Amybeth McNulty: Parents' Legacy and Stranger Things Stardom

Irish actress Amybeth McNulty has captured global attention, first as the lead in Anne with an E and more recently as Vickie in the blockbuster Netflix series, Stranger Things. Her journey from County Donegal to the international stage has been marked by significant personal milestones and a deep appreciation for the support system she credits for her success: her late parents.

Speaking recently on RTÉ's The Late Late Show, McNulty described the period following her casting in Stranger Things as a "weird couple of years." At 24, she finds herself navigating the complexities of massive global fame, describing the experience as feeling like "a little cog in this very massive machine." McNulty joined the Stranger Things universe in its fourth season, portraying Vickie, a student at Hawkins High School and the girlfriend of Robin Buckley.

From Donegal Roots to Global Fame

McNulty’s career trajectory is remarkable. Raised in Letterkenny, County Donegal, she was nurtured by an Irish father and a Canadian mother. Her early life was steeped in the local arts scene, training in ballet and performing in local productions at An Grianán Theatre. Her first television role came in 2014 with a part in the RTÉ One series Clean Break.

The pivotal shift in her career occurred at age 14 when she relocated to Canada to take on the lead role of Anne Shirley in Anne with an E. This move, she emphasizes, would not have been possible without the extraordinary commitment of her parents.

The Sacrifice of Her Parents

McNulty credits her parents, who were retired, for uprooting their lives and moving to Canada to support her burgeoning career. "They moved with me to Canada... I was very, very lucky they were retired and they were able to that for me," she shared. "They said they would do anything for me and they did. I will always appreciate it."

Tragically, McNulty shared that her parents passed away before she secured the role in Stranger Things. Reflecting on the casting news, she recounted the emotional phone call where she shared the news, noting it was the last audition her parents knew she had undertaken. "They said they had a good feeling about it and they were right." This poignant detail underscores the depth of the personal sacrifice that paved the way for her current success.

Navigating Identity in the Spotlight

Beyond the glitz of her acting roles, McNulty has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ representation. Growing up in Donegal, she came out online as bisexual between the ages of 16 and 17. She recounted instances where community members approached her parents with misplaced apologies regarding her sexuality, a situation she found baffling.

This personal history fuels her approach to her roles, particularly in Stranger Things, where her character is part of a significant queer storyline set against the backdrop of the 1980s. McNulty feels a strong responsibility to portray these narratives authentically.

Doing Justice to Queer Representation

"I want to do it justice and do it right for kids like me growing up," McNulty stated. She champions the idea that queer storylines should be integrated naturally into the narrative fabric, rather than being the sole defining element of a character's arc. "I think it is important, especially when the queer story line is a part of their chapter, whilst their dealing with monsters, in the 80s and there is all these other things going on, it doesn't have to be about that. It is just a part of it. I think that is ideal."

Her commitment to authenticity also extends to understanding the source material. McNulty noted that being a fan of Stranger Things significantly aided her audition process. "I know what the show likes, I know the pacing, I think I have an idea of how I can do this." The reality of landing the role, however, was overwhelming; upon receiving the call, she admitted to "screaming, crying down the phone."

The Power of Community

Despite her global recognition, McNulty remains deeply connected to her origins. She looks back on her upbringing in Letterkenny with immense gratitude, emphasizing the role of the local community. "There is a real sense of family there. It was everything," she reflected.

As McNulty continues to balance the demands of a massive franchise like Stranger Things with her personal advocacy, the memory of her parents and the supportive community that raised her remains central to her narrative. Her success is not just a story of talent, but one deeply rooted in familial love and community spirit, making her one of the most compelling young talents emerging from Ireland today.