Amybeth McNulty Reflects on Surreal Journey in ‘Stranger Things’

Irish actress Amybeth McNulty has shared her thoughts on her experience joining the cast of the global phenomenon, Stranger Things. The 24-year-old, who hails from County Donegal, described the past few years as “weird,” expressing how the magnitude of the show still feels surreal. McNulty joined the series in its fourth season, portraying Vickie, a Hawkins High School student and the girlfriend of Robin Buckley, played by Maya Hawke.

During a recent appearance on RTÉ’s The Late Late Show with Patrick Kielty, McNulty reflected on her journey. Having been a fan of the series prior to her casting, she explained that her familiarity with the show aided her during the audition process. “I know what the show likes, I know the pacing,” she noted, adding, “I think I have an idea of how I can do this. But I didn’t think that I would get cast in any sort of world.”

The moment she learned she had secured the role was overwhelming. McNulty recounted, “I was screaming, crying down the phone.” This audition carried significant emotional weight for her, as it was the last one her parents were aware of before their passing. “They said they had a good feeling about it and they were right,” she shared.

Raised in Letterkenny by her Irish father and Canadian mother, McNulty moved to Canada at the age of 14 to take on the iconic role of Anne Shirley in Anne with an E. She credited her parents for facilitating this leap, stating, “They moved with me to Canada… I was very, very lucky they were retired and they were able to do that for me.” Her gratitude for their support is evident as she remarked, “They said they would do anything for me and they did.”

Before gaining international recognition, McNulty honed her craft through ballet training and performances in local plays and musicals at An Grianán Theatre. Reflecting on her hometown, she emphasized the importance of community in her artistic development. “There is a real sense of family there. It was everything,” she stated.

McNulty’s first television role came in 2014, when she co-starred as Jenny Rane in the RTÉ One series Clean Break. Since then, she has become an advocate for representation, particularly in portraying queer characters. Growing up as “a queer kid in Donegal,” she came out online as bisexual at 16 or 17. She recalled facing reactions in her hometown, with some people expressing sympathy to her parents: “I’m going ‘right okay, nothing to apologise for’.”

For McNulty, playing Vickie represents more than just a role; it is deeply personal. “I wanted to do it justice and do it right for kids like me growing up,” she said. She highlighted the significance of including a queer storyline within a narrative filled with supernatural elements. “I think it is important… it doesn’t have to be about that. It is just a part of it,” she explained.

As McNulty continues her journey in the entertainment industry, her role in Stranger Things serves as a testament to her resilience and passion for storytelling. The show not only provides a platform for her talent but also allows her to represent a generation of young people navigating their identities in a complicated world.