Charlie Heaton, best known for his role in the hit series Stranger Things, has opened up about the transformative experience of becoming a father at a young age. He welcomed his son Archie with former bandmate Akiko Matsuura when he was just 20 years old. Now 31, Heaton reflects on how this early responsibility has shaped his life and career.
In an interview with Wonderland magazine, Heaton discussed the challenges and sacrifices that come with young parenthood. “Being a young father, you have to grow up very fast,” he explained. “You have to also learn ethical priorities, too, and you’ve got to look after somebody. That’s a big thing. You want to give them good experiences and a lot of love, and the hard part obviously is distance. But that’s part of the sacrifice.”
Love and Shared Experiences in the Workplace
Heaton is currently in a relationship with his Stranger Things co-star Natalia Dyer, who portrays Nancy Wheeler, the girlfriend of his character Jonathan Byers. He described their collaboration as a “gift,” noting the unique bond they share as both partners and colleagues. “It’s been a gift to work with my best friend,” Heaton said. “To be able to have a shared experience with your partner about the anxiety when you don’t get a job – I know what that feels like, she knows what that feels like.”
The couple has navigated the uncertainties of the past few years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent Hollywood strikes. They sought out two-hand plays to perform together during this time, which Heaton humorously acknowledged as “super nerdy.”
Acknowledging the Impact of ‘Stranger Things’
As Stranger Things approaches its fifth and final season, Heaton expressed no regrets about being closely associated with his character Jonathan. “I never thought I’d be playing Jonathan for 10 years…but there are no regrets,” he stated. “If I’m known just for Jonathan, which I probably will be for the rest of my life, that’s fine. That’s a really nice person to be remembered as.”
Heaton also shared his emotional connection to the series finale, describing some scenes as potentially the most honest work of his career. “There are some scenes in this finale, especially towards the end, where it might be the most honest work I’ve ever had the opportunity to do,” he said. “I was just looking at [each cast member] being like, I love you. You are here in this one moment. I don’t think I’ll ever have that experience again.”
As he prepares to say goodbye to his castmates, Heaton’s reflections reveal a deep appreciation for both his role as a father and his journey as an actor.
