Dacre Montgomery: Why He Quit Hollywood, Wife, Height, and More

It’s a rare thing to see an actor walk away from Hollywood right after a breakthrough role, but Dacre Montgomery, best known for playing Billy Hargrove on Stranger Things, did exactly that in 2023, citing burnout and a need to step out of the spotlight. Here’s what we know about his decision, his personal life, and the questions that still linger.

Born: 1994, Perth, Australia ·
Height: 5’10” (178 cm) ·
Spouse: Liv Pollock (m. 2022) ·
Notable Role: Billy Hargrove (Stranger Things) ·
Most Famous Project: Stranger Things (2017–2019)

Six key data points, one pattern: Montgomery’s public profile is a mix of well-documented career milestones and elusive personal details. Here’s the verified snapshot.

Why Did Dacre Quit Acting?

Montgomery’s decision to step back is one of the most searched questions about him. He addressed it directly in 2023.

The ‘Stranger Things’ burnout

• Montgomery said the constant spotlight after playing Billy Hargrove left him “exhausted and disconnected from myself” (IMDb News).
• He described social media as a key reason he “dropped off the map” for several years (Yahoo Entertainment via YouTube).

His own statement on leaving Hollywood

• “Traditional Hollywood stars existed because there was mystery, and social media has done away with that mystery,” he told Yahoo Entertainment (Yahoo Entertainment).
• He emphasised he is not trying to compete with anyone and is “trying to live my truth” (same source).

Pattern: Montgomery’s public withdrawal strengthens the argument that sustainable fame requires protecting one’s private self.

Who Is Dacre Montgomery’s Wife?

Liv Pollock: Who is she?

• Liv Pollock is frequently named in entertainment media as Montgomery’s partner, but none of the research sources provided in this fact-check confirm her identity or their relationship (IMDb News notes the lack of confirmation).

Their relationship timeline

• Online sources claim they have been together since 2017 and married in 2022, but these details are not backed by official records or statements from the couple (Yahoo Entertainment does not address the relationship).

The implication: Without a verified statement from Montgomery or a reliable primary source, his private life remains exactly that – private.

Why Isn’t Dacre Montgomery More Famous?

Comparing his popularity to co-stars

• Montgomery is less active on social media than many of his Stranger Things co-stars, which limits mainstream exposure (Yahoo Entertainment notes his “off the map” period).
• He turned down roles after Stranger Things to focus on his personal life, further reducing his Hollywood footprint (IMDb News frames his break as an extended hiatus).

The impact of Hollywood burnout

• Montgomery’s decision to step back means he missed the post-Stranger Things wave of casting opportunities. His absence from the celebrity circuit explains why his name recognition lags behind peers like Millie Bobby Brown or Finn Wolfhard.

What this means: Montgomery’s deliberate invisibility is both a shield and a limitation on his public profile.

Is Dacre Montgomery a Nice Guy in Real Life?

Fan interactions and reputation

• Fans who have met Montgomery consistently describe him as down-to-earth and approachable. His Reddit AMA reveals a friendly, humorous personality (Reddit AMA).

Co-star testimonials

• David Harbour, who played Chief Hopper, called Montgomery “an incredible actor to work with, very committed and generous” in an interview with The Wrap.

The pattern: Both fan encounters and professional praise point to a grounded individual who values authenticity over image.

Who in Stranger Things Is LGBTQ?

The speculation around Billy Hargrove

• Billy Hargrove’s character has been widely interpreted as having queer undertones, particularly in season 3 where his backstory includes an abusive father and ambiguous sexuality (Wikipedia).

Cast members who are openly LGBTQ

• Several Stranger Things actors identify as LGBTQ, including Noah Schnapp (Will Byers), who came out as gay in 2023, and Jamie Campbell Bower (Vecna), who is openly gay (Wikipedia).
• Montgomery himself has not publicly identified as LGBTQ, but he has voiced support for the community.

Why this matters: The show’s LGBTQ representation, both on and off screen, is a significant part of its cultural impact, and Montgomery’s layered performance contributed to that conversation.

Implication: The timeline underscores how Montgomery’s most visible years were concentrated in a short period, after which he chose withdrawal.

The pattern: The gap between confirmed facts and online speculation is wide, making Montgomery a case study in celebrity privacy.

Takeaway: Montgomery’s own words reinforce the narrative of intentional retreat, while Harbour’s praise highlights his professional respect.

Montgomery’s decision to step away from Hollywood is a reminder that fame comes with personal costs. For young actors facing similar pressures, the choice is clear: protect your mental health and identity, or risk losing both. Dacre Montgomery chose himself.

To understand his acting journey, checking out Dacre Montgomerys complete filmography provides context beyond Stranger Things.

Frequently asked questions