Brief Introduction of Dacre Montgomery
Dacre Kayd Montgomery-Harvey is a celebrated Australian actor who has captivated global audiences with his intense and charismatic performances. He rose to international prominence for his role as the volatile and troubled antagonist, Billy Hargrove, in the acclaimed Netflix science fiction horror series, Stranger Things. His compelling portrayal of the complex character earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Prior to his breakout role in Stranger Things, Montgomery starred as Jason Scott, the Red Ranger, in the 2017 feature film reboot of Power Rangers, which introduced him to a wider international audience. Known for his dynamic screen presence, Montgomery has also appeared in films such as the romantic comedy The Broken Hearts Gallery and the Baz Luhrmann biopic Elvis. His journey from a young actor in Perth, Western Australia, to a recognized Hollywood talent is a testament to his dedication and passion for the craft of acting.
Dacre Montgomery Overview
| Full Name | Dacre Kayd Montgomery-Harvey |
| Date of Birth | November 22, 1994 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 31 |
| Birthplace | Perth, Western Australia, Australia |
| Profession | Actor |
| Husband/Wife | Not married |
| Family | Scott Montgomery-Harvey (Father), Judith Barrett-Lennard (Mother), Saskia Montgomery (Sister) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Liv Pollock (engaged) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $2 million – $3 million |
Early Life and Education of Dacre Montgomery
Dacre Montgomery was born on November 22, 1994, in Perth, Western Australia. His parents, Canadian mother Judith Barrett-Lennard and New Zealander father Scott Montgomery-Harvey, both worked in the Australian film industry behind the camera. This early exposure to film sets ignited a passion for acting in Montgomery from a young age. He began performing on screen and in theater at the age of nine. Montgomery attended Bayswater Primary School and later Mount Lawley Senior High School, where he was enrolled in a specialist visual and performing arts program. His talent and ambition were evident even then, as his fellow Year 12 students voted him “The most likely student to become a Hollywood star.” Throughout his secondary education, Montgomery continued to hone his craft by participating in school productions and attending acting workshops at the prestigious Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). Despite facing challenges, including being bullied for his weight and interest in theater, he remained determined. After graduating high school, he pursued higher education in the dramatic arts, earning his Bachelor of Arts in Acting from WAAPA at Edith Cowan University in 2015, an institution known for producing accomplished actors like Hugh Jackman.
Dacre Montgomery’s Career
Dacre Montgomery’s acting career began in his teenage years with roles in short films and local productions. His first credited role was in the 2010 short film Betrand the Terrible as Fred. The following year, he appeared in a TV pilot titled Family Tree. In 2015, he was featured in the music video for “Old Souls” by the Australian deathcore band Make Them Suffer. His career began to gain significant momentum after graduating from WAAPA. His feature film debut came with the Australian adventure comedy A Few Less Men in 2017. However, it was his casting as Jason Scott, the Red Ranger and leader of the Power Rangers, in the 2017 film reboot of Power Rangers that marked his major Hollywood breakthrough. This role brought him international recognition and showcased his ability to lead a major franchise film.
The turning point in Dacre Montgomery’s career arrived in 2017 when he joined the cast of the Netflix phenomenon Stranger Things for its second season. He was cast as Billy Hargrove, the charismatic, yet violent and abusive older stepbrother of Max Mayfield. Montgomery’s portrayal of the multi-layered antagonist was met with widespread critical acclaim. He brought a dangerous and unpredictable energy to the role, which became a central and tragic part of the show’s narrative, particularly in the third season. His performance earned him nominations for an MTV Movie & TV Award and, along with the ensemble cast, two nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. He reprised the role in a guest capacity in the fourth season. Beyond his most famous role, Montgomery has sought to diversify his portfolio. He starred in the 2017 Christmas horror film Better Watch Out and showcased a lighter, more charming side in the 2020 romantic comedy The Broken Hearts Gallery, which was produced by Selena Gomez. In 2022, he portrayed television director Steve Binder in Baz Luhrmann’s critically acclaimed biopic Elvis. More recently, he took a leading role in the film Went Up the Hill, which premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. In August 2025, Montgomery revealed he took a brief hiatus from acting to recalibrate his career path towards more art-house films, and in October 2025, he began principal photography on his directorial debut, The Engagement Party, in which he also stars.
