Noah Schnapp Recalls How Journalists Would ‘Pry’ and Ask Him at 12 if He Was Gay: ‘I Was Obviously Very Scared of Talking About It’

Noah Schnapp Opens Up About Dealing with Invasive Questions About His Sexuality

Noah Schnapp, known for his role in the hit series “Stranger Things,” recently shared his experiences of being asked about his sexuality by journalists at a young age. In a candid interview with Time alongside his co-stars Finn Wolfhard, Caleb McLaughlin, Sadie Sink, Millie Bobby Brown, and Gaten Matarazzo, Schnapp reflected on the challenges he faced while growing up in the spotlight.
The actor mentioned that during press tours, he often found himself struggling to respond to questions about his own sexuality and that of his character, Will Byers. Schnapp revealed that the inquiries about his character’s sexuality became more frequent as fans speculated about a potential romantic relationship between Will and his friend, Mike.

After the release of “Stranger Things” season 4 in 2022, where his character officially came out as gay, discussions surrounding both the character’s and Schnapp’s personal life intensified. Schnapp took the bold step to come out as gay in January 2023, months after his on-screen character’s revelation.
In an interview with Variety, Schnapp expressed how portraying Will’s journey of self-acceptance on the show resonated with his own experience. He revealed that fully embracing his character’s sexuality ultimately helped him accept and embrace his own identity. The overwhelming support he received from fans and the media further reinforced his confidence in being open about his sexuality.
Schnapp acknowledged that seeing the positive reactions to his character’s story helped alleviate his worries about coming out. He mentioned that the outpouring of support on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok played a crucial role in boosting his self-assurance.

As he continues to evolve both personally and professionally, Schnapp emphasised that his newfound self-awareness has influenced his approach to portraying his character on the show. He expressed excitement about delving deeper into his character’s development now that he has a better understanding of his own identity.
“Stranger Things” fans can catch up on seasons 1 through 4, currently streaming on Netflix, before the highly anticipated season 5 premieres. Volume 1 is set to release on Nov. 26 at 8 p.m. ET, with Volume 2 following on Dec. 25, and the finale on Dec. 31.
Noah Schnapp’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance serves as an inspiring example of courage and authenticity. His willingness to share his story will undoubtedly resonate with many and contribute to fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.