Stranger Things' David Harbour on social media, new fame and his SAG Awards speech

"Through our art to battle against fear, self-centeredness, and exclusivity of our predominantly narcissistic culture and through our craft to cultivate a more empathetic and understanding society by revealing intimate truths that serve as a forceful reminder to folks that when they feel broken and afraid and tired they are not alone...we will shelter freaks and outcasts, those who have no home. We will get past the lies."

"We will hunt monsters, and when we are at a loss amidst the hypocrisy and the casual violence of certain individuals and institutions, we will, as per Chief Jim Hopper, punch some people in the face when they seek to destroy the weak and the disenfranchised and the marginalized. And we will do it all with soul, with heart, and with joy."

David Harbour recognizes that recent fame from Stranger Things is hard earned and possibly fleeting. Harbour delivered an outspoken SAG Awards speech linking acting to battling fear, self-centeredness, and cultural exclusivity while cultivating empathy and revealing intimate truths. Harbour pledged to shelter outcasts and to confront those who harm the weak, invoking Chief Jim Hopper’s willingness to physically defend the disenfranchised, and emphasized acting with soul, heart, and joy. Harbour addressed his fame, the speech, and interactions with fans at a Social Media Week panel in New York. The speech received both applause and criticism.

Read at The Drum