David Harbour, best known for playing Jim Hopper in Stranger Things, has spoken candidly about his mental health, his divorce from Lily Allen, and his new role in HBO’s DTF St. Louis. The 51-year-old actor, who recently stepped out in New York City following the split, discussed how the prosthetic belly he wore for the series helped him ‘liberate the true soul beneath’ and tackle the character’s emotional depth.
In DTF St. Louis, Harbour plays Floyd Smernitch, an ASL interpreter caught in a love triangle with his best friend Clark (Jason Bateman) and wife Carol (Linda Cardellini). The show, created by Steven Conrad, explores longing and shame in the American suburbs. Harbour said the role allowed him to move beyond the ‘stern but loving den father’ persona of Hopper, noting that Stranger Things had ‘run out of story’ by its final season.
Harbour also addressed the fallout from Lily Allen’s album West End Girl, released in October 2025 ahead of the final Stranger Things season. While he did not elaborate on the album’s content, he acknowledged the media scrutiny surrounding his personal life and alleged conduct on set. ‘I’m not so worried about maintaining an identity in the industry,’ he said, ‘but of course it’s on your mind that you have an opportunity.’
The actor emphasised the importance of mental health, describing how the role of Floyd—a character who dances freely despite his struggles—allowed him to explore vulnerability. ‘Floyd is so immensely tender and generous, but he’s going down a dark road,’ Harbour said, adding that the prosthetic belly and facial hair helped him ‘put on a bit of a mask’ to access the character’s true soul.
Harbour’s performance in DTF St. Louis has earned him his first Emmy nomination for the role, following two previous nods for Stranger Things. The series, which aired this spring, has been praised for its morose yet yearning tone, with Harbour’s dancing scenes providing a creative spark.
