The Definitive Guide to Noah Schnapp
Who Is Noah Schnapp? The Quick Answer
Noah Schnapp is a 21-year-old American actor best known for playing Will Byers in Netflix’s Stranger Things. Here’s what you need to know at a glance:
- Born: October 3, 2004, in New York City; raised in Scarsdale, NY
- Breakthrough role: Will Byers in Stranger Things (2016–2025)
- First roles: Voiced Charlie Brown in The Peanuts Movie (2015); appeared in Steven Spielberg’s Bridge of Spies (2015)
- Education: Attending Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, majoring in entrepreneurship and innovation (Class of 2026)
- Identity: Came out as gay on TikTok on January 5, 2023
- Awards: MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Frightened Performance (2018); People’s Choice Award for Male TV Star (2022)
- Business ventures: Co-founded snack brand TBH; launched chicken tender restaurant concept TenderFix
- Salary growth: From $10,000 per episode in Season 1 to $7,000,000 for Season 5
Few actors grow up quite as publicly as Noah Schnapp has. He stepped onto one of the biggest stages in streaming television as a child and somehow came out the other side with his intensity — and his sense of mystery — fully intact.
From a quiet suburb of New York City to the global spotlight of Stranger Things, his journey covers acting, entrepreneurship, identity, and fashion. And it’s still just getting started.
As he said himself about finishing the show’s final season: “I felt very satisfied with the closure… happy that we finally get to see him finding some inner peace.”
That same sense of quiet resolution seems to define Noah Schnapp the person, not just the character.
The Rise of Noah Schnapp: From Scarsdale to Hawkins
Born on October 3, 2004, in the heart of New York City, noah schnapp spent his formative years in Scarsdale, New York. For those of us familiar with the sophisticated suburbs of Westchester, Scarsdale represents a blend of academic excellence and quiet luxury—the perfect backdrop for a young talent to find his footing.
Noah’s background is a rich tapestry of international heritage. His parents, Mitchell and Karine Schnapp, are originally from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. This gives Noah dual U.S. and Canadian citizenship, and he often speaks fondly of his Canadian roots, even noting his preference for Montreal-style bagels and his support for the Montreal Canadiens hockey team.
His journey into the arts began at the remarkably young age of five. After seeing a Broadway production of Annie, Noah was hooked. He didn’t just want to watch; he wanted to be on that stage. He began acting in school and community plays, eventually joining a high-level acting program at Westchester’s Star Kidz. It was there that his teacher, Alyson Isbrandtsen, recognized his potential and referred him to professional management.
Noah’s Jewish heritage also plays a significant role in his identity. He celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in Israel, a deeply personal milestone that connects him to his family’s history. Growing up with his twin sister, Chloe, Noah navigated the transition from a “normal” New York kid to a global superstar with a grounded perspective that we find truly admirable.
Career Milestones and the Impact of Stranger Things
Before he was fighting Demogorgons, noah schnapp was working with some of the most legendary names in Hollywood. In 2015, he made his live-action film debut in Steven Spielberg’s historical drama Bridge of Spies, playing Roger Donovan alongside Tom Hanks. That same year, he lent his voice to one of the most iconic characters in American animation: Charlie Brown in The Peanuts Movie.
However, it was his casting by the Duffer Brothers in 2016 that changed everything. Initially, Noah auditioned for the role of Mike Wheeler, but the creators saw something specific in him that made him the perfect Will Byers. While he was a recurring character in the first season—mostly existing as a catalyst for the plot while trapped in the Upside Down—his promotion to series regular in Season 2 allowed him to showcase an incredible emotional range.
The financial trajectory of his career is just as impressive as his acting growth. We’ve compiled a look at his reported salary evolution throughout the series:
| Season | Estimated Salary Per Episode | Total/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | $10,000 | Early breakout phase |
| Season 2 | $20,000 | Increased screen time |
| Season 3 | $250,000 | Global phenomenon status |
| Season 5 | $7,000,000 (Total) | Reported total for the final season |
His accolades followed his rising star. In 2018, he won the MTV Movie & TV Award for “Best Frightened Performance,” a testament to his ability to convey raw, visceral emotion. More recently, he was named the Male TV Star of 2022 at the People’s Choice Awards. Beyond the halls of Hawkins Middle School, Noah has starred in the indie drama Abe, the Netflix comedy Hubie Halloween with Adam Sandler, and the 2023 thriller The Tutor.
Portraying Will Byers: A Career-Defining Role for Noah Schnapp
For nearly a decade, noah schnapp has embodied Will Byers, a character who has become a symbol of resilience and vulnerability. Portraying a child who loses his youth to supernatural trauma required a “quiet mystery,” as we like to call it.
As the series progressed, Will’s arc moved from physical survival to a deeper, more internal struggle with identity. Fans spent years speculating about Will’s feelings for his best friend, Mike Wheeler, and his general sense of “otherness.” In 2022, Noah confirmed what many had felt: Will Byers is gay and in love with Mike.
