Noah Schnapp, known for his role in Stranger Things, recently spoke about the difficult experiences he had with fame as a young teenager. When promoting the series at just 12 or 13 years old, Schnapp was often confronted by journalists who questioned him about his sexuality, forcing him into uncomfortable conversations before he was ready. These early encounters significantly impacted his personal development and public image.
The Challenge of Navigating Identity Amid Media Pressure
In an interview with TIME, Schnapp recalled how reporters persistently asked,
“Is he gay? Are you gay?”
during press junkets, leaving him unsure how to respond. The actor described feeling scared to address these invasive questions publicly while still defining his own identity. It wasn’t until years later that he felt prepared to embrace his truth openly.
The Role of His Character in Embracing His Own Sexuality
Schnapp came out as gay in January 2023 at age 18, a milestone that followed years of speculation about both himself and his Stranger Things character, Will Byers. In a 2022 Variety cover story, he explained how playing Will helped him accept his sexuality.
“Once I did fully embrace that Will was gay, it was just an exponential speed towards accepting it for myself,”
Schnapp said.
“If I never played that character, I probably would still be closeted.”
Public Support Bolstered His Confidence
The actor discussed the overwhelmingly positive reaction to the revelation of Will Byers’ sexuality. Schnapp saw widespread encouragement on social media, which eased his fears about coming out.
“Everyone was like, ‘Oh, Will’s gay! Hooray!’ I saw all these comments on Instagram and TikTok,”
he shared.
“There was not one bad thing about him being gay. I was like, if he has all this support, then why should I worry about anything?”
How Coming Out Influences His Performance in Stranger Things Season 5
Now 21, Schnapp prepares to return for Stranger Things Season 5 as an openly gay actor. Reflecting on this new chapter, he anticipates that his personal growth will affect his portrayal of Will.
“I think the way I act in Season 5 might be a little different. I will be fully aware of who I am,”
he said.
“Knowing all that about myself and being able to invest that in my character, I’m honestly just excited.”
Stranger Things Season 5 will premiere with Volume 1 on November 26, marking a significant moment for both Schnapp and the series as his personal journey intertwines with his character’s evolution.
