Dacre Montgomery (born November 22, 1994) is an Australian actor best known for his role as Billy Hargrove in the Netflix science fiction series Stranger Things and as the Red Ranger in the 2017 film Power Rangers. With his intense screen presence, emotional depth, and commitment to complex character work, Montgomery has established himself as a compelling dramatic actor who excels at portraying troubled, multifaceted characters while pursuing diverse creative interests in filmmaking and podcasting.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dacre Kayd Montgomery-Harvey |
| Date of Birth | November 22, 1994 |
| Place of Birth | Perth, Western Australia, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Occupation | Actor, Director, Podcaster |
| Years Active | 2010–present |
| Known For | Billy Hargrove in Stranger Things, Jason Scott in Power Rangers |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Education | Edith Cowan University (Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts) |
| Partner | Liv Pollock (2017–present) |
Early Life and Background
Dacre Kayd Montgomery-Harvey was born on November 22, 1994, in Perth, Western Australia. He was raised in a creative household with both parents working in the film and television industry. His mother worked as a Canadian film producer, while his father was involved in New Zealand cinema as a screenwriter and director. This upbringing surrounded by filmmaking profoundly influenced Montgomery’s artistic aspirations and understanding of the entertainment industry.
Growing up between Australia, Canada, and occasionally other countries due to his parents’ work, Montgomery developed a global perspective and adaptability from an early age. This multicultural exposure would later inform his approach to characters and storytelling.
Early Influences and Interests:
- Surrounded by film sets and creative professionals
- Exposed to various aspects of filmmaking beyond acting
- Developed interest in directing and storytelling
- Participated in school theater productions
- Early interest in method acting and character immersion
Montgomery has described himself as having been somewhat of a loner and outsider during his school years, channeling his feelings of not fitting in into his artistic pursuits. This personal experience of alienation would later serve him well in portraying complex, troubled characters like Billy Hargrove.
Education and Training:
- Attended Mount Lawley Senior High School in Perth
- Enrolled at Edith Cowan University’s Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)
- Graduated from WAAPA in 2015 with a degree in acting
- Rigorous classical training in theater, voice, and movement
- Studied method acting techniques
WAAPA is one of Australia’s most prestigious performing arts schools, known for producing acclaimed actors including Hugh Jackman, Frances O’Connor, and Lisa McCune. The intensive three-year program provided Montgomery with comprehensive training in classical and contemporary acting techniques.
Early Career in Australia
After graduating from WAAPA in 2015, Montgomery began his professional career in Australian television and independent film.
Early Work:
| Year | Project | Role | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Family Tree | Young Jason Harvey | Short Film |
| 2010 | Bertrand the Terrible | Young Mark | Short Film |
| 2015 | A Few Less Men | Backpacker | Film (small role) |
| 2016 | Safe Neighbourhood | Dylan Turner | TV Movie |
| 2016 | Better Watch Out | Jeremy | Film |
Better Watch Out (2016): Montgomery’s role in this Australian-American Christmas-themed home invasion thriller showcased his ability to play darker, more sinister characters. Though a supporting role, it demonstrated range beyond typical young leading man parts and hinted at the intensity he would bring to Billy Hargrove.
During this period, Montgomery also created self-tapes and audition materials for international opportunities, determined to break into Hollywood despite being based in Perth, one of the world’s most isolated major cities.
Breakthrough with Power Rangers
Montgomery’s international breakthrough came when he was cast as Jason Scott, the Red Ranger and leader of the Power Rangers, in Lionsgate’s 2017 reboot of the franchise.
Power Rangers (2017):
- Role: Jason Scott/Red Ranger (team leader)
- Character arc: High school football star learning responsibility and leadership
- Physical transformation: Intensive training for action sequences
- Box office: $142.3 million worldwide
- Reception: Mixed reviews, but Montgomery’s performance praised
Preparation for Power Rangers:
- Months of physical training and martial arts
- Stunt choreography and fight training
- Team building with fellow Rangers
- Understanding franchise legacy and fan expectations
Landing the role of the Red Ranger represented a significant milestone. Montgomery beat out thousands of actors worldwide for the part, showcasing his charisma and leadership qualities. The film required extensive physical preparation, including martial arts training, wirework, and stunt coordination.
While the film received mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office relative to expectations (ending plans for sequels), Montgomery’s performance was generally well-received. The role raised his international profile significantly and demonstrated his ability to carry a major studio action film.