Dacre Montgomery Personal Life & Family
Dacre Montgomery was born to parents who were both involved in the film industry, which greatly influenced his career path. His father, Scott Montgomery-Harvey, is from New Zealand, and his mother, Judith Barrett-Lennard, is Canadian. He has a younger sister named Saskia. Montgomery has been in a long-term relationship with model Liv Pollock since 2017. The couple, both from Perth, met through mutual contacts and their relationship blossomed through social media. Pollock, who has studied architecture and also works as a recipe developer, has been a constant support for Montgomery throughout his rise to fame, often accompanying him to public events. In December 2023, Pollock announced their engagement on Instagram. Montgomery has been open about his personal struggles, including dealing with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which he has described as a condition that both “fuels” and “hinders” him. He has also spoken about experiencing anxiety from a young age and being bullied during his school years. He and Liv Pollock are both ambassadors for the Australian Red Cross, actively participating in relief efforts.
Awards and Achievements of Dacre Montgomery
- Nominated – Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actor: Sci-Fi for Power Rangers (2017)
- Nominated – Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for Stranger Things (2018)
- Nominated – MTV Movie & TV Award for Scene Stealer for Stranger Things (2018)
- Nominated – Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for Stranger Things (2020)
- Nominated – CinEuphoria Award for Best Ensemble – International Competition for Elvis (2023)
Dacre Montgomery Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Dacre Montgomery’s net worth is estimated to be between $2 million and $3 million. His wealth has been primarily accumulated through his successful acting career. His role in the blockbuster film Power Rangers and his significant part in the hugely popular Netflix series Stranger Things have been major contributors to his income. For the third season of Stranger Things, he was reportedly paid $150,000 per episode. Besides these major roles, his appearances in other films such as The Broken Hearts Gallery and Elvis have also added to his earnings. In addition to acting, Montgomery has other ventures that contribute to his income, including his poetry podcast, “DKMH,” and a published book of his poetry. His income sources include salaries from film and television projects, royalties, and revenue from his creative side projects.
Legacy and Influence
Dacre Montgomery has quickly established himself as a compelling and versatile actor of his generation. His portrayal of Billy Hargrove in Stranger Things is particularly noteworthy for its complexity and the depth he brought to a character that could have easily been a one-dimensional villain. This role resonated with a global audience and showcased his ability to handle intense, emotionally demanding material. His willingness to be open about his personal struggles with anxiety and bullying has also made him a relatable figure for many of his fans, demonstrating resilience and inspiring others to pursue their passions despite adversity. By choosing to explore different genres, from action blockbusters to romantic comedies and independent films, Montgomery is building a career that defies easy categorization. His venture into writing, directing, and podcasting with his own poetry indicates a desire to be a multi-faceted artist, not just an actor. He is seen as one of the promising young actors in Hollywood, with the potential to become a defining face in the industry for years to come.
Interesting Facts about Dacre Montgomery
- Both of his parents worked in the film industry, giving him an early introduction to the world of entertainment.
- In high school, his classmates voted him “The most likely student to become a Hollywood star.”
- For his Stranger Things audition, he created an elaborate short film which included him dancing naked in a G-string to 80s music to capture the wild essence of the character Billy Hargrove.
- He is a published poet and has a podcast called “DKMH” where he shares his poetry set to music.
- He has appeared in music videos for Australian bands, including “Old Souls” by Make Them Suffer and “Chateau” by Angus & Julia Stone.
- He has spoken openly about having Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
- He is a descendant of Sir Thomas Barrett-Lennard, 1st Baronet.
Controversies
There are no widely reported major controversies involving Dacre Montgomery. He has maintained a professional public image focused on his acting career and creative pursuits.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Approximately 8.4 million followers
- Twitter – Not publicly available
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Final Words about Dacre Montgomery
Dacre Montgomery’s career trajectory is a compelling narrative of talent, persistence, and artistic integrity. From his early days in Perth to becoming a recognized figure in global entertainment, he has demonstrated a remarkable range and commitment to his craft. His role as Billy Hargrove in Stranger Things will undoubtedly remain a significant part of his legacy, but he has made it clear that he does not want to be defined by a single character. Recently, Montgomery has expressed a desire to steer his career towards projects that align more with his artistic sensibilities, focusing on character-driven, art-house films. This deliberate move, which includes stepping into the director’s chair for his own film, signals a new and exciting chapter in his professional life. As he continues to take on challenging roles and explore different facets of storytelling, Dacre Montgomery is poised to have a lasting and significant impact on the film industry, solidifying his status as not just a rising star, but a dedicated and evolving artist.
