Noah Schnapp, the actor behind Will Byers in Netflix's global hit Stranger Things, has revealed that playing a gay character for nearly a decade was the key factor that helped him accept his own sexuality and ultimately come out.
The Role That Mirrored Reality
In a candid reflection, Schnapp stated that without the experience of portraying Will's journey, he would likely still be concealing his true self. "I would be in a completely different place if I didn’t have Will to portray, and to embrace and help me accept myself," the actor explained. He added with conviction, "I think if I never played that character, I probably would still be closeted."
The actor publicly came out as gay in January 2023, sharing a now-deleted TikTok video that resonated with millions. The video's caption read, "I guess I'm more similar to Will than I thought," and detailed his relief after telling friends and family. He wrote that their response was simply, "we know." The video amassed over 100 million views, flooding the star with support.
From Screen Inspiration to Personal Courage
Schnapp described the overwhelming positive reaction to his announcement. "When I opened my phone at the end of the car ride, it was, like, a thousand texts of hearts and congratulations and rainbow flags. I was crying," he recalled. That moment of acceptance was a profound relief, marking the end of an 18-year period of fear.
Critically, Schnapp credits the audience's embrace of his character's sexuality as the catalyst for his own bravery. After years of fan speculation about Will Byers, the character's confirmed gay storyline in Stranger Things season 4 was met with widespread celebration. "I saw all these comments... There was not one bad thing about him being gay," Schnapp noted. "I was like, if he has all this support, then why should I worry about anything?"
He elaborated on the transformative effect, saying, "Once I did fully embrace that Will was gay, it was just an exponential speed towards accepting it for myself."
A Pivotal Friendship and Self-Discovery
The actor's personal awakening coincided with his move to university in 2022. He described a moment of clarity when he realised he wasn't interested in female attention, leading to the internal admission, "Holy sh*t. I know now." Despite confiding in his twin sister, Chloe, he returned to campus still hiding his truth, a period he found "really hard" and "miserable."
He gradually came out to his family and his Stranger Things castmates. His close friend and co-star, Millie Bobby Brown, reacted with characteristic warmth, exclaiming, "Oh, Schnapper! You told me finally!"
Will's Storyline Reaches a Beautiful Crescendo
In the recently released Stranger Things 5, Will's sexuality is explored more explicitly and beautifully. He forms a meaningful connection with Robin Buckley (played by Maya Hawke), who is a lesbian. After Will witnesses Robin and her girlfriend Vickie together, the two share a deep conversation.
In a standout scene, Robin delivers a powerful monologue to Will, advising him to look within himself for answers rather than seeking validation from others, specifically regarding his long-held feelings for Mike Wheeler. This moment of solidarity and understanding gives Will the strength to become a hero in his own right later in the season.
Schnapp sees immense value in this universal narrative. He discussed with show creator Matt Duffer how Will's story, while queer, speaks to anyone who has felt different or excluded. "We all suffer from that as we grow up," Schnapp said. He hopes Will's arc empowers viewers, proving that "if he can do it as that scared little boy... then I, too, can be my own superhero."
The actor's journey, from portraying a closeted character to embracing his own identity publicly, underscores the profound real-world impact that thoughtful, long-term LGBTQ+ representation in media can have, both on the performer and on millions of fans watching at home.