Stranger Things and Billy Hargrove
In 2017, shortly after Power Rangers premiered, Montgomery was cast as Billy Hargrove in Season 2 of Netflix’s Stranger Things. The role would become his most acclaimed and culturally significant work.
Character Profile:
- Billy Hargrove: New student from California, aggressive stepbrother to Max Mayfield
- Character traits: Violent, troubled, abused, complex antagonist with tragic backstory
- Key relationships: Abusive father Neil, stepsister Max, complicated dynamic with Steve
- Evolution: From pure antagonist to tragic, sympathetic character across two seasons
- Signature elements: Mullet, muscle car (Camaro), 1980s toxic masculinity embodied
Character Development Across Seasons:
- Season 2: Introduced as aggressive bully and Max’s controlling stepbrother, hints of abuse
- Season 3: Mind Flayer possession, redemptive sacrifice, emotional death scene
- Legacy: Referenced in Season 4 through Max’s trauma and grief
Billy’s Cultural Complexity: Billy Hargrove was one of Stranger Things‘ most controversial and discussed characters. Initially presented as a one-dimensional antagonist embodying toxic masculinity and racism (a deleted scene suggested racist attitudes), the character evolved to reveal layers of complexity, including being a victim of severe domestic abuse.
Montgomery’s Approach to Billy:
- Extensive character backstory development with the Duffer Brothers
- Research into cycles of abuse and trauma
- Physical transformation (building muscle, maintaining period-appropriate look)
- Exploration of masculine vulnerability beneath aggression
- Commitment to making Billy’s arc authentic and earned
Season 3 Sacrifice: Billy’s death scene in the Season 3 finale, where he sacrifices himself to save Eleven from the Mind Flayer, became one of the series’ most emotional moments. Montgomery’s performance conveyed Billy’s internal struggle, brief moment of humanity, and redemptive choice with powerful subtlety.
Recognition from Stranger Things:
- Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Streaming Series (2020) – Winner
- MTV Movie & TV Awards – Best Villain nomination (2018)
- MTV Movie & TV Awards – Best Performance nomination (2019)
- Screen Actors Guild Award nomination (ensemble)
- Massive fan following and cultural impact
Montgomery’s portrayal of Billy sparked important conversations about representations of abuse, redemption, and the complexity of sympathizing with problematic characters. His work demonstrated that even antagonists could be portrayed with depth and humanity.
Post-Stranger Things Film Career
Following his Stranger Things success, Montgomery has carefully selected diverse film roles.
Major Film Projects
| Year | Film | Role | Genre | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Power Rangers | Jason Scott/Red Ranger | Action/Superhero | Lead role |
| 2019 | The Broken Hearts Gallery | Nick | Romantic Comedy | Supporting role |
| 2022 | Elvis | Steve Binder | Musical Biopic | Baz Luhrmann film |
| 2024 | Went Up the Hill | Jack | Thriller | New Zealand production |
Elvis (2022): Montgomery played television director Steve Binder in Baz Luhrmann’s biographical film about Elvis Presley. Binder was instrumental in Elvis’s 1968 comeback special. Working with acclaimed Australian director Luhrmann on a major studio biopic represented a homecoming of sorts and demonstrated Montgomery’s range in period pieces.
The film was a critical and commercial success, earning over $287 million worldwide and receiving Academy Award nominations. Montgomery’s supporting performance as the creative force behind Elvis’s comeback contributed to the film’s exploration of artistic vision and commercial pressures.
Creative Projects Beyond Acting
Montgomery has actively pursued creative endeavors outside traditional acting, demonstrating his multifaceted artistic interests.
Podcasting:
- Created and hosts the podcast DKMH (Dacre Kayd Montgomery-Harvey)
- Experimental, artistic podcast exploring consciousness, creativity, and philosophy
- Features original audio storytelling and character work
- Unconventional format challenging traditional podcast structures
- Critical acclaim for innovation and artistic ambition
DKMH Podcast Characteristics:
- Blends fiction, memoir, and experimental audio art
- Explores themes of identity, trauma, and healing
- Features immersive soundscapes and production
- Personal and vulnerable in content
- Demonstrates Montgomery’s interest in multimedia storytelling
Filmmaking and Directing:
- Directed short films and experimental video pieces
- Created visual content for social media and artistic expression
- Interest in behind-the-camera work
- Plans to direct feature films in the future
- Studied film production alongside acting
Montgomery has been vocal about his passion for directing and creating his own content. He views acting as one component of a broader artistic practice that includes writing, directing, and multimedia storytelling.
