Charlie Heaton: Age, Date of Birth & other info
Charlie Heaton is a British actor and musician best known for his role as Jonathan Byers in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things. Since his rise to fame, he has captivated audiences with his talent, versatility, and enigmatic personality. While he initially pursued a career in music, fate led him to acting, where he achieved global recognition.
- Age: 31 Years
- Date of Birth: February 6, 1994
- Birth Place: Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
- Weight: 69 kg (152 pounds)
- Height: 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
- Net Worth: $4 million
Early Life and Background
Date of Birth and Age
Charlie Heaton was born on February 6, 1994, in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. As of 2025, he is 31 years old.
Childhood and Upbringing
Heaton was raised by his mother on a council estate in Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire. Bridlington, a small coastal town in England, provided a humble backdrop to his early years. His upbringing was modest, and his early exposure to the arts came through music.Charlie’s passion for music started at a young age. He was drawn to drumming and later became an accomplished drummer, which eventually led him to London at age 16 to pursue a career in music.
Musical Career: The First Passion
Moving to London
At the age of 16, Charlie Heaton moved to London to live with his biological father. He immersed himself in the city’s dynamic music scene, playing gigs and experimenting with different genres.
Joining Comanechi
Heaton became the drummer for the noise-rock band Comanechi. The band, known for its raw, experimental sound, gained a niche following in the underground rock scene. In 2013, Comanechi released an album and embarked on a lengthy tour. Heaton spent nearly two years traveling and performing with the band.
Joining Half Loon
After leaving Comanechi, Heaton joined Half Loon, a London-based psychedelic rock band. His time in the music industry helped him develop discipline, stage presence, and an understanding of the entertainment world.However, despite his love for music, he realized that a career in acting offered greater long-term opportunities.
Acting Career: From Small Roles to Global Stardom
Early Acting Roles (2014–2015)
Charlie Heaton’s transition into acting was largely unplanned. While working on commercials and small gigs to support himself, he became interested in performance arts.His acting debut came in 2014 with a short film titled Life Needs Courage. In 2015, he landed guest roles in several British television dramas, including:
- DCI Banks (ITV crime series)
- Vera (British detective series)
- Casualty (BBC One medical drama)
Though these were minor roles, they provided him with much-needed exposure in the industry.
Breakthrough Role in Stranger Things (2016–Present)
In 2016, Heaton auditioned for a Netflix project that would change his life forever. He was cast as Jonathan Byers in Stranger Things, a supernatural sci-fi drama set in the 1980s.His character, Jonathan Byers, is a shy and introverted photographer who is deeply protective of his younger brother, Will, and his mother, Joyce (played by Winona Ryder). Jonathan becomes involved in uncovering the dark mysteries surrounding the town of Hawkins.Stranger Things was a massive success, becoming one of the most-watched series on Netflix. The show propelled Heaton to international stardom, and his performance earned critical acclaim.
Awards and Recognition for Stranger Things
- Won the Screen Actors Guild Award (2016) for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
- Nominated for Teen Choice Awards and MTV Movie & TV Awards
- Became a fan favorite for his unique portrayal of Jonathan Byers
As Stranger Things continued into multiple seasons, Heaton’s character became more significant. His on-screen romance with Nancy Wheeler (Natalia Dyer) mirrored their real-life relationship, adding to their popularity.
Film Career (2016–Present)
Charlie Heaton expanded his career beyond Stranger Things and ventured into films.
Key Movies He Has Starred In
- As You Are (2016)
- Indie coming-of-age drama
- Won Special Jury Award at the Sundance Film Festival
- Heaton played a troubled teenager in the 1990s
- Shut In (2016)
- Psychological thriller starring Naomi Watts
- Heaton played a complex, disturbed son
- Showcased his ability to take on darker roles
- Marrowbone (2017)
- Gothic horror thriller about four siblings hiding a dark secret
- Heaton played Billy Marrowbone, a protective older brother
- The New Mutants (2020)
- Marvel superhero horror film
- Played Samuel “Sam” Guthrie (Cannonball), a mutant with special abilities
- The film suffered production delays but showcased Heaton in a new genre
- No Future (2021)
- Indie drama about addiction and grief
- Starred alongside Catherine Keener
- The Souvenir Part II (2021)
- Semi-autobiographical drama directed by Joanna Hogg
- Played a supporting role
Charlie Heaton has consistently chosen diverse roles, proving that he is more than just a Netflix star.
Personal Life: Family, Relationships, and Challenges
Family and Son
Charlie Heaton has a son, Archie Heaton, born in 2014. The child’s mother is Akiko Matsuura, a musician from his former band Comanechi.Though Heaton and Matsuura are no longer together, they co-parent their son. Due to his demanding career, Heaton travels frequently but makes time to visit his son.
Relationship with Natalia Dyer
Since 2016, Heaton has been in a romantic relationship with Natalia Dyer, his Stranger Things co-star.
- They met on set and developed a close bond.
- The couple kept their relationship private initially but confirmed it in 2017.
- They often appear at red carpet events together and remain one of Hollywood’s favorite young couples.
Legal Issues (2017)
In October 2017, Heaton was detained at Los Angeles International Airport after traces of cocaine were found in his luggage.
- He was not charged but was denied entry into the U.S.
- He later returned to filming Stranger Things after clearing legal hurdles.
- Heaton later admitted that it was a wake-up call and focused on making better choices.
Net Worth and Financial Success
Estimated Net Worth
As of 2025, Charlie Heaton’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million.
Sources of Income
- Salary from Stranger Things
- In Season 1, he earned around $10,000–$30,000 per episode.
- By Season 3, his salary increased to $250,000 per episode.
- Film Roles
- Earnings from independent films and Hollywood projects.
- Brand Endorsements
- He has worked with luxury brands like Prada and Gucci.
- Music Royalties
- Though not his main income, his past work in music still brings some residuals.
Real Estate and Lifestyle
- Heaton splits his time between Los Angeles and London.
- He prefers a low-key lifestyle, avoiding excessive media attention.
Conclusion
Charlie Heaton’s journey from a small-town musician to a globally recognized actor is inspiring. His versatility, resilience, and dedication have helped him carve a unique space in the entertainment industry.Despite facing challenges, including legal troubles and personal hurdles, he has remained focused on his craft. With Stranger Things continuing to be a massive success and his film career expanding, Heaton’s future looks promising.
