“It’s Been Really Replenishing”: “Stranger Things” Star, Caleb McLaughlin, Deletes Social Media and Draws Closer to God
The smash hit Netflix series, Stranger Things, recently completed its fifth and final season. For the show’s breakout young cast, however, their careers may just be getting started. Tragically, Hollywood is ripe with examples of the toll that stardom can have on young actors. However, there is reason for optimism for the “Stranger Things kids” who were as young as twelve during the filming of the debut season.
For Caleb McLaughlin, who portrayed Lucas Sinclair on the show, the key to staying grounded despite growing up in the public eye is his faith. Caleb recently appeared on the Popcrushed podcast to talk about Stranger Things and his experiences as a child actor, but the conversation eventually turned to his spiritual journey.
One of the podcast hosts quotes a slogan Caleb had shared in prior interviews in which he said, “I’m not just spiritual, I’m religious.” The quote is a bold inverse of the trendy “I’m spiritual, but not religious” mindset often proclaimed in Hollywood, that seeks to embrace an ambiguous spiritual belief while distancing the individual from the traditional church, and it reflects Caleb’s unashamed commitment to his religious convictions.
The now 24-year-old actor shares that he grew up as a pastor’s kid and has always felt a connection with God, “It’s just always been a part of me.” But this year he further cultivated his own relationship with God and faith. He recalls how he went to church a lot with his family this summer. He even deleted Instagram and social media, saying, “I started grounding myself a little bit more, and talking to God more. It’s been really replenishing.”
When asked if his deepening faith is in reaction to entering into a new phase in his career, Caleb shares that it is more a matter of drawing closer to God and trusting him: “I just followed my spirit, honestly. I think the Spirit knows what chapters of your life are closing and what are opening.”
In further reflection of his faith, he notes: “Sometimes you get so caught up in relying on worldly desires, people’s validation….but when you are able to sit down, and ground yourself and pray, and knowing that God is listening…that’s the foundation. That’s what you can rely on any time of the day, any time of the year. And I had to go to that place.”
God is alive and at work in the world, and testimonies of faith like McLaughlin’s demonstrate God’s transforming presence in Hollywood. Caleb’s post-Stranger Things career kicks off this year with an upcoming animated film GOAT, as well as several other projects. More than merely the start of a new phase in his budding career, Christians can pray that it is the start of a new chapter in his walk with God as he shines the light of Christ in Hollywood.
