Natalia Dyer Transitions from ‘Stranger Things’ to a New Chapter

NEW YORK, NY — Natalia Dyer is bidding farewell to the supernatural realm of “Stranger Things” as she steps into a new phase of life. The 30-year-old actress, known for her role as Nancy Wheeler, reflects on her journey over the past decade while enjoying a meal in East Village.

Sporting a dark green baseball cap from a friend’s motel, Dyer blended into the bustling crowd outside Soothr, a popular Thai restaurant. As she peeled off her layers, her lighter hair fell into place, signaling a transition beyond her well-known TV persona.

“I hear you’re on Netflix?” a staff member asked, acknowledging her fame. “Moments like these do happen, but I’m usually able to navigate New York without too much fuss,” she explained, recalling an encounter with a fan in Georgia.

Dyer joined “Stranger Things” when she was 18 and had just started her studies at New York University. The series wrapped filming its fifth and final season in December 2024, coinciding with her milestone birthday. “This year has been a real coming back to my own life,” she said.

Reflecting on her decade of experiences, she expressed gratitude for her time on the show and its impact on her life. “My 20s in Hawkins were wild and magical, and I wouldn’t change a thing,” she said, emphasizing the importance of being present during the final season. “I just want to remember this moment. Being with these people and on the set is something I will cherish forever.”

Dyer’s connection with her castmates has grown over the years, especially her relationship with co-star Charlie Heaton. “They’ll always be little kids in my eyes, but they’ve grown into well-adjusted adults. I feel proud of all of them,” she shared.

The final season of “Stranger Things” is highly anticipated, with its initial episodes set to release on Thanksgiving Day. “This definitely felt huge,” she remarked. “You’re part of something beyond what you could imagine.”

Despite the show’s demanding nature, Dyer considers the entire experience as an educational journey. “Being on this set for so long gives you a sense of ownership and camaraderie,” she noted. Her fellow cast members are also finding success post-Hawkins, exploring new artistic ventures.

Currently, Dyer is focusing on her next steps and enjoying life outside of the show’s pressures. She shared, “I’m starting a new phase… just hanging out with friends and family and traveling.” She cherishes simple joys, like attending hot yoga classes and taking French to immerse herself in new experiences.

As Dyer prepared to leave the restaurant, she remarked on the nature of her transformative year, saying, “Every woman I’ve talked to speaks so highly of the 30s. I was excited to turn 30, and now that I’m here, it’s wonderful!”