Natalia Dyer | It's Netflix Nerd

Natalia Dyer (born January 13, 1995) is an American actress best known for her role as Nancy Wheeler in the Netflix science fiction horror series Stranger Things. With her distinctive screen presence and ability to portray both vulnerability and strength, Dyer has established herself as a talented dramatic actress who balances mainstream success with independent film work, consistently choosing challenging and diverse roles across her career.

Quick Facts

Category	Details
Full Name	Natalia Danielle Dyer
Date of Birth	January 13, 1995
Place of Birth	Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Nationality	American
Occupation	Actress
Years Active	2009–present
Known For	Nancy Wheeler in Stranger Things
Height	5’4″ (163 cm)
Education	Nashville School of the Arts, New York University (attended)
Partner	Charlie Heaton (2016–present)

Early Life and Background

Natalia Danielle Dyer was born on January 13, 1995, in Nashville, Tennessee. She grew up in the Music City in a supportive family environment that encouraged her creative interests from a young age. Information about her parents and family life has been kept relatively private, as Dyer has maintained strong boundaries around her personal background throughout her career.

Dyer developed an interest in acting during her childhood and began pursuing it seriously as a teenager. She attended the Nashville School of the Arts, a public magnet school that provides specialized training in visual and performing arts. The school’s rigorous program allowed her to develop her craft while receiving a well-rounded education.

Early Training and Education:

Nashville School of the Arts (specialized performing arts training)
Participated in local theater productions
Studied acting techniques and performance
Developed foundation in character work
Maintained academic excellence alongside artistic pursuits

After graduating from high school, Dyer moved to New York City to attend New York University, though she would eventually leave to pursue acting opportunities full-time. The decision to prioritize her career over completing her degree reflects the challenging choices many young actors face when opportunities arise.

Early Career

Dyer began her professional acting career while still in her teens, appearing in independent films and building experience before her breakthrough role.

Early Film Work:

Year	Film	Role	Type
2009	Hannah Montana: The Movie	Clarissa Granger	Supporting role
2014	I Believe in Unicorns	Davina	Lead role
2014	The Greening of Whitney Brown	Lily	Supporting
2016	Don’t Let Me Go	Angela	Lead role

Hannah Montana: The Movie (2009): At just 14 years old, Dyer made her film debut in the Miley Cyrus vehicle Hannah Montana: The Movie, playing a small supporting role. While brief, the experience on a major studio production provided valuable on-set learning.

I Believe in Unicorns (2014): In this independent coming-of-age drama, Dyer played Davina, a teenage girl who escapes her difficult home life by running away with an older boy. The film, which premiered at SXSW, showcased her ability to handle complex emotional material and marked her as a serious young actress willing to take on challenging indie projects.

Early Career Characteristics:

Focus on independent films and character-driven stories
Willingness to take risks with unconventional material
Building craft through diverse roles
Developing screen presence and technique
Balancing film work with education

Breakthrough with Stranger Things

In 2016, Dyer was cast as Nancy Wheeler in the Duffer Brothers’ Netflix series Stranger Things. At 21 years old, she took on the role of a high school student navigating both typical teenage concerns and supernatural threats in 1980s Indiana.

Character Profile:

Nancy Wheeler: Overachieving high school student, older sister to Mike Wheeler
Character traits: Intelligent, determined, investigative, evolving from conformist to rebel
Key relationships: Romance with Steve then Jonathan, protective sister to Mike, friendship with Barb
Evolution: From popularity-focused teenager to crusading journalist across five seasons
Signature elements: Investigation skills, gun proficiency, moral courage

Character Development Across Seasons:

Season 1: Popular girl guilt-ridden over best friend Barb’s death, initial relationship with Steve
Season 2: Seeking justice for Barb, developing feelings for Jonathan Byers
Season 3: Working as newspaper intern, fighting workplace sexism, established relationship with Jonathan
Season 4: Investigating Vecna curse, college applications, relationship strain with Jonathan
Season 5: Anticipated conclusion (2025)

Film Career During and After Stranger Things

Despite the demands of Stranger Things, Dyer has consistently pursued film work, particularly in independent cinema, demonstrating commitment to diverse and challenging roles.

Major Film Projects

Year	Film	Role	Genre	Notes
2016	Things Heard & Seen	Catherine Clare	Thriller/Horror	Netflix, with Amanda Seyfried
2018	Mountain Rest	Frankie	Drama	Independent film
2018	After Darkness	Stella	Sci-fi/Thriller	Independent
2019	Velvet Buzzsaw	Coco	Horror/Satire	Netflix, ensemble cast
2020	Yes, God, Yes	Alice	Comedy-Drama	Lead role, critical acclaim
2022	All Fun and Games	Billie	Horror	Independent horror
2023	Chestnut	Annie	Drama	Independent film

Notable Performances:

Yes, God, Yes (2020): Dyer’s performance in this coming-of-age comedy-drama represents one of her most acclaimed film roles. Playing Alice, a teenage Catholic school student in the early 2000s grappling with sexual awakening and religious guilt, Dyer delivered a nuanced, empathetic performance. The film, which premiered at SXSW, earned strong reviews with critics particularly praising Dyer’s ability to convey Alice’s confusion and self-discovery with humor and honesty.

