5 Shocking Revelations About Noah Schnapp’s Coming Out Story And The Future Of Will Byers In Stranger Things

In a move that captivated millions of fans globally, *Stranger Things* star Noah Schnapp publicly came out as gay in January 2023, confirming what many had speculated about his personal life and drawing parallels to his beloved on-screen character, Will Byers. The announcement was not just a personal milestone for the young actor but also a significant cultural moment, highlighting the growing visibility of LGBTQ+ figures in mainstream media. The story, delivered via a candid TikTok video, immediately went viral, cementing Schnapp's place as a powerful voice for the younger generation. The revelation provided a fresh, current context to the ongoing discussion about his character’s journey in the Netflix hit series, with Schnapp himself noting the striking similarity between his own experience and Will Byers’ storyline. As of December 18, 2025, the actor continues to be a prominent figure, openly discussing his identity and the impact of the show on his personal life, all while preparing for the highly anticipated final season of *Stranger Things*.

Noah Schnapp: Complete Biography and Profile

Noah Cameron Schnapp is a Canadian-American actor best known for his breakout role as Will Byers in the Netflix supernatural series *Stranger Things*. His career began at a remarkably young age, quickly establishing him as one of Hollywood's most promising young talents.

• Full Name: Noah Cameron Schnapp
• Date of Birth: October 3, 2004
• Age (as of 2025): 21
• Birthplace: New York City, New York, U.S.
• Hometown/Residence: Scarsdale, New York
• Nationality: Canadian and American
• Occupation: Actor, Entrepreneur
• Famous For: Will Byers in *Stranger Things*
• Debut Role: Voice of Charlie Brown in *The Peanuts Movie* (2015)
• Major Film Roles: Roger Donovan in Steven Spielberg's *Bridge of Spies* (2015)
• Net Worth: Estimated at $3–4 million, primarily from his acting career and his company, TBH.
• Public Announcement: Came out as gay in a TikTok video on January 5, 2023.

The Viral TikTok: “I Guess I’m More Similar to Will Than I Thought”

The world learned of Noah Schnapp’s sexuality in a refreshingly casual and humorous way: a 2023 TikTok video. The actor, who was 18 at the time, posted a clip of himself lip-syncing to a trending sound, with an on-screen caption that delivered the news with a touch of irony.

The Moment of Truth

The caption on the viral video 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.'" The sentiment was both a relief and a gentle poke at the anticipation surrounding his sexuality, which had been a topic of speculation for years due to the nature of his *Stranger Things* character.

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In the text accompanying the video, Schnapp drew the direct link that fans had been waiting for, writing: "I guess I'm more similar to Will than I thought." This simple line instantly connected his personal journey to the fictional arc of Will Byers, creating a powerful, meta-narrative moment that resonated deeply with the LGBTQ+ community and fans of the show.

The Grandfather’s Heartfelt Reaction

The support Schnapp received was overwhelming, but one reaction stood out as particularly sweet and touching. He later shared a text message from his grandfather, who had sent a heartfelt message of love and acceptance. This moment underscored the positive and supportive environment the actor was surrounded by, contrasting sharply with the media pressure he had faced in earlier years.

The Will Byers Connection and Media Pressure

The intersection of Noah Schnapp’s personal life and his acting role as Will Byers has been a central theme of his public narrative since *Stranger Things* gained global popularity. The character's sexuality was a slow-burn storyline that became a major plot point in Season 4.

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The Confirmation of Will Byers’ Sexuality

Before Schnapp’s personal announcement, he had already confirmed the long-held fan theory about Will Byers. In a July 2022 interview, he stated that it was "100% clear" that Will is gay and harbors unrequited feelings for his best friend, Mike Wheeler (played by Finn Wolfhard). This confirmation from the actor himself was a significant moment for representation within the series, which is known for its ensemble cast, including Millie Bobby Brown and Gaten Matarazzo.

Schnapp has since revealed that Will’s sexuality will not be a minor detail but a central focus in the upcoming *Stranger Things* Season 5, which is the show's final installment. The Duffer Brothers, the show's creators, have been praised for the "beautifully" handled slow arc of Will’s journey, making it a major part of the narrative and not just a side story.

The Weight of Invasive Questions

Prior to his 2023 coming out, Schnapp discussed the intense media scrutiny and invasive questions he faced about his sexuality, even as a young teen. Journalists would press him on whether he was gay at press junkets, blurring the lines between the actor's personal life and the ambiguity of his on-screen character. This experience highlights the unique challenges faced by young actors in the public eye, especially when their roles touch on sensitive or personal topics.

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Schnapp's decision to come out on his own terms, via a casual TikTok, can be seen as a reclamation of his personal narrative after years of media speculation. It allowed him to control the message and share his truth in a way that felt authentic and relevant to his generation.

Beyond Hawkins: Noah Schnapp’s Other Projects and Future

While *Stranger Things* remains his most famous project, Noah Schnapp has been expanding his career and entrepreneurial ventures, demonstrating a drive to move beyond the role of Will Byers.

• Entrepreneurial Ventures: Schnapp is the founder of TBH (To Be Honest), a vegan hazelnut spread company. This venture shows his interest in business outside of acting.
• Filmography: His early work includes the critically acclaimed *Bridge of Spies* and the animated *The Peanuts Movie*, where he voiced the iconic Charlie Brown.
• The Future of Will Byers: All eyes are on *Stranger Things* Season 5, where Will Byers’ emotional and sexual journey is expected to culminate. Schnapp has promised a powerful conclusion for his character, addressing the unrequited love for Mike and the overall arc of the "outsider" group of friends.

Noah Schnapp's coming out story is more than just a celebrity headline; it is a testament to finding one's authentic self, even under the intense pressure of global fame. His candidness not only provided closure for fans of Will Byers but also offered a powerful, relatable narrative for young people navigating their own identities today. His journey continues to inspire, proving that one's personal truth can be the most compelling story of all.