Joe Keery, best known as the beloved Steve “The Hair” Harrington on Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things, has captivated audiences with his on-screen charm and impressive pompadour. While his career has flourished with roles in films like Free Guy and his music project Djo gaining significant attention, Keery has kept a relatively low-key love life compared to many of his Hollywood peers. Here’s what we know about his confirmed and rumored relationships over the years.
Maika Monroe (2017-2023)
Joe’s most significant and only publicly confirmed relationship was with actress Maika Monroe, known for her roles in horror and thriller films like It Follows and The Guest. The pair reportedly met at a party in Los Angeles in 2017, during a particularly successful period in both of their careers.
The couple began dating publicly that same year, making their red carpet debut at the premiere of Stranger Things Season 2. Over the next six years, Joe and Maika became a fixture at industry events, appearing together at movie premieres, award shows, and fashion events. Though neither was particularly active on social media, they occasionally shared subtle couple photos that gave fans glimpses into their relationship.
Unlike many celebrity couples, Joe and Maika kept the details of their relationship largely private, rarely discussing each other in interviews and maintaining boundaries between their public and personal lives. This approach earned them respect from fans who appreciated their focus on their respective careers rather than leveraging their relationship for publicity.
After approximately six years together, reports emerged in late 2023 that the couple had quietly split. True to form, neither Joe nor Maika publicly addressed the breakup, allowing the end of their relationship to remain as private as much of its duration had been. The separation appeared to be amicable, with both continuing to focus on their thriving careers.
Sabrina Carpenter (2024 Rumor)
Following his split from Maika Monroe, Joe was briefly linked to pop star and actress Sabrina Carpenter after they were spotted chatting and laughing together at the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty in early 2024. Paparazzi photos of the two engaged in what appeared to be animated conversation quickly circulated online, sparking speculation about a potential romance.
However, no further evidence of a relationship between Joe and Sabrina emerged in the subsequent weeks. The brief rumor appeared to be nothing more than two charismatic young celebrities enjoying a conversation at an industry event. Neither party commented on the speculation, and Sabrina was later linked to other potential romantic interests, suggesting the interaction was simply friendly.
Gaten Matarazzo (Platonic Fan Rumor)
In one of the more humorous entries in Joe’s rumored relationship history, Stranger Things fans have long joked about a fictional romance between Joe and his co-star Gaten Matarazzo, who plays Dustin Henderson on the show. This entirely platonic “ship” emerged from the charming on-screen friendship between their characters, which developed into one of the show’s most beloved dynamics.
The internet joke evolved into meme territory, with fans creating playful edits and commentary about their friendship. Both actors have taken the fan humor in stride, occasionally acknowledging the memes in interviews while emphasizing their actual real-life friendship. This lighthearted rumor highlights how passionate fan communities sometimes blur the lines between actors and the characters they portray.
Navigating Fame While Maintaining Authenticity
Throughout his rise to fame, Joe Keery has distinguished himself by maintaining an authentic presence in an industry often defined by cultivated images and strategic publicity. His approach to relationships reflects this same commitment to genuineness, prioritizing privacy and substance over performative displays for public consumption.
When news of his breakup with Maika Monroe eventually reached fans, social media reacted with a mixture of disappointment and increased interest in his newly single status. Many expressed sadness about the end of what they had considered an “indie power couple” — two talented actors who seemed to complement each other perfectly while avoiding typical Hollywood relationship drama.
The breakup triggered a wave of social media thirst posts and TikTok compilations celebrating Joe’s “boyfriend energy,” with fans analyzing everything from his attentive behavior in interviews to his fashion choices as evidence of his appealing qualities as a potential partner. These viral moments speak to his unique position in pop culture: respected for his talent and authenticity while simultaneously admired for his charisma and style.
As Joe continues to expand his acting resume and music career, his thoughtful approach to balancing public interest with personal boundaries offers a refreshing alternative to the oversharing common among celebrities of his generation. Whether single or in a relationship, his focus remains clearly on his creative output rather than his romantic status—a priority that has earned him a dedicated fan base that appreciates both his work and his integrity.
