All about Linnea Berthelsen, The Actress Behind Kali (Eight) in 'Stranger Things'

Published 12/28/2025, 9:20 AM EST

While many viewers recognize the mysterious numeric tattoo on her wrist, few realize the remarkable international journey this actress took before entering the Upside Down. Her rise from short films in Denmark to a pivotal role in a global phenomenon reveals a story of talent and cross-continental ambition. 

The professional evolution of this star began long before she encountered the supernatural mysteries of Hawkins.

Face behind Kali in Stranger Things

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Linnea Berthelsen (Kali Prasad of Stranger Things) was born in India and later adopted, growing up in the quiet town of Kalundborg, Denmark. She discovered her passion for performing in her early teens and eventually moved to England in 2014. This move allowed her to refine her craft at the East 15 Acting School in Essex.

Her cinematic debut arrived in 2016 with the short film Mirrors, marking the start of a prolific period. She appeared in various projects such as Natskygge, Dyspno, and the Danish film Hybrid. These early roles provided the foundation for her transition into major international television productions.

The momentum of her early career peaked in 2017 when she secured a life-changing opportunity with Netflix. She was cast in the science-fiction horror series Stranger Things, bringing an entirely new dimension to the established lore.

‘Stranger Things’ Season 5: Is the Forgotten Kali Returning for Finale? Noah Schnapp Drops a Hint in Drought

Her portrayal of a powerful outcast added a layer of psychological complexity to the series.

The evolution of Kali Prasad in Stranger Things

Kali Prasad, also known as Eight, is a character possessing the unique ability to manifest vivid hallucinations in the minds of others. As a fellow survivor of the Hawkins Lab experiments, she serves as a spiritual older sister to Eleven. Her character introduces a darker, more vengeful perspective on the trauma they both endured during their childhood.

In the second season, her presence is central to the development of the psychic bond between the lab siblings. She leads a gang of outcasts, using her mental powers. This storyline expanded the world beyond the small town of Hawkins and explored the consequences of government experimentation.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The character makes a significant return in the fifth season, continuing the narrative arc established years prior. This reappearance allows the series to bring her journey full circle as the final battle against the supernatural forces approaches. Her evolution from a fugitive seeking revenge to a key figure in the final chapter remains a highlight for many fans.

What Theatres Are Showing ‘Stranger Things’ Finale? How to Watch Season 5 Volume on Big Screen?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What are your views on how the powers of Eight played by Linnea Berthelsen compare to those of Eleven and Vecna? Let us know in the comments below

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

ADVERTISEMENT

Soma Mitra

719 articles

Soma is a journalist at Netflix Junkie. With a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication, she brings production experience from documentary films like Chandua: Stories on Fabric. Covering the true crime and docu-drama beat, she turns psychological thrillers into sharp, audience-aware storytelling.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

ADVERTISEMENT

EDITORS' PICK