The role showcased her range beyond Stranger Things and demonstrated her ability to carry a film as a solo lead. The film’s frank discussion of female sexuality and religious hypocrisy, combined with Dyer’s relatable performance, made it a critical success in the independent film world.

Velvet Buzzsaw (2019): In Dan Gilroy’s satirical horror film for Netflix, Dyer appeared alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, and Toni Collette in a dark comedy about the contemporary art world. While her role as Coco was supporting, working with such an acclaimed ensemble cast and director provided valuable experience.

Things Heard & Seen (2021): Starring opposite Amanda Seyfried in this ghost story thriller, Dyer played a young woman in a small college town dealing with supernatural occurrences. The Netflix film allowed her to explore the horror genre in a different context from Stranger Things.

Film Career Philosophy:

Prioritizes character complexity over budget size
Actively seeks independent and experimental projects
Balances mainstream work with artistic challenges
Interested in stories about women’s experiences
Values working with emerging filmmakers

Relationship with Charlie Heaton

Dyer has been in a long-term relationship with her Stranger Things co-star Charlie Heaton (who plays Jonathan Byers) since approximately 2016, making them one of the show’s real-life couples.

Relationship Characteristics:

Met on set of Stranger Things
Began dating during or shortly after Season 1
Maintained privacy while occasionally appearing together publicly
Support each other’s careers
Work together professionally on the show
Rarely discuss relationship in interviews
Appear together at select events and premieres

The couple has been notably private about their relationship, offering limited details in interviews and maintaining boundaries between their professional and personal lives. They have successfully navigated the challenges of both working together and dating for nearly a decade.

Acting Style and Approach

Dyer’s approach to acting emphasizes emotional authenticity, detailed character work, and psychological realism.

Acting Strengths:

Conveys complex internal emotional states
Subtle, naturalistic performance style
Strong sense of character psychology
Ability to balance strength and vulnerability
Chemistry with scene partners
Versatility across genres

Preparation and Process:

Detailed character research and backstory development
Collaboration with directors and writers
Physical and vocal preparation for roles
Drawing on personal experiences appropriately
Commitment to emotional truth

Directors and co-stars have praised Dyer’s intelligence, preparation, and collaborative spirit. Her performances are characterized by restraint and nuance rather than broad emotional displays.

Fashion and Public Image

Dyer has developed a distinct personal style and has become recognized for her fashion choices, particularly on red carpets.

Fashion Profile:

Known for vintage-inspired, romantic aesthetic
Frequently wears Dior and other luxury brands
Praised for unique, individual style choices
Avoids overly trendy or derivative looks
Works with stylists for major events
Featured in fashion publications

Public Image:

Maintains private, low-key public persona
Selective about interviews and appearances
Thoughtful and articulate in press situations
Avoids controversy and drama
Values authenticity over celebrity culture

Dyer has cultivated a reputation as intelligent, grounded, and professional—someone more interested in the work than the fame that comes with it.

Advocacy and Social Engagement

While generally private, Dyer has occasionally used her platform to support causes and speak on important issues.

Areas of Interest:

Women’s rights and gender equality
Mental health awareness
LGBTQ+ rights and representation
Environmental causes
Support for independent cinema

Public Engagement:

Selective participation in advocacy campaigns
Support for charitable organizations
Thoughtful engagement with social issues
Use of platform for meaningful causes

Body Image and Media Scrutiny

Dyer has faced inappropriate public scrutiny regarding her body and appearance, particularly concerning her naturally slender frame. She has occasionally addressed this scrutiny, expressing frustration with the focus on actresses’ bodies rather than their work.

Response to Body Scrutiny:

Addressed speculation about her weight
Emphasized importance of focusing on work, not appearance
Criticized media’s obsession with women’s bodies
Advocates for body autonomy and privacy
Refuses to engage with harmful narratives

Her experience highlights ongoing issues around how women in entertainment are discussed and scrutinized based on appearance rather than talent and work.

Awards and Recognition

Major Awards:

Screen Actors Guild Awards (2) – Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (2017, 2018)
Various ensemble awards with Stranger Things cast

Critical Recognition:

Praised for Yes, God, Yes performance
Acknowledged for Nancy Wheeler character evolution
Featured in “actresses to watch” and similar lists
Recognition from independent film festivals
Critical acclaim for balancing mainstream and indie work

Personal Interests

Hobbies and Interests:

Reading and literature
Vintage fashion and thrifting
Music and live performances
Photography
Spending time with friends and family
Exploring cities and traveling

Dyer maintains a relatively normal life outside of acting, prioritizing personal relationships and simple pleasures over celebrity lifestyle.

