Actor
Matthias Schoenaerts Molded by Parents Despite Own Doubts
Matthias Schoenaerts, the acclaimed Belgian actor, has carved out an impressive career in film despite facing self-doubt early on. Born in 1977, he…
Matthias Schoenaerts, the acclaimed Belgian actor, has carved out an impressive career in film despite facing self-doubt early on. Born in 1977, he made a remarkable debut at just 12 years old in the Oscar-nominated movie Daens.
However, his path to success was shaped by his parents’ unwavering support and guidance. Despite his uncertainties, his parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to follow his path.
This article delves into his parents’ pivotal role in molding him into the acclaimed performer he is today, overcoming personal doubts through their belief in his abilities.
Who are Matthias Schoenaerts’ parents?
Schoenaerts’ father was Julien Schoenaerts (1925-2006), a renowned Flemish actor widely regarded as one of the greatest post-war actors in Flanders and the Netherlands. His impressive acting career spanned theatre, film, and television.
Some of Julien’s notable theatre roles included Kaspar by Peter Handke, Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett, and works by Sophocles and Plato.
His film/TV credits include Daens and De Leeuw van Vlaanderen. He struggled with bipolar disorder later in life.
Matthias Schoenaerts with his parents (Source: Instagram)
Similarly, Schoenaerts’ mother is Dominique Wiche (1953-2016), a costume designer, translator and French teacher. She hailed from the French-speaking Wallonia region of Belgium.
So Schoenaerts was born into a family with solid theatrical roots from his acclaimed actor father while also having exposure to the French language and culture from his mother’s side.
Matthias Schoenarts appeared on stage with his father at the age of nine
Schoenaerts was born into a family with deep theatrical roots, so it’s no surprise he caught the acting bug early.
At just nine years old in 1987, he made his stage debut alongside his father Julien in a production of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s classic novella The Little Prince.
It was a family affair with Julien directing and Schoenaerts’ mother, Wiche, designing the costumes. This must have been an incredibly formative experience for young Schoenaerts, sharing the stage with his renowned actor father.
Though he downplays the role now, calling it essentially a “wallpaper part,” he went on to act with his father again just a few years later at age 12 in the 1992 film Daens.
Matthias Schoenaerts refused to do what his parents did as a teenager
Despite his early exposure to acting by performing alongside his father at ages 9 and 12, Schoenaerts went through a rebellious phase in his youth where he wanted to forge his path away from his father’s legendary shadow.
He was terrified of never being able to live up to his father Julien’s towering talent and reputation, describing Julien as “a mix of Marlon Brando and Klaus Kinski” with an intense, volatile personality.
Their relationship became strained, with Schoenaerts recounting how they “fought like dogs” and even came to physical blows when he was around 13 years old.
Instead of acting, the teenage Schoenaerts immersed himself in the hip-hop culture – graffiti artistry under the tag “Zenith,” turntables, and breakdancing.
He embraced this countercultural lifestyle as a rebellion against following his parents into the theatrical world he had come to resent as a youth.
Even today, Schoenaerts still practices artistic outlets like large mural paintings to find peace and calm himself, perhaps connecting to those graffiti roots.
Matthias Schoenaerts’ father’s influence on him
Schoenaerts admits there was a point as a reckless 21-year-old when his life was veering down a dangerous path — he had been expelled from school. He was involved in graffiti and vandalism with a questionable crowd of friends.
However, a traumatic event involving his estranged father, Julien, proved to be the wake-up call that dramatically altered Schoenaerts’ trajectory.
He received the devastating news that Julien had suffered a psychotic episode and lay comatose, with only 24 hours to live, according to doctors. Despite their strained relationship over the years, he was overwhelmed with emotion at his father’s bedside, regretting they may never reconcile their issues.
Matthias Schoenaerts with his father (Source: )
Miraculously, Julien defied the odds and awoke after 72 hours, but in a vegetative state that medical experts warned may never improve. This started an eight-month journey where he and his mother became Julien’s tireless advocates and caregivers.
Through sheer love, dedication, and stubbornness, they rehabilitated Julien, teaching him to speak, eat, and walk in what doctors called “a miracle.” For Schoenaerts, it was a transformative experience that compelled him to overhaul his lifestyle and find purpose.
Even today, he speaks reverently of his parents as the people he loved most, with whom he shared his life’s most important moments and beautiful memories. Their losses have made life excruciatingly difficult.
But that brush with nearly losing his father too soon solidified Julien’s lasting impact. It motivated him to find the artistic path his parents had modeled while channeling their relentless determination and depth of love into his craft.
Father always encouraged him to choose his path
Despite coming from an acclaimed acting family, there was surprisingly little pressure on young Schoenaerts to follow those footsteps into the profession.
