Dacre Montgomery: Age, Height, Wife, and Why He Left Hollywood

Few actors have left such a lasting impression in just two seasons of television as Dacre Montgomery did with Billy Hargrove on Stranger Things, before stepping away from Hollywood in 2023. Now he’s re-emerging on his own terms, and this article examines his age, height, marriage, career moves, and the real reasons he left the spotlight.

Born: 1994 ·
Age: 31 ·
Known for: Billy Hargrove in Stranger Things ·
Partner: Liv Pollock

Eight key facts about Dacre Montgomery, one pattern: he’s built a career on selective, high-impact roles rather than volume.

Why did Dacre Montgomery quit Stranger Things?

Montgomery’s character Billy Hargrove was killed off at the end of season 3, but the actor’s departure from the franchise was always a creative decision by the showrunners. The real question is why he left Hollywood entirely after the show ended.

In a 2025 interview with Yahoo Entertainment, Montgomery said he “stepped away from the industry for quite some time” because he felt he needed to protect himself. The Variety report described his exit as a “six-year break” — a deliberate step back rather than a full retirement.

What did Dacre Montgomery say about leaving Hollywood?

• He told Yahoo Entertainment that the break was about preserving his mental health and finding authentic work.
• In a Yahoo Entertainment Facebook video, he elaborated that he needed to step away to protect himself from burnout.
• He has since returned for the Gus Van Sant film Dead Man’s Wire and is editing his directorial debut The Engagement Party (Variety).

The implication: Montgomery’s departure was less about the Stranger Things character and more about the toll of the industry itself. He chose to rebuild his career from the ground up, on his own terms.

Why did they replace Holly in Stranger Things?

The recasting of Holly Wheeler in season 4 is a separate production decision unrelated to Montgomery. The showrunners made a creative choice to bring in a different actress for the younger Wheeler sibling. Montgomery’s character was already dead, so no connection exists.

Does Dacre Montgomery have a wife?

Yes, Dacre Montgomery married Liv Pollock in 2022. Pollock is an Australian model and actress from Perth. The couple began their relationship through mutual friends and social media, according to Seventeen. As of 2025, the relationship is still ongoing, Yahoo Entertainment reports.

Does Dacre Montgomery have children?

No, Montgomery and Pollock do not have children as of 2024. The couple has kept their personal life relatively private, focusing on their respective careers.

How did he meet Liv Pollock?

According to Seventeen, they met through mutual friends and social media in Perth, Australia. In 2020, realestate.com.au reported that the couple was shopping for a Sydney apartment together, indicating a serious commitment well before the wedding.

The pattern: Montgomery has built a stable, low-key personal life away from the Hollywood glare, with a partner who shares his Australian roots.

Is Dacre Montgomery a nice guy in real life?

Co-stars and fans consistently describe Montgomery as approachable and down-to-earth. In a Reddit AMA, he engaged with humor and openness, answering questions about his acting process and his love for the Stranger Things fanbase (PEOPLE).

What do co-stars say about Dacre Montgomery?

• His Stranger Things castmates have described him as professional and friendly on set, though specific quotes are anecdotal.
• He told PEOPLE that he is “excited for the series finale” because of what the fans mean to him, indicating a genuine appreciation for his audience.

Who is LGBT in Stranger Things in real life?

Several actors from the show are LGBTQ+ in real life, including Noah Schnapp (Will Byers) and Grace Van Dien (Chrissy Cunningham). Montgomery himself has not publicly identified as LGBTQ+, and the question often arises from fan curiosity about the show’s diverse representation.

The catch: “Nice guy” is subjective, but the available evidence — from interviews, fan interactions, and co-star comments — paints a picture of a grounded, thoughtful actor.

Why isn’t Dacre Montgomery more famous?

Despite his breakout role as Billy Hargrove, Montgomery has not become a household name like some of his Stranger Things co-stars. Several factors explain this.

What movies has Dacre Montgomery starred in?

Montgomery’s filmography reflects his selective approach to roles.

How did his role in Power Rangers affect his career?

Power Rangers (2017) received mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office. While it didn’t boost his fame as expected, it did give him a lead role in a major franchise. Brave New Hollywood notes that the film’s reception limited its impact on his career trajectory.

How tall is Dacre Montgomery?

His height is often noted in celebrity comparisons. At 5’10” (178 cm), he is of average height for a male lead, and this has been a topic of discussion in fan forums. No official source confirms this, but it’s widely reported across entertainment databases.

Why isn’t he more famous? (The deliberate answer)

Montgomery himself chose to step back. After Stranger Things, he took a six-year break, deliberately reducing his public exposure. The decision to prioritize creative control over fame means he has fewer projects, but those he does choose — like Dead Man’s Wire — are carefully selected (Variety).

Is Zac Efron related to Dacre Montgomery?

No, Dacre Montgomery and Zac Efron are not related by blood or marriage. They share a physical resemblance — both have similar facial features and hair — but there are no family ties.

Why do Dacre Montgomery and Zac Efron look alike?

The resemblance is coincidental. Both are Australian? No, Efron is American. The similarity is often noted in online comments, but no genetic relationship exists. The closest connection is that both are actors who have played teenage heartthrob roles.

Are Dacre Montgomery and Zac Efron friends?

They have not publicly stated a friendship or professional collaboration. The comparison remains purely a fan observation.

The pattern: This is a common internet curiosity — two actors who look alike but have no connection. Montgomery’s response to such comparisons has been lighthearted in interviews.

Timeline

• 22 November 1994: Born in Perth, Australia.
• 2016: Feature film debut in A Few Less Men.
• 2017: Portrayed Jason Scott in Power Rangers.
• 2017-2019: Played Billy Hargrove in Stranger Things seasons 2-3.
• 2022: Married Liv Pollock.
• 2023: Announced departure from Hollywood, citing burnout and desire for creative autonomy.
• 2024: Resides in Australia, pursuing independent projects.
• 2025: Returns to screen with Dead Man’s Wire; directorial debut The Engagement Party in post-production.

Quotes

“I stepped away from the industry for quite some time. I felt I needed to protect myself.”

— Dacre Montgomery to Yahoo Entertainment

Montgomery told PEOPLE he remains grateful to fans and is looking forward to the Stranger Things finale. (PEOPLE)

For Dacre Montgomery, the return to acting is not about reclaiming fame — it’s about reclaiming control. His independent path offers a clear trade-off: fewer blockbusters, but work that matters to him. For fans who fell in love with Billy Hargrove, the wait has been long, but the next chapter is finally here on his own terms.

Frequently asked questions