From Local Commercials to Global Phenom: Jake Connelly Opens Up on ‘Stranger Things 5’ Breakout Role and That Viral Casting Story
The ‘Delightful Derek’ Phenomenon: Jake Connelly Becomes the Unlikely Breakout Star of Hawkins
In a final season packed with high-stakes Upside Down chaos, shocking returns, and the promise of a climactic battle, the last thing fans of Stranger Things expected was for a seemingly minor new character to steal the entire show. Yet, that is exactly what 13-year-old Chicago native, Jake Connelly, has accomplished. His portrayal of Derek Turnbow in Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 1, which premiered to global fanfare in late November, has catapulted the young actor from local commercial gigs to a legitimate breakout star overnight.
The tidal wave of fan reaction has made Connelly the subject of intense media scrutiny and, most recently, a guest on one of the biggest late-night stages in America, demonstrating the sheer magnitude of his sudden fame. The newest developments—his candid television appearance, reflections on mentorship, and the unbelievable story behind his casting—are solidifying his place as the freshest face in Hollywood’s new generation.
The Latest Development: Late-Night Debut and Behind-the-Scenes Secrets
Just days after Stranger Things 5 Volume 1 shattered streaming records, Jake Connelly has been navigating the whirlwind of his new celebrity status, culminating in a recent, widely discussed appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. During the interview, Connelly addressed the overwhelming fan response to his character, Derek, whose unexpected pivot from a middle-school bully to a key, heroic ally in the fight against Vecna has become one of the season’s most celebrated arcs.
The biggest revelation that continues to make headlines is the almost unbelievable story of how Connelly received the life-changing news that he had secured the role of Derek Turnbow. Speaking with Fallon, Connelly confirmed the story, noting he was sheltering in his basement with his family during a tornado warning in the Chicago suburbs when his agents called via Zoom. The line, “Jake, you’re going to Hawkins!” was delivered amidst the sounds of an impending storm, a moment of high drama perfectly fitting for a show about suburban chaos and supernatural terror. To keep his casting a secret before the official announcement, Connelly hilariously told his school friends he was filming a ‘documentary about mayonnaise.’
In a second headline-making moment, Connelly casually admitted that he was not a long-time, die-hard fan of the series from the beginning, only beginning to watch the show with his family when Season 4 was released. This admission highlights the unique nature of his casting: a fresh, authentic talent discovered by the Duffer Brothers who brought a genuine, unspoiled energy to the set, rather than a veteran child actor accustomed to the pressures of a massive franchise.
Mentorship in the Upside Down: Advice from Millie Bobby Brown and Jamie Campbell Bower
Joining a cast as tight-knit and internationally famous as the Stranger Things ensemble can be daunting for any newcomer, let alone a 13-year-old making his major television debut. However, Connelly quickly found mentorship among his seasoned co-stars.
He recalled a warm welcome from series veteran Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven), who immediately took him under her wing. “One of the first days of the table read, Millie Bobby Brown called me over to her [trailer]… and she said, ‘Oh yeah, we were all your age when we started. If you ever need anything, you can just call us,'” Connelly shared. This gesture from one of the world’s biggest young stars provided the crucial reassurance a newcomer needed.
Furthermore, he cited Jamie Campbell Bower (Vecna/Henry Creel) as another key mentor. Bower, who had an equally meteoric rise in Season 4, advised Connelly to stay grounded amidst the sudden whirlwind of global fame. This focus on staying true to himself—still playing football for his school team and focusing on life in Chicago—is a characteristic the Duffer Brothers clearly prized in their casting.
The Unexpected Transformation of Derek Turnbow: Why Fans Are Obsessed
Derek Turnbow was initially described by Connelly as a “bully” and “not the nicest person,” introduced as a classmate who tormented Holly Wheeler. The original vision for the character was reportedly a more typical, unappealing bully archetype.
However, Connelly’s own authentic charm, recognized by the Duffer Brothers during early read-throughs, prompted a significant re-write of the character’s arc. What fans saw in Volume 1 was a transformation: ‘Dipsh*t Derek’ becoming the heroic ‘Delightful Derek’. Motivated by a pivotal pep talk, presumably from Winona Ryder’s character, Joyce, Derek steps up in a moment of crisis. His quick-thinking actions—smuggling kids from a military base, standing up to an officer, and helping the group survive a Demogorgon attack—proved he was not just background filler, but a character whose bravery was truly forged in the high-pressure cooker of Hawkins’ final stand.
This dramatic, redemptive arc resonated deeply with audiences. In a show where character development is king, Derek’s journey from an insecure bully who projects his fears onto others to a genuine hero underscored one of the show’s central, hopeful themes: that deep down, even the meanest person has the potential for good if given the right support.
From Microsoft to the Multiverse: Jake Connelly’s Pre-Hawkins Career
Connelly’s story is a classic Hollywood discovery tale. Before landing the Stranger Things role, his acting experience was limited to small, local productions. His earliest gigs were commercials for a company that sold windows and siding, directed by a family friend in Chicago. He also had one short film credit, Between the Silence.
It was this raw, unpolished, and inherently comedic timing displayed in a local Chicago furniture commercial that initially caught the attention of the Duffer Brothers’ casting team. They saw something unique—a charisma that transcended the typical ‘kid actor’ mold—and decided to reshape the Derek character around his personality. Now, his debut is global, and his future in the industry is brighter than ever as fans eagerly anticipate what role ‘Delightful Derek’ might play in the remaining episodes of the series. The young actor, a fan of the Chicago Bears and an American football player himself, remains remarkably grounded, yet his star power is undeniable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is Jake Connelly in Stranger Things?
A: Jake Connelly plays the character Derek Turnbow in the fifth and final season of the Netflix series, Stranger Things. Derek is introduced as a classmate of Holly Wheeler, who initially acts as a bully but undergoes a significant transformation to become a key heroic ally to the Hawkins crew during a major confrontation.
Q: How old is Jake Connelly?
A: Jake Connelly was born in 2012, making him 12 or 13 years old as of 2025, which is the year Stranger Things 5 was released.
Q: Where is Jake Connelly from?
A: Connelly is from the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, U.S. He continues to attend middle school there and plays American football.
Q: How did Jake Connelly get discovered for the show?
A: He was discovered by the Duffer Brothers’ casting team after they saw him in a local Chicago furniture commercial. Prior to Stranger Things, his main experience was in commercials and a small short film. His authentic personality led the showrunners to significantly expand and re-write the character of Derek Turnbow for him.
Q: What is the story about his casting call?
A: Jake Connelly received the call confirming he had won the role of Derek Turnbow while he was sheltering in his basement with his family during a tornado warning in Chicago.
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