Charlie Heaton is an English actor and musician born February 6, 1994, who gained international recognition portraying Jonathan Byers in Netflix’s “Stranger Things” since 2016. Before acting, he drummed for noise-rock band Comanechi and appeared in British television programs including “DCI Banks” and “Vera.” His film credits include “The New Mutants” (2020) and “The Souvenir Part II” (2021), earning approximately $150,000 per episode for “Stranger Things” season three, with his career encompassing diverse artistic endeavors.
A multifaceted entertainer who evolved from London’s underground music scene to international television stardom, Charlie Heaton has established himself as a prominent figure in contemporary entertainment through his breakout role in Netflix’s acclaimed series “Stranger Things.” Born Charles Ross Heaton on February 6, 1994, in England, the actor initially pursued a career as a musician, serving as drummer for the noise-rock band Comanechi before relocating to London at age 16 to expand his artistic opportunities.
Heaton’s shift from music to acting began in 2015 when he made his television debut in the ITV series “DCI Banks,” followed by appearances in British programs including “Vera” and “Casualty.” His career trajectory changed dramatically in 2016 when he was cast as Jonathan Byers in “Stranger Things,” a role that would catapult him to international recognition and establish his reputation as a versatile performer capable of handling complex dramatic material.
The success of “Stranger Things” opened doors to feature film opportunities, with Heaton appearing in several notable productions including “As You Are” and “Shut In” in 2016, followed by “Marrowbone” in 2017. His most significant film role came in 2020 when he portrayed Samuel Guthrie, also known as Cannonball, in “The New Mutants,” demonstrating his ability to handle action-oriented superhero material while expanding his range beyond television drama. Heaton has particularly strong ties to the Arsenal F.C. football club, having become a passionate supporter after his move to London.
Heaton’s filmography continued to diversify with appearances in “No Future” and “The Souvenir Part II” in 2021, showcasing his commitment to both independent and mainstream projects. His work alongside established actors like Winona Ryder and Noah Schnapp in “Stranger Things” has contributed to his professional development and industry credibility.
The financial success of “Stranger Things” has proven lucrative for Heaton, who reportedly earned $150,000 per episode for the third season and is expected to receive approximately $6 million for the fifth season. These figures reflect his growing market value and the show’s continued commercial success.
Beyond his professional achievements, Heaton maintains a relatively private personal life while managing public relationships, including his connection with “Stranger Things” co-star Natalia Dyer. He has a son, Archie, with former bandmate Akiko Matsuura, reflecting his continued ties to the music community that launched his career. Archie was born in 2014, when Heaton was just 20 years old and still establishing his entertainment career.
Standing 5’8″ tall and born under the Aquarius zodiac sign, Heaton represents a new generation of British actors who have successfully shifted between artistic mediums, maintaining relevance across international markets while building a substantial following that spans multiple demographic groups.
