house-style filmmaking. He starred in the indie film Went Up the Hill, which premiered at film festivals and was noted in press interviews as a returning-to-roots piece for him.
In interviews he has said that this project helped him confront personal grief and pushed him toward more thoughtful role choices. Around the same time he announced plans to take on directing in the near future, signaling a wish to expand his creative control and influence.3
Acting Approach and Public Persona
Montgomery approaches acting with a mixture of method exploration and practical training. He has spoken publicly about doing deep research into mental states and character backstories, especially for heavy roles like Billy Hargrove.
He is open in interviews about struggles in school and early anxieties. Those personal reflections often inform his choices and the vulnerability he brings to certain roles.
Off screen, Montgomery maintains a relatively private life. He engages with fans on social platforms, but his public commentary tends to focus on craft, upcoming projects, and the creative process rather than daily personal details.
He has also shown interest in directing and producing, which suggests a long-term plan to broaden his footprint in film.
Notable Roles and Highlights
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Billy Hargrove in Stranger Things (Netflix): The role that made him a global name. Montgomery played the troubled teen across multiple seasons and won praise for adding nuance to a character who could easily have remained a one-note antagonist.
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Jason Scott / Red Ranger in Power Rangers (2017): A major studio film role that displayed his ability to carry action and franchise material.
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Jeremy in Better Watch Out (2017): A horror-thriller credit that allowed him to play in darker material.
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Nick in The Broken Hearts Gallery (2020): A lighter, romantic comedy role that showed range.
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Jack in Went Up the Hill (2024): A return to smaller, introspective film work with festival presence.
Awards and Recognition
While Montgomery has not accumulated a long list of major awards, his performance work has attracted nominations and critical notice.
The recognition comes mostly from his role in Stranger Things, which brought industry attention and fan acclaim.
Awards are just one measure of impact. In Montgomery’s case, cultural footprint and the ability to influence casting choices and project interest are important markers of success.
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Stats Table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Dacre Kayd Montgomery-Harvey. |
| Date of birth | 22 November 1994. |
| Place of birth | Perth, Western Australia, Australia. |
| Nationality | Australian. |
| Education | Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Edith Cowan University. |
| Occupation | Actor. Also moving into directing and producing. |
| Years active | 2010–present (early shorts through feature films and TV). |
| Height | Reported around 5 ft 9 in to 5 ft 10 in (varies by source). |
| Notable roles | Billy Hargrove (Stranger Things), Jason Scott (Power Rangers), roles in Better Watch Out, The Broken Hearts Gallery, Went Up the Hill. |
| Net worth (estimate) | Public estimates vary. Recent estimates place his net worth in a mid six-figure to low single-digit million range depending on sources and new projects. Use caution, these are approximations. |
Filmography
Film
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A Few Less Men (2017) — supporting role.
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Power Rangers (2017) — Jason Scott / Red Ranger.
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Better Watch Out (2017) — Jeremy.
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The Broken Hearts Gallery (2020) — Nick.
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Went Up the Hill (2024) — Jack.
Television
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Stranger Things (2017–2022) — Billy Hargrove (principal across multiple seasons).
For a complete and up-to-date filmography consult databases such as IMDb or Rotten Tomatoes which list projects, credits, and release dates.4
Behind the Scenes: Memorable Audition Stories and Process
Montgomery’s casting for Stranger Things is a frequently discussed anecdote among casting stories. He created an unusual and memorable audition tape that demonstrated both fearlessness and creative thinking.
Producers and directors responded positively. This example highlights two practical lessons for actors: be willing to take creative risks, and use what you have to make your audition stand out.
Montgomery’s bold approach helped him land a career-defining part and move internationally in pursuit of his craft.
Recent Career Moves and Directorial Ambitions
After stepping back from nonstop high-profile projects, Montgomery has expressed interest in selecting more emotionally rich and artistically challenging roles.
Went Up the Hill marked a return to independent film and was described by Montgomery as a chance to process personal themes.
He has also announced plans to direct his first feature, and has been actively involved in developing that project.
This shift suggests he is building toward a diversified career as an actor and filmmaker.
Public Image and Fan Reactions
Montgomery’s fans appreciate him for his intensity on screen and for being candid in interviews.
His portrayal of Billy Hargrove generated both criticism and sympathy because the character is written as antagonistic but also human.
Many fans and critics highlighted Montgomery’s ability to show vulnerability beneath a hard exterior.
He also draws attention for his fashion and red-carpet presence. Overall, fan response has been strong, which helps him secure convention appearances and festival invites.
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FAQ’s
Q: Is Dacre Montgomery a Bollywood actor?
A: No. Dacre Montgomery is an Australian actor who works primarily in Hollywood and international film and TV. He is best known for Stranger Things and Power Rangers.
Q: What is Dacre Montgomery’s most famous role?
A: His most famous role is Billy Hargrove in Stranger Things. That character gave him a wide fan base and major industry recognition.
Q: Where did Dacre Montgomery train?
A: He trained at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) at Edith Cowan University, a respected drama school in Australia.
Q: How old is Dacre Montgomery?
A: He was born on 22 November 1994. You can calculate his age based on the current year.
Q: Has Dacre Montgomery won any awards?
A: While he has received praise and nominations for his work, especially for Stranger Things, he has not been the recipient of a long list of major industry awards as of the latest public records. Critical acclaim and fan recognition are notable parts of his career profile.
Q: Is Dacre Montgomery directing?
A: He has announced plans to direct and is developing his first project. He has also talked about wanting creative control and expanding into filmmaking. Keep an eye on entertainment press for updates.
Q: What is his estimated net worth?
A: Public estimates differ. Some recent online estimates place his net worth in the low millions. These are approximations and should be treated with caution because they are not official statements from Montgomery or his representatives.
Conclusion
Dacre Montgomery’s career shows a steady progression from training and small projects to major breakout roles and a willingness to take artistic risks.
He is an actor who has proved he can carry mainstream projects and also dive into intimate indie films.
As he moves toward directing, his career is likely to broaden further. For fans and industry watchers his choices over the next few years will be worth following.
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