The heartwarming friendship shared by Stranger Things co-stars Noah Schnapp and Millie Bobby Brown extends far beyond the boundaries of the screen. The teenage duo’s camaraderie in real life mirrors the endearing connection their characters have on the hit show. In a recent interview with Variety, Schnapp candidly discussed his journey of coming out as gay, shedding light on the reactions of his inner circle to this significant revelation.
Schnapp revealed that one particular reaction that stood out was that of his co-star and friend, Millie Bobby Brown. The actor explained that he had attempted to have this personal conversation face-to-face with Brown, but the task proved daunting. Instead, he decided to have the conversation via a FaceTime call, taking place amidst a visit to Party City. With unwavering honesty, Schnapp simply said, “Millie, I’m gay.”
Brown’s response was anything but surprising; she greeted the news with affectionate familiarity, saying, “Oh, Schnapper! You finally told me!” Her ease and understanding mirrored the sentiments of Schnapp’s family, friends, and fans.
Going a step beyond, the actor embraced a more public declaration of his sexual orientation in January. He opted for a lighthearted TikTok video, cleverly incorporating a widely recognized sound bite. Accompanying the video was a caption positioned above Schnapp’s head, conveying a deeply sincere confession: “After 18 years of apprehension, I mustered the courage to reveal my homosexuality to my loved ones, only to be met with their unsurprising response of ‘we know.'” Through this creative approach, Schnapp not only laid bare his vulnerability but also illuminated the backdrop of unwavering support that enveloped him.
In his interview, Schnapp acknowledged the role his character on Stranger Things, Will, played in his journey to self-acceptance. The revelation that Will’s character was also gay provided Schnapp with a newfound confidence to embrace his own identity. He expressed, “Once I fully embraced that Will was gay, it propelled me towards accepting it for myself at an exponential pace. If I hadn’t portrayed that character, my journey would likely be different, and I might still be keeping my identity a secret.”
Noah Schnapp’s open discussion about his coming-out journey and his unwavering friendship with Millie Bobby Brown serves as an inspiring testament to the power of authenticity and supportive relationships, both on and off-screen. Their camaraderie continues to capture the hearts of fans and reinforces the importance of acceptance and understanding.