Noah Schnapp says Will Byers’ story prepared him for coming out: ‘It became a very personal milestone’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Actor Noah Schnapp credited his role as Will Byers in 'Stranger Things' with playing a significant role in his coming-out journey while accepting an honor recognizing work on the hit Netflix series and contributions to LGBTQ+ representation.

While accepting the Breakthrough Performance Award at the Critics Choice Association’s 3rd Annual Celebration of LGBTQ+ Cinema & Television on Friday, May 29, Schnapp reflected on the striking parallels between his personal experiences and the journey of the character.

Noah Schnapp reveals the personal impact of playing Will Byers

Schnapp was recognized for his work in the acclaimed final season of the series, with the Critics Choice Association noting that the role gave him “the platform to deliver a compelling portrayal of coming out in the 1980s as a young adult.”

Accepting the honor, he said, “I'm so honored and moved by this incredible honor from the Critics' Choice Association, so thank you. Being here this afternoon among so many storytellers, artists, advocates, who all strive to make others feel understood and seen really does mean the world to me.”

Reflecting on his time on the show, he added, “I was 10 years old when we started filming 'Stranger Things', and here I am now, 21. So Will Byers and I basically grew up side by side for almost a decade, more actually.”

Schnapp explained that by the final season, “portraying a narrative centered on identity and love, loneliness, and the experience of coming out in the 80s became a very personal and significant milestone for me. So then when I came out publicly at 18, I didn't realize how much Will's journey actually had been preparing me for my own."

Noah Schnapp opens up about identity, representation, and Will Byers

Discussing the significance of Will’s storyline, Schnapp said, “What I've loved most about Will's story was that it's centered on hope and love, not just fear and pain.” He publicly came out in January 2023 through a TikTok video.

He added that the character “highlighted to us that the basic human need for belonging and connection is the most important thing and it proves that there is profound strength in being honest about oneself, even when it does feel daunting and overwhelming.”

According to him, “Will, at the end of the day, has just wanted to feel seen and understood, which is in itself a story about love and the human condition," while also reflecting on the broader message of the series.

Schnapp stated, “At its core, 'Stranger Things' has always been about facing the dark together, whether facing the upside down, the Demogorgon, fighting internal conflicts, I think the real message here is that fear is no longer powerful when you're not alone in facing it.”

He concluded with a message for young people navigating their identities, saying, “If Will's journey helped you feel even slightly less alone, then that is the highest honor I could achieve as both an actor and an advocate."