The epic conclusion of Stranger Things has finally arrived, leaving millions of fans captivated by the fate of Hawkins and its battle against the monstrous Vecna. Portrayed with chilling intensity by Jamie Campbell Bower, the villain Henry Creel has been a standout of the final season. But who is the man behind the terrifying prosthetics? Away from the Upside Down, Bower leads a multifaceted life filled with music, high-profile relationships, and a candid journey with mental health.
A Multifaceted Career: Acting, Music, and Modelling
Born in London on 22nd November 1988, Jamie Campbell Bower comes from a creative lineage. His mother, Anne Elizabeth Roseberry, is a music manager, and his father, David Bower, works for the Gibson Guitar Corporation. His maternal grandfather was the renowned musician and scholar Eric Norman Roseberry.
Before terrifying audiences as Vecna, Bower was already familiar to major franchises, having appeared in both Harry Potter and Twilight. However, his artistic passions extend far beyond acting. A proficient musician who studied violin via the Suzuki method, he has fronted several bands. He was the lead singer for The Darling Buds and later the frontman for Counterfeit, which released its first album in 2017 before disbanding in 2020.
In April 2024, he announced a new musical project called BloodMagic. His creative portfolio also includes modelling for prestigious brands like Burberry and Dior, and an appearance in a Florence + The Machine music video.
Personal Life: High-Profile Relationships and Current Romance
Bower's love life has often made headlines, particularly his relationships with former co-stars. In 2010, he began dating Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley) after meeting on the set of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The couple got engaged in April 2011 but parted ways in June 2012.
He then had an on-and-off relationship with his Mortal Instruments co-star, Lily Collins, between 2012 and 2018. The actor is now in a relationship with influencer Elena Taber.
Candid Mental Health Advocacy and Sobriety
Bower has been remarkably open about his personal struggles, speaking frankly about his mental health and addiction. He confirmed in 2019 that he was in recovery from alcohol addiction, a dependency he linked to managing anxiety. In a 2022 social media post, he revealed he had spent time in a mental health facility and was several years sober.
The actor has also discussed the psychological toll of playing a character as dark as Vecna. He recounted a conversation with his therapist, stating that portraying the villain's traumatic backstory profoundly affected him. Bower has indicated he plans to take a break from playing antagonistic roles, telling his therapist, "I just don’t think I’ll be doing another bad guy for a minute. Like it f—s me up."
As the curtain falls on Stranger Things, Jamie Campbell Bower emerges not just as the actor behind one of TV's most memorable villains, but as a complex artist navigating fame, creativity, and personal well-being with notable honesty.
