For the 48-year-old David Harbour, fame came later in life, much later than his fellow actors. Despite playing several supporting roles across genres, the actor became insanely famous once he starred in Netflix’s Stranger Things. Now wherever he goes, echoes of ‘Hey Hopper’ follow him around.
Despite the stardom, the Marvel star seems to be terrified of his Stranger Things fame. Just like George Clooney earned immense popularity after portraying Dr. Doug Ross in ER and was solely known by that one role for a long period of time, Harbour too is terrified to end up being typecast and known solely by his role of Jim Hopper.
David Harbour Does Not Want His Career To Be Like George Clooney’s
When George Clooney starred as Dr. Doug Ross in the TV series ER, he gained widespread recognition and was majorly recognized for that one role even after leaving the series after five years. Fortunately, he managed to avoid being typecast by diversifying his filmography soon after leaving the series and starring in multiple critically acclaimed movies and roles.
As for David Harbour, the actor faces a very similar situation, currently struggling to avoid being typecast by his Stranger Things role. Although the role earned him a much-needed breakthrough in Hollywood, the actor is afraid of being only seen as police chief Jim Hopper in the hit Netflix drama.
While talking to Insider, just a few months ago, the Marvel star remarked.
“I think about George Clooney leaving ‘ER.’ Now we just see him as George Clooney. But there was a time when it was, The guy from ‘ER’ is doing a movie with Nicole Kidman.”
He even recalled the time his publicist had told him a similar thing about the possibility of him being ‘only’ known as ‘that’ guy. Even though he loves the show and his character, Harbour is ready to move on as he gets ready to film his last season of Strange Things.
David Harbour Is Ready To Move On From Stranger Things
After achieving immense success and popularity in his Stranger Things role, David Harbour is ready to move on. While the filming of the last season of the show is expected to begin soon next year, Harbour is already set to appear in some major productions including Marvel’s Thunderbolts.
While talking to Insider, Harbour revealed how he is navigating the shift, as he now aims to focus more on movies instead of TV shows.
“I’m trying to navigate some of that, and it’s tricky because you don’t want to shit on the people that love you for this thing that you did that you also love. But at the same time, you kind of want to leave the nest. I got more in me. I got different stuff in me, and I want you guys to see that. I don’t want people yelling ‘Hopper’ on the street every five minutes the rest of my life.”
While his Hopper role would remain a big part of his legacy, we hope the actor can truly showcase his potential as he moves to the next chapter of his career and life.
Stranger Things can be streamed on Netflix.
