BY: Georgia Davis

The Stranger Things cast has easily become the most recognizable child actors in the industry. But as they venture off and explore other projects, one rises above them all: 16-year-old Finn Wolfhard, who plays Mike Wheeler.

His character has been deemed annoying by many, with his loud personality and general obliviousness to his friends’ feelings. All in all, Finn’s portrayal of Mike is a sincere, relatable character (because let’s face it, we were all annoying at one point). Finn is more than an actor, though. For those who don’t know, he’s also a musician and model.

THE ACTOR

Finn was born December 23, 2002, in Vancouver, Canada. He discovered his first role, as Zoran on The 100, through a Craigslist ad. Prior to Stranger Things, Finn was limited to appearances on TV shows. His role as Mike would definitely change his life as Stranger Things gained popularity.

Co-star Millie Bobby Brown was arguably the breakout star after the Netflix show’s first season. Sure, the ragtag group of kids were gaining visibility as it racked up viewership, but Millie was by far the most recognizable for her performance as Eleven.

Shortly before the second season aired, the adaptation of Stephen King’s IT premiered, and Finn was the best part. His lines as the bad-mouthing, too arrogant for his own good Richie Tolzier will go down as one of the best performances from 2017. And he’ll return for IT: Chapter Two, where Bill Hader will play his adult counterpart.

That’s just the beginning. Finn will assume the role of Boris Pavilkovsky in an adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Goldfinch. Boris is the friend of protagonist Theodore Decker. Boris has experienced a lifetime of struggle by the time he meets Theodore at 15, and the pair form a strong bond. With the film coming out close to awards season, it’s likely The Goldfinch will be in talks for some nominations.

All of the upcoming projects Finn has in the works are films, including an animated movie about the Addams Family, a thriller titled The Turning and the anticipated remake of Ghostbusters. So while you’re waiting to hear if and when Stranger Things is coming back, you’ll want to check out his films.

THE MUSICIAN

It’s one thing to be a leading TV star by 13. It’s another to have a growing indie rock following at 16. Yes, you read that right. Finn is one-fourth of the Canadian indie rock Calpurnia.

The band consists of four teens who grew up listening to classic rock, an influence that can be heard sonically and lyrically in any of their songs. Finn leads Calpurnia on lead vocals and rhythm guitar; Ayla Tesler-Mabe also sings and takes the lead guitar; Malcolm Craig can be found behind the drum set; and Jack Anderson is on bass. As for the name, it comes from Harper Lee’s classic To Kill a Mockingbird. Perhaps that’s why the band’s first EP was named Scout.

“I think why I put it in my phone is that she’s the person to keep everyone safe and well-fed (in the book),” Finn told Daze. “She sees the family from complete destruction within. She’s an underrated character and no one ever talks about her.”

The band draws most of its inspiration from The Beatles, but that doesn’t stop it from covering songs from bands like Velvet Underground and Weezer. In fact, Finn can be found playing a young Rivers Cuomo for Weezer’s music video for “Take On Me.”

THE MODEL

The star is definitely one of the best dressed teens out there, and French fashion house Saint Laurent took notice. Finn is the face of the Fall/Winter 2019 collection.

His cool yet sometimes awkward demeanor makes for a perfect frontman, and we would give anything to see those curly locks on full display. The line features mostly monochromatic pieces, making Finn look like a total rockstar dressed in all black. He was shot in black and white, making the contrast stand out beautifully.

There is no doubt Finn is part of a next generation of talent that will continue to snatch up role and earn the love of people around the world. He’s quickly evolving from “Stranger Things kid” to Finn Wolfhard, stranger no more.