On Christmas Day 2025, as families across the globe unwrapped gifts and settled in for holiday traditions, Netflix delivered its own present: the highly anticipated release of "Stranger Things" Season 5, Volume 2. With just the series finale left—set to drop on New Year’s Eve—fans are both excited and sentimental, savoring every moment as the beloved show approaches its end. But as viewers binge the latest episodes, some may be surprised to learn that a few of the series’ stars share deep-rooted ties to New England, adding a layer of local pride to the show’s already massive appeal.
Among the core cast, three actors stand out for their connections to the region: Joe Keery, David Harbour, and Gaten Matarazzo. Their journeys, both on and off the screen, have intertwined with New England in ways that might surprise even the most devoted fans.
Joe Keery, best known for his role as the ever-evolving Steve Harrington, hails from Newburyport, Massachusetts. According to Wicked Local and Boston.com, Keery’s roots in the performing arts run deep in his hometown. He began his acting career at Theater in the Open, a program based in Maudslay State Park in Newburyport. That early exposure to community theater helped shape the actor who would later charm millions as the bat-wielding, unlikely hero of Hawkins, Indiana. Keery hasn’t forgotten his roots either; as recently as 2025, he was spotted at a local coffee shop in Newburyport, graciously taking photos with staff, as reported by Mass Live. Sometimes, even after battling demogorgons, you just need a good cup of coffee and a reminder of home.
David Harbour, who brings both gravitas and vulnerability to the role of police chief Jim Hopper, also boasts a strong New England connection. Harbour graduated from Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, in 1997, according to Valley News. But his ties to the region don’t end there. As noted by Q97.9, Harbour once called his time at the Theater in Monmouth, Maine, "the happiest he’d ever been." In 2023, he returned to Maine for a special Q&A event in Monmouth, making time to visit local favorites like A1 Diner in Gardiner, where he was spotted snapping a photo. Harbour’s love for New England seems to run as deep as his character’s love for Hawkins.
Rounding out the trio is Gaten Matarazzo, the actor behind the quick-witted and lovable Dustin Henderson. Matarazzo was born in New London, Connecticut, in 2002 and spent his first two months in Mystic before relocating to New Jersey, according to CT Insider. While his stint in Connecticut was brief, Matarazzo’s ties to the state endured. He returned several times for events such as the Starpower Talent Competition Nationals at Mohegan Sun and even performed in New Haven in 2013 as part of the touring company for "Les Miserables." Over the years, he’s also lent his talents to projects like "The Angry Birds Movie 2" and "Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy." For Connecticut locals, there’s a sense of pride in knowing one of their own has played such a pivotal role in a cultural phenomenon.
As "Stranger Things" barrels toward its conclusion, it’s not just the stars with New England roots who are capturing attention. In the three new episodes released on December 25, a long-underrated character finally takes center stage: Mr. Clarke, played by Randy Havens. According to The Mary Sue, Mr. Clarke has always been the unsung hero of the series—the science teacher who not only guided Will, Dustin, Mike, and Lucas through their academic pursuits but also provided crucial support in their supernatural adventures. Whether helping the kids in the AV Club or answering their late-night questions, Mr. Clarke has consistently gone above and beyond for his students.
In the latest episodes, the stakes are higher than ever. Dustin, Steve, Nancy, and Jonathan find themselves trapped in the Upside Down, while Erica, Murray, and Mr. Clarke work feverishly to triangulate Dustin’s location. The twist? No one bothers to fill Mr. Clarke in on the full extent of the danger. Instead, they show up at his house in the middle of the night, and—true to form—Mr. Clarke doesn’t hesitate to help. As The Mary Sue describes, "Mr. Clarke answered the door in the middle of the night despite being in bed with a woman, showing his dedication to helping the kids." It’s a testament to his unwavering commitment, even when the situation is, well, more than a little inconvenient.
Throughout the series, Mr. Clarke has never turned his students away. Even when he tried to draw boundaries, he always found himself pulled back in by their curiosity and need for guidance. In season 5, his actions become even more remarkable—helping Erica and the others locate Dustin’s signal despite being kept largely in the dark about what’s really going on. As The Mary Sue puts it, "He just wanted to help and left and that’s why Mr. Clarke is easily one of the best characters on this show!" It’s hard to argue with that sentiment. In a story filled with monsters and mayhem, sometimes the real heroes are the ones who quietly, steadfastly support those around them.
Of course, the heart of "Stranger Things" has always been its ensemble cast and their chemistry—on and off the screen. The show’s blend of nostalgia, horror, and heartfelt coming-of-age moments has resonated with viewers around the world. But for fans in New England, there’s an extra layer of connection. Knowing that actors like Keery, Harbour, and Matarazzo spent formative years in the region adds a touch of local pride to every Demogorgon battle and every trip to the Upside Down.
As the series finale approaches, speculation is running wild. Will Hawkins finally find peace? Will the Upside Down be vanquished for good? And will Mr. Clarke ever get the recognition he deserves from his students—or perhaps even a Nobel Peace Prize, as some fans jokingly suggest? One thing’s for sure: as "Stranger Things" prepares to close the book on its epic story, the contributions of both its stars and its unsung heroes will not be forgotten.
So, whether you’re binge-watching from a cozy living room in Massachusetts, reminiscing about college days in New Hampshire, or rooting for Dustin from Connecticut, there’s never been a better time to celebrate the ways "Stranger Things" has brought people—and places—together. With only one episode left, fans are holding their breath, eager to see how it all ends, and perhaps feeling a little more connected to the magic, thanks to the New England spirit woven throughout the show.
