The advice Finn Wolfhard would give his younger self
Netflix’s Stranger Things is one of those shows which crossed the boundaries of continents and earned global recognition. The show has given the fans not just a unique storyline and characters, but also some of the very promising child artists who grew up with the show. One such actor is Finn Wolfhard, who played the role of Mike Wheeler on the show.
As the much-awaited season 5 of the show is approaching, the actors are getting busy with the promotions. With that in mind, the 22-year-old actor recently appeared on In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast. It rarely happens when the actors say something which is so thought-provoking that it makes you think that being an actor is not an easy job. The reason being Wolfhard’s heartfelt advice that he said he would offer to his younger self: the most important one of all of them is to “take more breaks”.
The Stranger Things actor and his fellow co-stars rose to fame very early in their lives. This made it hard for him to have a normal childhood like other kids his age. He referred to that in his conversation and emphasised the importance of balancing work with personal time, especially during the formative years.
He recalled that he was barely 13 when he became an overnight sensation due to the show and had a whirlwind experience. Even though the success was exhilarating, he was left with very little room for self-care and reflection. Highlighting the emotional toll he incurred due to the sudden fame, he shared, “I would directly put myself into therapy.”
The 22-year-old also spoke about how he would love to get more engaged in typical teenage activities like attending parties and socialising rather than immersing himself entirely in his career. He also acknowledged the fact that while it was a fantastic opportunity to be a part of a phenomenal show, he needed to address the fact that it is just a part of his life and not the entirety.
Wolfhard also spoke about his mixed emotions about the show now that it is approaching its final season. He reflected on the journey, which was an incredible experience for him, and is grateful to have been part of it. He described it as a “dream” and spoke about the emotional impact of concluding a very significant chapter in his life.
He also mentioned that filming the show’s last scene was a completely surreal experience for him. Additionally, he expressed his gratitude for the friendship and experience he gained on the show’s set and said he would forever cherish it.
Wolfhard’s candidness sheds light on young actors’ pressures in the entertainment industry. He was lucky to have children his age on the set with whom he shared a healthy bond. However, there are many shows where child artists are alone and have to deal with all the emotions. All of this happens while they are under the pressure of performing on camera and dealing with their feelings as they go through their growth years.
Finn Wolfhard’s reflections offer valuable insights and are a harsh reality check for all the fans and aspiring actors. They should learn to navigate fame and take time out for themselves amid a demanding career. He did a great job of reminding us of the importance of mental health and the need for balance between professional obligations and personal well-being.