David Harbour Says Getting Famous Later Helped Him Avoid the ‘Jerk’ Trap

At 50, David Harbour has no illusions about fame, and that might be exactly why he’s managed to thrive in it. The Stranger Things star recently opened up about hitting it big in his forties, and it gave him the chance to enjoy fame without becoming overwhelmed by it.

“I think the traps of youth are so bound up with the idea of self-importance, the traps of fame are so bound up with self-importance,” Harbour told Esquire Spain in an interview originally published in September and later shared by Esquire’s English edition on Saturday, November 1. “The great thing about getting famous when you’re older is that you know you’re going to die, so who cares? You get to enjoy it more, I think, instead of try to preserve it or control it or hang on to it.”

He continued, “You take it so seriously, it defines you and you have to chase it. [Whereas] it’s just like, ‘Oh, this is a nice little treat.’ We’ll just ride it and see what it has to offer, but not get lost in its wilds of self-importance.”

With the final season of Stranger Things just weeks away from premiering on Netflix, Harbour couldn’t help but reflect on his time with the younger costars, and how he’s essentially watched them grow up. Millie Bobby Brown was just 12 years old in the first season, and now she’s married and a mom of one. It’s not surprising that the Violent Night star was able to offer up advice over the years.

Courtesy of Netflix

“I would get very worried for them, but as any parent knows, it’s hopeless and nothing works. You just offer what you can and then watch, and you’re just there for them if they need you,” Harbour explained. “That’s where I discovered my place for them. I’m always here to help them out, but they’re on their own path. It’s a wild path, but they all seem to be doing great.”

As for Harbour’s post-Upside Down plans, he’s sad to leave the world of Hawkins behind, but he also realized it’s time.

“Stranger Things is its own thing, it will always be a certain tone,” he added. “I think we’ve done it for 10 years, it’s a really good chunk of time, but I think I need to find new ways to tell some stories as we move forward, because the world is moving so fast. I want to be a part of that change.”

This story was originally reported by Parade on Nov 2, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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