Personal Life and Relationships
Montgomery has been in a long-term relationship with model Liv Pollock since 2017.
Relationship with Liv Pollock:
- Met around the time of his Power Rangers success
- Together since approximately 2017
- Frequently share photos and support each other publicly
- Based in Los Angeles but maintain connection to Australia
- Private about relationship details while occasionally sharing moments
- Collaborative creative partnership
The couple maintains an active social media presence, often sharing artistic photography, travel experiences, and glimpses of their life together while maintaining boundaries around privacy.
Lifestyle and Interests:
- Based primarily in Los Angeles
- Regular travel between US and Australia
- Interest in photography and visual arts
- Fitness and physical training
- Meditation and mindfulness practices
- Vintage cars and motorcycles
- Environmental consciousness
Advocacy and Social Engagement
Montgomery uses his platform to engage with various social and environmental causes.
Advocacy Areas:
- Mental health awareness and destigmatization
- Environmental protection and climate action
- Indigenous Australian rights and recognition
- LGBTQ+ allyship and support
- Arts education and accessibility
- Domestic violence awareness
Public Engagement:
- Discussions about mental health in interviews
- Support for environmental organizations
- Use of platform to amplify important causes
- Engagement with Australian social issues
- Support for independent artists and creators
Montgomery has been particularly thoughtful about discussing mental health, crediting therapy, meditation, and creative expression with helping him manage the pressures of fame and the emotional demands of his work.
Acting Style and Approach
Montgomery’s approach to acting emphasizes deep character work, emotional truth, and physical transformation.
Acting Strengths:
- Intensity and emotional depth
- Physical commitment to roles
- Ability to portray complex, troubled characters
- Strong screen presence and charisma
- Vulnerability beneath tough exteriors
- Method acting techniques
Preparation and Process:
- Extensive character backstory development
- Physical transformation when required
- Psychological research into character motivations
- Collaboration with directors and writers
- Method acting immersion
- Use of personal experiences and emotions
Directors and co-stars have praised Montgomery’s commitment, preparation, and willingness to explore difficult emotional territory. His performances are characterized by intensity balanced with nuance and unexpected vulnerability.
Physical Transformation and Training
Montgomery is known for his commitment to physical preparation for roles.
Physical Work:
- Intensive gym training for Power Rangers
- Body building and physique work for Billy Hargrove
- Martial arts and fight choreography
- Stunt work and coordination
- Maintenance of period-appropriate physiques
He has discussed the mental and physical challenges of dramatic body transformations, emphasizing the importance of doing so healthily and with professional guidance.
Australian Identity and Hollywood
As an Australian actor in Hollywood, Montgomery represents the continued success of Australian talent in international entertainment.
Navigating Two Industries:
- Maintains strong connection to Australian film industry
- Returns to Australia regularly
- Proud representation of Australian talent
- Balances Hollywood career with Australian projects
- Advocates for Australian arts and culture
Montgomery has spoken about the challenges and advantages of being an Australian actor in Hollywood, including accent work, cultural differences, and the distance from family and home.
Awards and Recognition
Major Awards:
- Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Streaming Series (2020) – Winner (for Stranger Things)
Nominations:
- MTV Movie & TV Awards – Multiple nominations
- Screen Actors Guild Awards – Ensemble nominations
- Various fan-voted awards and recognitions
Industry Recognition:
- Praised for Billy Hargrove complexity
- Acknowledged for physical and emotional commitment
- Recognized for innovative creative projects (DKMH podcast)
- Featured in “rising star” and “actors to watch” lists
Net Worth
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Primary Income Sources |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | $1 million | Power Rangers, early Stranger Things |
| 2019 | $3 million | Stranger Things S3, film roles |
| 2022 | $4 million | Elvis, continued work, creative projects |
| 2025 | $5-7 million (est.) | Diverse projects, residuals |
Income Breakdown:
- Film Compensation: Lead and supporting roles in major productions
- Television: Stranger Things salary (approximately $150,000-250,000 per episode)
- Residuals: Ongoing payments from Power Rangers and Stranger Things
- Creative Projects: Podcast and multimedia ventures
- Endorsements: Select brand partnerships
- Modeling: Occasional fashion and brand work
Disclaimer: Net worth figures are estimates based on publicly available information, industry reports, and media sources. Actual net worth may vary significantly. These figures do not represent confirmed financial disclosures and should be considered approximate valuations. Net worth calculations include estimated assets, earnings, and investments but may not account for private expenses, taxes, investments, or undisclosed financial information.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Montgomery’s portrayal of Billy Hargrove has had lasting impact on television and cultural conversations.