Noah has noted that Season 5 was his most creative challenge yet. He had to portray a version of Will that finally finds agency and identity. By the end of the series, Will is no longer just a victim of the Upside Down; he is a young man who stands up for himself. Noah’s performance in the final season, particularly a pivotal five-minute coming-out scene in Episode 7, has been lauded as a career-best. He reportedly read the script alone in his room and cried, feeling the weight of both his character’s journey and his own.
Beyond the Screen: Business Ventures and Education
What sets noah schnapp apart from many of his peers is his drive for entrepreneurship. He isn’t content just being an actor; he wants to build brands that reflect his values.
His most notable venture is TBH (To Be Honest), a sustainability-focused snacking company. Launched via a crowdfunding campaign that saw a $15 million valuation cap, TBH offers a vegan alternative to hazelnut spreads like Nutella. The product is palm-oil-free and emphasizes higher protein and lower sugar, catering to a generation of health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers.
Noah also stepped into the “virtual kitchen” space with TenderFix, a delivery-only restaurant concept launched in partnership with IHOP and DoorDash. Specializing in chicken tenders and sandwiches, the brand utilized existing kitchen infrastructures to bring Noah’s favorite comfort foods to fans across the country.
Even with a multi-million dollar acting career and thriving businesses, Noah has sought to stay “grounded.” In the summer of 2022, he surprised fans by working as a lifeguard at a local pool. He mentioned in interviews that it was just for fun and to maintain a sense of normalcy before heading off to college.
Noah Schnapp at Wharton: Entrepreneurship and Innovation
In late 2021, a video of Noah and his family reacting to his college acceptance went viral. He was accepted into the prestigious Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, one of the top business schools in the world.
Noah is currently majoring in entrepreneurship and innovation, with an expected graduation date in 2026. Living in the dorms and attending classes while filming the final season of Stranger Things is no small feat. He chose a business degree over a drama degree because, as he explained, acting is something he has done his whole life, but he wanted to learn the mechanics of the “other side” of his career.
You can read more about his transition to Ivy League life in the article “Stranger Things” star Noah Schnapp is going to Penn. His time at Penn is helping him refine his POV as a founder, ensuring that his future business moves are as calculated as they are passionate.
Personal Life, Identity, and Public Stances
Noah’s personal life took center stage on January 5, 2023, when he posted a TikTok video that would garner millions of views within hours. Using a popular audio clip, he officially came out as gay. The caption was a perfect nod to his career: “I guess I’m more similar to Will Byers than I thought.”
The public response was overwhelmingly supportive, particularly from his Stranger Things castmates. Noah has often spoken about the “real chemistry” and deep friendships he shares with the cast, particularly Millie Bobby Brown. In fact, Millie recently revealed that Noah is the godfather to her daughter—a beautiful testament to the lifelong bond they formed on set.
Noah is also very close with his twin sister, Chloe. While Noah was in the spotlight, Chloe pursued her own path, but the two remain inseparable. They frequently appear on each other’s social media, showcasing a supportive sibling dynamic that has helped Noah navigate the pressures of fame.
Navigating Public Stances and Controversy
Being a public figure in the digital age often means facing intense scrutiny. Following the events of October 7, 2023, Noah faced significant backlash for his public comments regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. As a Jewish American with deep ties to Israel, he initially shared strong stances that sparked a “boycott Stranger Things” movement among some fan circles.
The controversy was exacerbated by a video showing Noah at a restaurant where “Zionism is Sexy” stickers were present. However, deeper analysis and fan defense posts have suggested that Noah did not create or distribute the stickers himself. In early 2024, Noah addressed the backlash in a TikTok video, stating that his views had been “misconstrued” and reiterating his hope for peace and safety for both Israelis and Palestinians. He noted that he had spent time listening and learning, and he prayed for the liberation of those suffering.
Despite the “dangerously insane” vitriol sometimes found in online fandoms, Noah has continued to focus on his work and his education, choosing to step back from social media at times to protect his mental health.
Conclusion
As noah schnapp prepares for life after Stranger Things, his aspirations remain as high as ever. He has expressed interest in character-driven scripts, Broadway plays, and even joked about wanting to play Spider-Man.
When he isn’t on set or in a Wharton lecture hall, Noah enjoys a lifestyle that fits the “urban living” ethos we celebrate here at PARK Ave Magazine LLC. He is an avid cook, a fan of cinema, and enjoys staying active through running and biking. His fashion sense has also evolved; he’s moved from kid-friendly styles to high-end, sophisticated looks, often favoring brands like Burberry, Prada, and Celine.
Our list of what’s next for Noah includes:
- The global premiere of Stranger Things Season 5 (The Finale).
- Continued expansion of his TBH snack line.
- Graduation from the University of Pennsylvania in 2026.
- Potential new film projects focused on character-driven storytelling.
Noah Schnapp’s journey from a Scarsdale kid to a Wharton entrepreneur and global icon is a story of growth, authenticity, and “city sophistication.” We look forward to seeing how he continues to shape the worlds of entertainment and business.