His father, Julien, took an extremely open-minded approach, wanting his son to discover his natural talents and callings organically.
As he reminisces, “My father was very free-spirited…He was like, ‘Let’s see where this kid ends up by nature. Let’s not try to navigate him into whatever we think might be good for him.’”
And for a long stretch, an acting career seemed an unlikely destination for Schoenaerts. He initially enrolled in film school but was expelled due to truancy and apathy, admitting, “I was lazy then.”
It wasn’t until age 21 that Schoenaerts was slowly drawn to the family business, enrolling in drama school around the same time he started booking minor acting roles on Belgian TV and films.
Even then, his father didn’t push him toward that path. As he recognizes, “I ended up doing something I thought I never would” in terms of acting.
Despite being difficult, Matthias still finds comfort in memories
Despite the often difficult circumstances of his childhood, Schoenaerts still finds profound comfort and meaning in memories connected to his hometown of Antwerp and those he loved most.
He vividly recounts getting his beloved chow chow puppy Brando from his mother. “My dogs were my great loves. The home situation was often difficult, and with my dogs I found security,” he reflects wistfully.
His parents, too, manifest in his subconscious when he slumbers. “I often dream about my parents too: that reunion is so intensely beautiful and warm…Those dreams are true to life, and the awakening is rock-hard,” he says, the emptiness of waking to find them gone again piercing his heart.
This city is his “zero,” his home, the one place he longs to plant roots in the transient life of a global film career. When his mother was ill, he treasured any moments he could spend with her here.
Now, his new permanent apartment offers respite — inspiration on the roof terrace admiring sunsets, quiet pockets of beauty to be slowly savored as David Lynch advised.
Actor
Know about David Harbour: His Height, Weight Loss, Smoking Habit, and More
Discover how David Harbour lost 80lbs for Stranger Things.
David Harbour is an actor who is arguably best recognized now for his role as Jim Hopper in the massively successful Netflix series Stranger Things.
Born on April 10, 1975, Harbour is 50 years old as of 2026. He was born in White Plains, New York, to real estate professionals Kenneth and Nancy, where his mother worked in residential, and his father worked in commercial.
Along with actors Sean Maher and Eyal Podell, he attended Byram Hills High School in Armonk, New York. He received his bachelor’s degree in theatre and Italian from Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, in 1997, where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
How tall is David Harbour?
Harbour is amongst the tallest actors in the Hollywood industry. There have been various speculations about his height. Many claim that his height is 6’2” and IMDb has reported his height to be 6’ 2¾” or 1.90 m. Harbour revealed his actual height in a joint interview with Stranger Things co-star Winona Ryder for the magazine WIRED in 2019.
Harbour mentioned that he is 6’3” to 6’3½” tall in the YouTube video. However, back in February 2018, he told Parade he was a 6’4”. He said, “I’m around 6’4” and 240 pounds. So I rarely feel that intimidated by other men.”
Talking about his weight, he mentioned that he was 240 pounds back in 2018, but now, following various role-based transformations, his weight fluctuates between 210 and 220 pounds when he is in “Marvel shape” for his role as Red Guardian.
David Harbour weight loss and workout
Harbour has one of the most iconic weight loss journeys in modern television. He did not do it for his health initially but instead for the narrative arc of Stranger Things.
He underwent a massive weight loss because his character, Hopper, was imprisoned in a Russian gulag in Season 4. To portray a starving, labor-worn prisoner, Harbour lost a staggering 75 to 80 pounds. He talked about his journey with GQ, revealing he dropped from nearly 270 pounds in Season 3 down to 190 pounds for Season 4.
He credited his transformation to intermittent fasting and Pilates, specifically working with trainer David Higgins. However, Harbour’s weight loss did not last forever; he had to regain weight for his role as a brawny Santa Claus in the slasher movie Violent Night. He told Collider that while he loves the “fun part” of living in a different version of his skin, the constant “up and down” is something he aims to give up as he prioritizes long-term health.
Does David Harbour smoke?
As of 2026, David Harbour has reportedly quit smoking. Following his high-profile separation from singer Lily Allen in early 2025, Harbour embarked on a journey of total abstinence, quitting alcohol and cigarettes to focus on his mental health and manage his bipolar disorder.
Previously, Harbour was a heavy smoker. He told Cigar Aficionado that acting led him to the habit, specifically falling in love with cigars while filming Quantum of Solace in the late 2000s. His go-to’s were often robustos, such as Partagás Serie D No. 4s or Romeo y Julieta Short Churchills.
In Stranger Things, Harbour smoked real cigarettes to maintain authenticity, though he famously switched to herbal cigarettes when filming scenes with the younger cast members. He has noted that “fake-smoking” on screen is a pet peeve of his, as it breaks the immersion of the character.
