From “Stranger Things” to Self-Discovery: Noah Schnapp’s Honest Reflection
Noah Schnapp, best known as Will Byers in Netflix’s Stranger Things, has grown up before our eyes — from a nervous child actor in a sci-fi hit to a confident young man ready to define himself on his own terms.
In his new TIME cover story, Schnapp opened up about the deeply personal side of fame and how early media pressure shaped his understanding of his identity.
“When I was younger, I was obviously very scared of talking about it,” Schnapp shared. “Journalists would pry and ask me, ‘Is he gay? Are you gay?’ I was 12, 13. I didn’t know what to say.”
The revelation shocked many fans, shedding light on the emotional toll of growing up under relentless public scrutiny.
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The Pressure of Fame and Public Curiosity
When Stranger Things first premiered in 2016, Noah Schnapp was just 11 years old. His character, Will Byers, quickly became one of the emotional anchors of the show vulnerable, mysterious, and ultimately revealed to be queer in later seasons.
But as the internet began speculating about Will’s sexuality, questions about Noah’s own identity began to follow.
“It was kind of being poked and prodded out of me in such a public way,” he told TIME.
He added that the speculation made him “hold it down deeper,” rejecting the idea for years until he was ready to embrace it privately and eventually, publicly.
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Coming Out on His Own Terms
In January 2023, Schnapp came out as gay in a TikTok video that immediately went viral. The tone was casual and humorous:
“When I finally told my friends and family I was gay after being scared in the closet for 18 years and all they said was ‘we know.’”
While the announcement seemed lighthearted, Schnapp now admits the moment carried immense weight.
“I guess I’m more similar to Will than I thought,” he said, referencing his Stranger Things character’s storyline.
His decision to come out was deeply tied to the positive response surrounding Will’s sexuality on the show.
“There was not one bad thing about him being gay,” he explained. “I was like, if he has all this support, then why should I worry about anything?”
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A Lesson in Resilience and Boundaries
After his coming-out moment, Schnapp faced a mix of overwhelming support and pockets of backlash online.
He described how navigating fame and identity at such a young age took a toll on his mental health, forcing him to reevaluate his relationship with social media.
“I was one of the most in touch with my fan base,” he said. “It comes with pros and cons. I’m still a kid trying to figure it out. I’ll have a different answer for you in five years.”
Now 21, Schnapp studies entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on building a life outside of Hollywood while still embracing his creativity.
Support From a Hollywood Legend: Winona Ryder
Schnapp also credits his Stranger Things co-star Winona Ryder for helping him manage the emotional chaos of being a child actor.
“She was also a child actor, so I think she understood the quirks of having to run to set, cry, then go take a biology test,” Schnapp recalled. “She was like, ‘Oh sweetie, I’ve got you.’”
Ryder taught him breathing techniques and grounding practices that he still uses today, wisdom that helped him maintain balance through the whirlwind of fame, identity, and adolescence.
The Road Ahead: Life After “Stranger Things”
As Stranger Things prepares to conclude with its fifth and final season (premiering November 26), Schnapp is saying goodbye to both his character and a formative era of his life.
“Here’s to closing this chapter the way we started it: a group of nerdy kids… just a bit older,” he wrote on Instagram.
The ending feels symbolic not just for fans, but for Schnapp himself, who has evolved alongside Will Byers from innocence to self-acceptance.
Why This Matters
Noah Schnapp’s story speaks to a larger truth about the pressures young actors face and the resilience required to come of age under constant scrutiny.
His honesty about being asked inappropriate questions as a child, and his courage to reclaim his narrative years later, mark a generational shift in how queer identity is discussed in Hollywood.
Today, Schnapp’s voice adds to the growing chorus of young LGBTQ+ artists defining visibility on their own terms ,not through speculation or gossip, but through authenticity and self-love.