At just 23 years old, Canadian actor Finn Wolfhard has already amassed a resume that rivals many industry veterans. Best known for his breakout role as Mike Wheeler in the global phenomenon Stranger Things, Wolfhard has proven himself to be a true multi-hyphenate, seamlessly navigating television, blockbuster films, voice acting, music, and even directing.
As Wolfhard prepares to host Saturday Night Live on January 17th, marking him as the first of the original Stranger Things cast to take the Studio 8H stage, it’s an opportune moment to examine the breadth of his decade-long career.
The Stranger Things Phenomenon
Wolfhard’s life changed irrevocably when he landed the role of Mike Wheeler in 2016. Starting the series at the tender age of 12, he anchored the core group of young adventurers whose Dungeons & Dragons games quickly collided with the supernatural horrors of Hawkins, Indiana. The show, which recently concluded its run on December 31, 2025, established Wolfhard as a leading figure in modern television.
While Stranger Things dominated his formative years, Wolfhard skillfully balanced this commitment with other significant projects, demonstrating an early aptitude for diverse storytelling.
Early Steps and Major Film Franchises
Wolfhard’s professional acting journey began subtly, with early TV appearances in 2014 on The 100, followed by a spot on Supernatural in 2015. However, his transition into major motion pictures cemented his status as a rising star.
Stephen King and the Losers' Club
In 2017, Wolfhard starred as Richie Tozier in the critically acclaimed adaptation of Stephen King’s It. He reprised this role in the 2019 sequel, It Chapter Two, where he appeared opposite Bill Hader, who portrayed the adult version of Richie. This shared role highlights an interesting connection within his career, as Hader later played a significant part in Wolfhard’s SNL hosting narrative.
Venturing into Blockbusters and Animation
Wolfhard continued to build his film portfolio by lending his voice to major animated features. He voiced Pugsley in the 2019 animated version of The Addams Family and appeared in the 2019 adaptation of Donna Tartt’s novel, The Goldfinch. A significant milestone came in 2021 with his role in Ghostbusters: Afterlife.
His voice work remains a vital part of his career, including roles in animated series such as Smiling Friends, Duncanville, and King of the Hill. Notably, in 2022, he voiced Candlewick in Guillermo del Toro’s Oscar-winning stop-motion masterpiece, Pinocchio.
Behind the Camera and Musical Pursuits
Wolfhard’s ambition extends beyond acting roles; he is actively shaping narratives behind the lens and on the stage.
Directing and Writing
In 2023, Wolfhard co-wrote and co-directed the horror film Hell of a Summer alongside actor Billy Bryk, showcasing his burgeoning interest in filmmaking craft. He also performed in Jesse Eisenberg’s directorial debut, When You Finish Saving the World, playing the son of Julianne Moore.
The Rock Star Life
Music has been a constant companion since childhood. With a guitar gifted to him at age four, Wolfhard channeled this passion into leading bands like Calpurnia and The Aubreys. Calpurnia gained notable attention when they starred in Weezer’s 2019 music video for their cover of A-ha’s “Take On Me.” With The Aubreys, he released music accompanying his directorial projects.
SNL Connections and Future Trajectory
Wolfhard’s hosting debut on Saturday Night Live is steeped in history. Beyond being the first Stranger Things kid to host, he has personal ties to the show, including a friendship with former cast member Fred Armisen. Furthermore, he previously appeared as an NBC page in the 2024 SNL-inspired movie Saturday Night, and was even referenced in a “Weekend Update” song.
As Wolfhard steps further into adulthood and his career matures, his trajectory points toward becoming a major creative force in Hollywood. From leading one of the most successful TV shows of the decade to directing his own features and maintaining a thriving music career, Finn Wolfhard has firmly established himself as one of the most dynamic talents of his generation.
Catch Finn Wolfhard hosting Saturday Night Live on Saturdays at 11:30/10:30c on NBC and streaming next day on Peacock.
