Finn Wolfhard is officially ready to leave his child star days behind—or at least, that’s what he told everyone during his recent Saturday Night Live hosting gig.
Well, sort of.
The 23-year-old Stranger Things actor kicked off his monologue by reflecting on how much he’s grown since the Netflix series first premiered when he was just 12 years old.
And let’s just say, growing up in the spotlight comes with some very unique experiences.
Growing Up on Camera Isn’t Always Glamorous
Wolfhard didn’t hold back when describing what it was like to hit puberty with millions watching.
It feels so amazing that 400 million people got to watch me go through puberty. What a dream.
His voice cracked on screen. His first kiss happened on camera. And in perhaps the most awkward revelation of all, he even joked about learning anatomy from one of Stranger Things’ infamous monsters during filming.
Talk about memorable milestones captured for posterity.
Welcome to Adulthood: Facial Hair and “Spicy” Drinks
Now that he’s officially 23, Wolfhard proudly declared himself a man—complete with facial hair.
One facial hair, to be exact.
He also claimed to have developed a sophisticated palate for alcohol, though that assertion quickly fell apart during a comedy bit with cast member Marcello Hernandez.
When handed a glass of what appeared to be liquor, Wolfhard took a sip—and immediately spit it directly into Hernandez’s face.
Too spicy!
Not exactly the sophisticated response of a seasoned drinker.
Former Child Stars Unite
Wolfhard wasn’t alone in celebrating his transition from child actor to adult performer.
Co-stars Gaten Matarazzo and Caleb McLaughlin joined him on stage to emphasize an important distinction about their current status in Hollywood.
We aren’t child stars. We’re former child stars.
Matarazzo then delivered the punchline with perfect timing.
And anytime you read ‘former child star’ in a headline, it can only mean good things.
Anyone familiar with tabloid history knows that’s hilariously far from reality.
The Toast That Wasn’t
To seal their proclamation of adulthood, the trio decided to toast with the same alcohol that Wolfhard had previously deemed “too spicy.”
Spoiler alert: none of them handled it well.
Despite their best efforts to appear sophisticated and grown-up, all three struggled to keep straight faces—or keep their drinks down.
Maybe adulthood takes more practice than they thought.
Navigating Fame From Childhood to Adulthood
While Wolfhard’s monologue was played for laughs, it touches on something genuinely challenging: growing up under constant public scrutiny.
Child actors face unique pressures that most people never experience. Every awkward phase, every mistake, every moment of personal growth happens in front of cameras and audiences numbering in the hundreds of millions.
Research shows that childhood fame can impact mental health and development in complex ways. Constant attention, lack of privacy, and the pressure to maintain a public image during formative years create stressors that most adolescents never encounter.
What Makes Child Stardom So Challenging?
- Loss of normal developmental experiences: Private moments become public spectacles
- Identity formation under scrutiny: Figuring out who you are while millions watch and judge
- Difficulty separating self from character: Being known primarily for a role rather than as an individual
- Transition challenges: Moving from child roles to adult careers in an industry that often struggles to see you as anything else
The Stranger Things Effect
Stranger Things premiered in 2016, turning its young cast into overnight sensations.
Wolfhard, Matarazzo, McLaughlin, and their co-stars went from relative unknowns to global celebrities virtually overnight. They’ve spent their teenage years balancing school, filming schedules, press tours, and social media fame.
Now, as the series approaches its final season, the cast members are entering their twenties and facing the next challenge: redefining themselves beyond their breakthrough roles.
Finding Humor in the Journey
What stands out about Wolfhard’s SNL appearance is his willingness to laugh at his own experience.
Rather than presenting a polished, overly mature image, he leaned into the awkwardness of his situation—admitting that yes, he still can’t handle alcohol, and no, having one facial hair doesn’t automatically make him sophisticated.
That self-awareness and humor might be exactly what helps former child stars navigate their transition to adult careers successfully.
Instead of trying to force a premature image of adulthood, Wolfhard embraced where he actually is: somewhere between childhood and full-fledged maturity, still figuring things out—just like most 23-year-olds.
The only difference? He had to do it with 400 million people watching.