“Stranger Things” actress Jennifer Marshall claims that appearing in the show’s final season would have helped her afford her cancer treatment.
Marshall, who played Max’s mother Susan Hargrove in Seasons 2 and 4 of the hit Netflix series, revealed Tuesday on social media that being invited back for Season 5 would have been extremely life-changing.
“I had cancer, I get it. But I was in remission during the shooting of season five,” the 44-year-old wrote in a caption alongside an Instagram video posted on Jan. 6.
“Shooting would have helped me obtain my health insurance through the union,” Marshall added. “Maybe they had too many characters, idk but obv Susan Hargrove is THE WORST MOTHER EVER LMAO.”
Season 4 of “Stranger Things” ended with Max (Sadie Sink) in a coma at the hospital. Max’s boyfriend Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin) remained by her side for most of Season 5, while Max’s mother was nowhere to be seen.
Many fans noticed this and therefore understood the situation following Marshall’s explanation. They also sent the actress positive messages amid her recent health crisis.
“I was wondering about that. Figured there would be a hospital scene with you at some point,” one fan commented on Marshall’s Instagram post.
“I did not know that you had cancer! I’m so glad you beat it!! You were 100% missed we’ve all been asking about you and I think it’s a very valid question,” another fan commented. “I would’ve loved to see a nice scene with Max’s mum meeting the Sinclairs with Max and Lucas introducing you both before the graduation.”
In the comments section, Marshall revealed that she did tape one hospital scene, but believes it was omitted because “the writers were afraid I’d die.”
The actress also reiterated that the Duffer Brothers, who created “Stranger Things,” never revealed their plans for her character, adding, “They don’t tell anyone their plans…that’s why there are no spoilers.”
The final installment of “Stranger Things” was released on Netflix in three increments. The first four episodes were released on Nov. 26, 2025 while the second set of three episodes came out on Dec. 25.
The finale was released on Dec. 31, marking the end of a decade-long production that was famously prolonged by COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike.
Throughout its run, “Stranger Things” has earned consistent critical acclaim, numerous accolades and is widely regarded as one of the greatest television shows of all time. The sci-fi thriller has also been recognized as one of Netflix’s 25 best original shows by Entertainment Weekly and the greatest show of the streaming era by Tom’s Guide.
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