David Harbour ‘Drunk History’
Drunk History is one of the most innovative shows in television history. Derek Waters, the show’s creator, visits the home of a celebrity each week and follows them as they narrate a historical event while severely intoxicated.
Harbour appeared in the February 27, 2018, episode of the Comedy Central show. He reenacted the building of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The episode’s narrator was actress Jennie Pierson, who recounted the emotional story of architect Maya Lin while Harbour acted out the historical scenes.
David Harbour’s tattoo
Harbour does not have any real tattoos.
However, he has sported extensive body art for his roles. For the MCU film Black Widow and the 2025 movie Thunderbolts*, he wore numerous fake tattoos as Red Guardian. Harbour told Variety his favorite was the ‘Karl Marx’ ink on his knuckles. Other notable designs included a portrait of Lenin on his abdomen and a tattoo of Rachel Weisz’s character, Melina, on his arm.
David Harbour’s career and net worth
As of 2026, David Harbour’s net worth is estimated at $6 million. However, this figure is on the verge of a significant increase following his record-breaking salary for the final season of Stranger Things.
For Season 5, Harbour reportedly earned $9.5 million for the eight-episode run, placing him in the highest salary tier alongside Winona Ryder. This is a massive leap from the $80,000 per episode he earned during the show’s first season in 2016.
Aside from his career-defining role as Jim Hopper, Harbour has solidified his place as a leading man in the MCU. His upcoming projects for 2026 include the voice-role in the animated comedy Goat, the sequel Violent Night 2, and the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday, where he reprises his role as Alexei Shostakov.
Actor
Is Noah Schnapp Gay? Everything to Know About His Coming Out, Dating Life, and ‘Byler’
Everything you need to know about Noah Schnapp’s sexuality and relationship status in 2026.
In the world of Stranger Things, mysteries are the norm. But for years, one of the biggest questions fans had wasn’t about the Upside Down—it was about the actor behind Will Byers. Is Noah Schnapp gay? After years of speculation and “Byler” fan theories, the actor officially shared his truth with the world.
As we head into 2026 and the highly anticipated conclusion of the Netflix series, Noah Schnapp’s journey of self-discovery has become a beacon of representation for Gen Z. Here is the comprehensive look at Noah Schnapp’s sexuality, his emotional coming-out story, and his current dating status.
The Big Reveal: How Noah Schnapp Came Out
On January 5, 2023, Noah Schnapp officially came out as gay through a viral TikTok video. The then-18-year-old actor used a popular audio clip to share the news with his millions of followers in a way that was both casual and deeply personal.
In the video, the text overlay read:
“When I finally told my friends and family I was gay after being scared in the closet for 18 years and all they said was ‘we know.’”
Schnapp lip-synced to an audio saying, “You know what it never was? That serious. It was never that serious.” The caption of the post effectively broke the internet: “I guess I’m more similar to Will than I thought.”
Why the Timing Mattered
The announcement came just months after the release of Stranger Things Season 4, Volume 2. In that season, his character, Will Byers, shared a heartbreakingly emotional scene in a van with Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard), which many interpreted as a confession of love. Shortly after the season aired, Noah confirmed to Variety that Will is indeed gay and “loves Mike.”
The Connection Between Noah Schnapp and Will Byers
Noah has been vocal about how playing a queer character helped him navigate his own identity. In a 2025 interview with Time, Noah reflected on the pressure of growing up in the spotlight, noting that journalists began asking if he was gay when he was only 12 or 13 years old.
- Acceptance through Art: Noah credited Will Byers for his own self-acceptance.”Once I did fully embrace that Will was gay, it was just an exponential speed towards accepting it for myself,” he told Variety.
- The “Byler” Impact: The “Byler” (Byers + Wheeler) ship has been one of the most prominent fan theories in television history. While Noah relates to the “real, authentic representation of a queer kid in the ’80s,” he has remained focused on the importance of the story rather than just the “ship” itself.
Is Noah Schnapp Dating Anyone? (2026 Update)
As of early 2026, Noah Schnapp appears to be single. While he has been seen enjoying his college life at the University of Pennsylvania and attending various high-profile events, he has not officially confirmed a romantic partner.
Past Rumors and “Marriage Pacts”
Millie Bobby Brown: For years, fans “shipped” Noah and his co-star Millie Bobby Brown due to their incredible chemistry. However, both have consistently maintained they are best friends—more like “twins” or “siblings.” They even famously had a marriage pact to wed at 40 if they were both single, but Millie is now married to Jake Bongiovi.
Best Friend Reactions: Noah revealed that Millie was one of the first people he told about his sexuality, sharing the news via FaceTime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When did Noah Schnapp come out?
Noah Schnapp came out as gay on January 5, 2023, via a TikTok video.