Education and Intellectual Pursuits

Despite leaving NYU to pursue acting, Dyer maintains intellectual curiosity:

Educational Journey:

Nashville School of the Arts (graduated)
New York University (attended, did not complete)
Self-directed learning and reading
Interest in literature and film history
Values continuous learning

Net Worth

Year	Estimated Net Worth	Primary Income Sources
2016	$500,000	Early film work, Stranger Things Season 1
2019	$2 million	Increased TV salary, film roles
2022	$4 million	Later seasons, independent films
2025	$5-7 million (est.)	Final season, continued film work

Income Breakdown:

Television Salary: Reported $250,000-350,000 per episode of Stranger Things (later seasons)
Film Compensation: Independent and streaming film payments
Endorsements: Select brand partnerships, particularly fashion
Residuals: Ongoing payments from Stranger Things and films
Fashion Work: Campaign and event appearances

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Dyer’s impact extends beyond her individual performances to broader conversations about representation and character development in television.

Entertainment Industry Contributions:

Nancy Wheeler as feminist icon and character evolution model
Demonstration of balancing mainstream and independent work
Representation of complex young women on screen
Advocate for substance over celebrity
Example of maintaining privacy while achieving success

Influence on Audiences:

Role model for young women finding their voice
Representation of intelligence and determination
Example of character growth and self-discovery
Inspiration for pursuing authentic path

Future Projects and Aspirations

Dyer has expressed interest in continuing to diversify her career:

Career Goals:

Exploring different genres and character types
Working with visionary directors
Potential producing opportunities
Continued support for independent cinema
Building sustainable, long-term career

Upcoming Work:

Stranger Things Season 5 (final season, 2025)
Various independent film projects in development

Complete Filmography and Credits

Television:

Stranger Things (2016–2025) – Nancy Wheeler (Main Role, Seasons 1-5)

Film:

Chestnut (2023) – Annie
All Fun and Games (2022) – Billie
Things Heard & Seen (2021) – Catherine Clare
Yes, God, Yes (2020) – Alice
Velvet Buzzsaw (2019) – Coco
After Darkness (2018) – Stella
Mountain Rest (2018) – Frankie
Long Nights, Short Mornings (2016) – Ella
Don’t Let Me Go (2016) – Angela
I Believe in Unicorns (2014) – Davina
The Greening of Whitney Brown (2011) – Lily
Hannah Montana: The Movie (2009) – Clarissa Granger

50 Fascinating Facts About Natalia Dyer

Natalia was born on January 13, 1995, making her a Capricorn
She was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee
Natalia attended the Nashville School of the Arts
She studied performing arts with specialized training
Natalia moved to New York City for college at NYU
She left NYU to pursue acting full-time
Her film debut was in Hannah Montana: The Movie at age 14
Natalia appeared in independent films before Stranger Things
She was 21 years old when cast as Nancy Wheeler
Nancy Wheeler was originally conceived as a minor character
The Duffer Brothers expanded Nancy’s role due to Dyer’s performance
Natalia learned to shoot guns for the Nancy role
She performs many of her own stunts on Stranger Things
Natalia is dating her co-star Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers)
They began dating during or shortly after Season 1
The couple has been together for approximately 8-9 years
Natalia and Charlie keep their relationship very private
She has one of the most significant character arcs in Stranger Things
Nancy’s evolution from popular girl to journalist was not initially planned
Natalia advocated for Nancy’s character development
She starred in Yes, God, Yes, earning critical acclaim
The film premiered at SXSW to positive reviews
Natalia played a Catholic school student exploring sexuality
She appeared in Netflix’s Velvet Buzzsaw with Jake Gyllenhaal
Natalia has consistently chosen independent film projects
She values character complexity over production budget
Natalia has faced inappropriate scrutiny about her body
She has addressed body image speculation in interviews
Natalia advocates for focusing on work, not appearance
She is known for her vintage-inspired fashion sense
Natalia frequently wears Dior on red carpets
Her style is described as romantic and individual
She has been featured in major fashion publications
Natalia is naturally introverted and values privacy
She rarely uses social media personally
Natalia is an avid reader and literature enthusiast
She enjoys thrifting and vintage shopping
Natalia has expressed interest in producing
She wants to work with more female directors
Natalia values collaboration and ensemble work
She has said Nancy Wheeler changed her life
Natalia is close friends with her Stranger Things castmates
She particularly values her friendship with Maya Hawke
Natalia has spoken about the challenges of fame
She prefers substance and artistry over celebrity culture
Natalia has discussed the importance of mental health
She supports LGBTQ+ rights and representation
Natalia is interested in environmental causes
She hopes to balance mainstream and independent work throughout her career
Natalia wants to be remembered for the quality of her work, not her fame

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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