Stranger Things has become a dazzling launchpad for fresh talent, transforming unknown actors into household names and igniting careers with fame and acclaim. Millie Bobby Brown mesmerized audiences as Eleven, Noah Schnapp captured hearts as Will Byers, and Gaten Matarazzo brought charm and wit to Dustin Henderson.

The series has consistently turned newcomers into stars, just as it did for Jake Connelly in its monumental fifth season. Connelly has now become a household name and gained a shortcut to fame.

Jake Connelly is diving headfirst into the kind of intense, career-defining experiences most actors spend decades chasing, echoing the iconic moments that shaped Ethan Hawke’s legendary path.

Ethan Hawke revealed in an interview with Vanity Fair that his final line in Dead Poets Society, “O Captain, my Captain,” a reference to Walt Whitman’s poem about Abraham Lincoln, has taken on new meaning over the past twenty-five years, as fans repeatedly quote it to him.

Similarly, Jake Connelly shared with The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that students approach him in school hallways shouting his iconic Stranger Things line.

“Suck my fat one,” Connelly said. Both moments illustrate how memorable dialogue cements an actor’s lasting cultural impact.

At just thirteen, Jake Connelly is navigating career-defining moments that many actors spend decades chasing. Starring in Stranger Things exposes him to emotionally intense scenes, public scrutiny, and the pressure of delivering performances with precision.

His iconic line from Stranger Things, which people now shout at him, has already secured a memorable place in pop culture. Connelly has achieved a level of legacy that few actors reach at such a young age, marking him as extraordinary, and even the Duffer Brothers have weighed in on his charm.

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When Jake Connelly’s charm hit the set, even the Duffer Brothers had to rethink Stranger Things Season 5. How did a small-time bully steal the spotlight from monsters?

Jake Connelly’s portrayal of Derek Turnbow transformed a character that was originally written as a simple, forgettable schoolyard bully. Every glance, every movement radiated mischief and vitality, turning what should have been a minor role into an on-set magnet.

The official Stranger Things X account shared a video showing how the Duffer Brothers had to completely rethink Derek’s presence. What began as a fleeting annoyance evolved into scenes brimming with humor, charm, and surprising depth, proving that one actor’s energy can reshape an entire story.

Derek Turnbow quickly became one of the season’s most memorable highlights. At just 4 feet 11 inches, Jake Connelly infused every scene with mischief, magnetic charm, and flawless comedic timing, making even small moments stand out.

The Duffer Brothers expanded his role, allowing his energy and wit to shape the story in ways no one anticipated. With more of him to come in the finale, Connelly’s iconic dialogue has him echoing the lasting cultural impact of Ethan Hawke.

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What do you think about this similarity between Jake Connelly and Ethan Hawke? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.