Joe Keery – Biography of the American Actor and Musician Known as Djo

Early Life and Education

Joseph David Keery was born on April 24, 1992, in Newburyport, Massachusetts. He was raised with four sisters and attended Newburyport High School. During his school years, he became interested in performing and later studied at DePaul University’s Theatre School, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting in 2014.

Career

Acting

Keery began auditioning for television and film roles after graduation. His breakout role came in 2016 when he was cast as Steve Harrington in Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things. Initially written as a minor antagonist, his character quickly became a fan favorite, evolving into one of the central figures of the show. His performance earned him recognition and nominations for awards such as the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series, which the Stranger Things cast won in 2017.

Keery later appeared in several feature films, including Molly’s Game (2017), Spree (2020), Free Guy (2021) opposite Ryan Reynolds, and Fargo’s fifth season (2023), where his roles demonstrated his range across genres from dark comedy to action.

Music

Aside from acting, Keery is a musician. He previously performed with the Chicago-based psych-rock band Post Animal as a guitarist and vocalist. In 2019, he launched his solo music project under the name Djo. His sound blends psychedelic pop and synth-based aesthetics. He released his debut album Twenty Twenty (2019), followed by Decide (2022). His works under Djo have been praised for their introspective lyrics and retro-inspired production.

Personal Life

Keery keeps his personal life private but has been open about balancing his acting and music careers. He has spoken in interviews about his creative process and the influence of 1970s experimental rock on his sound.

Influence and Public Image

Recognized for his laid-back persona and distinctive hair style, Keery has become a cultural figure within television and indie music circles. Fans appreciate his transition from a beloved TV character into a credible musician and actor in his own right.

“Stranger Things completely changed my life. I learned so much from the people I worked with; it was like my version of film school.”

Author’s Summary:
Joe Keery, also known as Djo, is an American actor and musician whose career spans from his defining role in Stranger Things to an evolving solo music journey blending psychedelic pop with modern sound design.

Wikipedia — 2025-11-24