Entertainment Industry Impact:
- Billy Hargrove as complex antagonist study
- Representation of abuse cycles and trauma
- Demonstration of redemptive character arcs
- Australian talent in major American productions
- Multi-hyphenate creative model (actor/director/podcaster)
Influence and Discussions:
- Sparked conversations about sympathizing with abusers
- Explored toxic masculinity and its sources
- Demonstrated importance of character depth in antagonists
- Inspired fan art, analysis, and discussion
- Max’s Season 4 grief showed lasting character impact
Future Projects and Aspirations
Career Goals:
- Directing feature films
- Producing original content
- Balancing acting with behind-camera work
- Exploring experimental and artistic projects
- Building sustainable creative career
Upcoming Work:
- Various film projects in development
- Continued podcast and multimedia work
- Potential directing debuts
Complete Filmography and Credits
Television:
- Stranger Things (2017–2019) – Billy Hargrove (Main Role, Seasons 2-3; brief appearances Season 4)
- Safe Neighbourhood (2016) – Dylan Turner (TV Movie)
Film:
- Went Up the Hill (2024) – Jack
- Elvis (2022) – Steve Binder
- The Broken Hearts Gallery (2020) – Nick
- Power Rangers (2017) – Jason Scott/Red Ranger
- Better Watch Out (2016) – Jeremy
- A Few Less Men (2015) – Backpacker
- Bertrand the Terrible (2010) – Young Mark (Short)
- Family Tree (2010) – Young Jason Harvey (Short)
Podcasts:
- DKMH (2020–present) – Creator, Host, Writer
50 Fascinating Facts About Dacre Montgomery
- Dacre was born on November 22, 1994, making him a Sagittarius
- He was born in Perth, Western Australia
- His mother is a Canadian film producer
- His father is a New Zealand screenwriter and director
- Dacre grew up surrounded by the film industry
- He spent time in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand growing up
- Dacre attended Mount Lawley Senior High School in Perth
- He graduated from WAAPA (Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts) in 2015
- WAAPA is the same school that trained Hugh Jackman
- Dacre described himself as an outsider during school
- He beat thousands of actors for the Red Ranger role
- Power Rangers was his first major Hollywood film
- Dacre underwent extensive martial arts training for Power Rangers
- He auditioned for Billy Hargrove via self-tape from Australia
- The Duffer Brothers were immediately impressed by his audition
- Dacre built significant muscle mass to play Billy
- He worked with the Duffers to develop Billy’s backstory
- Billy’s abusive home life was expanded based on Montgomery’s input
- Dacre researched cycles of abuse and trauma for the role
- Billy’s death scene in Season 3 became iconic
- He won a Saturn Award for his portrayal of Billy
- Dacre created the experimental podcast DKMH
- The podcast explores consciousness, creativity, and identity
- He has directed several short films
- Dacre is passionate about directing and wants to direct features
- He has been with model Liv Pollock since 2017
- Dacre and Liv frequently collaborate on creative projects
- He is an avid photographer
- Dacre practices meditation and mindfulness
- He is interested in vintage cars and motorcycles
- Dacre appeared in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis as Steve Binder
- Steve Binder directed Elvis’s 1968 comeback special
- He maintains strong connections to Australia
- Dacre regularly travels between Los Angeles and Perth
- He is an advocate for mental health awareness
- Dacre has discussed using therapy to manage fame pressures
- He supports environmental and climate causes
- Dacre is an ally to the LGBTQ+ community
- He has spoken about domestic violence awareness
- Dacre is interested in experimental and artistic filmmaking
- He views acting as one part of broader artistic practice
- Dacre has said Billy Hargrove changed his life
- He was initially supposed to appear in more Stranger Things seasons
- The character’s death was planned to be impactful from the start
- Dacre has expressed gratitude for the complexity of Billy
- He hopes to direct psychological and character-driven films
- Dacre values authenticity over commercial success
- He maintains relatively low-key public presence despite fame
- Dacre has said his outsider feelings inform his character work
- He wants to be remembered as a multifaceted artist, not just an actor
Disclaimer: This biography is based on publicly available information as of January 2026. Personal details, net worth estimates, and career information have been compiled from credible sources but may not reflect the most current developments or complete private information. All facts presented represent publicly known information and should be considered general knowledge rather than comprehensive personal disclosure.
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