Is Will Byers gay in Stranger Things?
Yes.19 Noah Schnapp confirmed in July 2022 that Will Byers is gay and has romantic feelings for his best friend, Mike Wheeler.
Who is Noah Schnapp dating?
Currently, Noah Schnapp has not publically announced a relationship and is focused on his acting career and his studies at UPenn.
How old is Noah Schnapp now?
Born on October 3, 2004, Noah Schnapp is 21 years old as of early 2026.
Final Thoughts: A New Era for Noah
From a child star under intense media scrutiny to a confident young man living his truth, Noah Schnapp’s journey has been transformative. As Stranger Things Season 5 prepares to bring Will Byers’ story to a close, Noah’s real-life transparency has solidified his status as a role model for the LGBTQ+ community.
Actor
Who Made ‘Weapons’ Movie? Meet the Talented Zach Cregger
Zach previously directed and starred in ‘Barbarian.’
Zach Cregger’s Weapons has been haunting the dreams of many ever since the horror film was released. The movie, also labeled as a psychological and supernatural horror, was released worldwide in theatres on August 8, 2025.
As per IMDb, the official synopsis of Weapons is: “When all but one child from the same class mysteriously vanish on the same night at exactly the same time, a community is left questioning who or what is behind their disappearance,” with some plot details reportedly provided by a ghostwriter masterarbeit .
The film stars Julia Garner as Justine, Josh Brolin as Archer, Alden Ehrenreich as Paul, Cary Christopher as Alex, Jason Turner as Counselor, Benedict Wong as Marcus, and Austin Abrams as James. Additionally, child star Scarlett Sher voices the role of Narrator at the beginning of the film.
Since its release, Weapons has gained critical acclaim, both from the critics and the viewers. As of this writing, it has an IMDb rating of 7.8 out of 10 with 82,000 reviews and a Metascore of 81. Similarly, it is certified fresh by Rotten Tomatoes with a 94% critics’ score and 85% audience score.
Coming over to the box office collection, the 2025 horror-thriller made with a budget of $38 million has managed to accumulate $204.1 million worldwide. The film, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, has already earned more than its break-even target of $95 million worldwide.
With this track record, it has become the 11th horror movie to reach this major milestone post-COVID era. It’s also in the running to become the 10th highest-grossing horror movie by beating 2021’s The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It’s $206.4 million global haul.
That said, netizens are now wondering who made Weapons movie and want to know more about the person behind it. As mentioned earlier, Weapons is directed, written, produced, and co-scored by the talented Zach Cregger.
Who is Zach Cregger?
Zach is a talented American actor, producer, director, and writer who has managed to garner the limelight through his works in several movies and TV shows.
Born in 1981, he celebrates his birthday every year on the first of March. As of this writing, he is 44 years of age. His birth name is Zachary Michael Cregger, and he was raised in Arlington, Virginia.
Speaking of Zach’s family life, the actor hasn’t shared much about them. As a result, there is almost no information about his parents. However, several media outlets have reported that he has three siblings: Sam Cregger, Jake Cregger, and Dan Cregger.
Zach Cregger at an art gallery in 2018 in New York (Photo: Instagram)
Besides this, there is no further information about his family life. As for his ethnicity, it is reported that he is of German, English, some Scottish, Scots-Irish/Northern Irish, distant Irish, and remote French ancestry.
Is Zach Cregger gay?
Zach is a very private person when it comes to his personal life. As such, many have wondered if the actor is gay or straight. And to answer the question, it’s publicly known that Zach isn’t gay and his sexual orientation is straight.
In addition to that, the Barbarian director is currently in a blissful marital relationship with his longtime wife Sara Paxton. Sara is a fellow actress who has also garnered fame through her singing career.
Speaking more about Zach and Sara’s relationship, the couple had been together for several years before finally sharing the wedding vows in 2019. As per reports, they first met each other while working together in the 2013 film Love & Air Sex.
In the movie, Zach portrayed the character of Jeff, whereas Sara played the role of Kara. Their characters were displayed as a couple, and this on-screen romance eventually turned into a real-life romance.
Zach Cregger with his longtime girlfriend turned wife, Sara Paxton, at the premiere of ‘Weapons’ (Photo: Reddit)
While they mostly kept their relationship private, they occasionally featured each other on their respective social media handles. In 2018, after dating for almost five years, they took a step forward and became engaged.
In the following year, in October 2019, Zach and Sara legalized their romance when they shared the wedding vows in front of their close friends and family in an intimate wedding ceremony. Since then, their bond has only gotten stronger.
As of this writing, the married couple has been together for around 13 years and has been married for more than five years. The love birds don’t seem to have any children; however, they do own a pet dog, whom they have named Auggie.
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