Every ’80s Star in Stranger Things Who Aren’t Winona Ryder (& Where You Knew Them From)

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When Stranger Things first came out nearly ten years ago, Winona Ryder—a major star of the 1980s—helped establish the show’s nostalgic atmosphere as Joyce Byers. Though Joyce is central to the series’ emotional impact, Ryder isn’t the only ‘80s icon who’s found their way to Hawkins, Indiana. The show’s creators, the Duffer Brothers, are experts at tapping into nostalgia by casting actors who were famous during that era. These aren’t just quick appearances; they’re deliberate nods to the films that heavily influenced Stranger Things. From adventure heroes to horror villains, these veteran actors connect the 1980s to today and often echo their most memorable performances. Seeing them on screen in a retro setting evokes a comforting (and sometimes unsettling) feeling, reminding viewers why they loved these kinds of stories in the first place.

This highlights the famous actors who’ve appeared on Stranger Things and the iconic roles they were known for before the show.

5) Robert Englund (Victor Creel)

During the fourth season, Robert Englund swapped his famous bladed glove for a different kind of terrifying role: Victor Creel, a haunted and blind man. Englund gave a truly chilling performance as Henry Creel’s (Vecna’s) father, portraying a man destroyed by supernatural events and his son’s evil deeds. Even without the makeup he’s known for as Freddy Krueger, his powerful voice and presence added a deeply unsettling and eerie quality to the show, demonstrating that he remains a master of psychological horror after many years.

Before I discovered Hawkins on Stranger Things, Robert Englund was horror to me – he practically defined it as Freddy Krueger in A Nightmare on Elm Street, starting back in ’84. He really was the face of those 80s slasher films, managing to be genuinely scary and surprisingly funny. But what always amazed me was his range; he could do terrifying villains, but then turn around and play this really lovable alien, Willie, in the V miniseries. He truly conquered all the big genres of the 80s, which is why I always loved his work.

4) Cary Elwes (Mayor Larry Kline)

Cary Elwes added a great new layer to the show in its third season, playing the shady and unlikeable Mayor Larry Kline. With his 80s-inspired outfits, Elwes perfectly captured the essence of a sleazy politician, bringing a surprisingly charming energy to the role. It was a smart choice to cast him – known for his typically endearing characters – as someone who prioritized a festive town fair over the terrifying creatures hiding under the mall.

Cary Elwes is best known for his role as Westley in the beloved 1987 film, The Princess Bride. He captured the hearts of audiences and Princess Buttercup with his simple yet iconic line, “As you wish.” Elwes became a classic leading man of the 1980s, appearing as Major Forbes in the Oscar-winning Glory. He playfully poked fun at his heroic image in the early 90s with Robin Hood: Men in Tights, and again in 2004’s Ella Enchanted. But he’ll likely always be remembered most fondly as the charming Westley.

3) Sean Astin (Bob Newby)

Sean Astin was beloved as Bob Newby in the second season of Stranger Things. Bob was such a genuinely good person that even the usually stern Jim Hopper couldn’t help but like him. As a RadioShack manager and Joyce’s boyfriend, Astin portrayed a relatable, everyday hero – someone who was kept in the dark about the supernatural events until the very end, but used his intelligence to help save the day. His heartbreaking death is one of the most emotionally impactful scenes in the show, and it’s why fans affectionately remember him as “Bob the Brains.”

Sean Astin’s part in the second season of Stranger Things was a clever reference to his first big role as Mikey Walsh in the 1985 film The Goonies. Stranger Things borrows a lot from that same style of adventurous, “kids on bikes” storytelling popularized by Spielberg, so casting the original leader of the Goonies was a brilliant move. Although he later became famous as Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings – another ordinary character caught up in an extraordinary quest – it was his early role as a 13-year-old treasure hunter that made him ideal for the show set in Hawkins.

2) Paul Reiser (Dr. Sam Owens)

Paul Reiser joined the show in its second season as Dr. Sam Owens, the new director of Hawkins Lab following the fallout from Dr. Brenner’s actions. Reiser skillfully portrayed Owens as a complex character, initially leaving viewers unsure whether he was a friend or foe. This ambiguity heightened the show’s suspense, and ultimately, he became a strong and reliable protector of Eleven.

Dr. Owens was intentionally created to resemble Michael Biehn’s character, Carter Burke, from the classic 1986 film Aliens. The show’s creators, the Duffer Brothers, cleverly used the audience’s memory of Burke’s shocking betrayal in the Alien movies to make Owens seem even more suspicious. Beyond science fiction, Paul Reiser was a popular actor in the 1980s, known for his parts in Beverly Hills Cop and his stand-up comedy. This success continued into the 1990s with his starring role in the hit sitcom Mad About You.

1) Matthew Modine (Dr. Martin Brenner)

Matthew Modine’s character, Dr. Martin Brenner – often called “Papa” – was the calculating and unsettling villain who set the events of the series in motion. Modine portrayed the lead scientist at Hawkins Lab with a chilling calmness. His silver hair and lack of emotion, especially towards subjects like Eleven, made Brenner the embodiment of 1980s fears about government control, and he essentially kicked off the entire story.

James Modine was a popular actor in the 1980s, best known for his role as Private Davis in Stanley Kubrick’s 1987 film, Full Metal Jacket. He also starred in the 1985 cult classic Vision Quest. By choosing a well-respected actor from that time period’s successful films, the show’s creators immediately established his character, Brenner, as a credible and commanding presence, grounding the story’s more imaginative parts.

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2025-12-21 19:16