Jake Connelly
Jake Connelly | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 5, 2012 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 2022–present |
| Known for | Stranger Things |
Jake Connelly (born March 5, 2012) is an American actor.[1] He is known for his role as Derek Turnbow in the fifth and final season of the Netflix science fiction horror series Stranger Things.[2]
Early life
[edit]Jake Connelly was born in 2012.[1] He was raised in Arlington Heights, Illinois.[3] As of 2025[update], he attends middle school in the Chicago area.[2] Connelly plays American football on his school team as a right tackle on the offensive line and on the inside defense.[2] He is a fan of the Chicago Bears .[2]
Prior to being cast in Stranger Things, Connelly was a fan of series,[4] having caught up on the show with his family when the fourth season was released.[5]
Career
[edit]Connelly began acting several years before his television debut.[2] His first acting roles were in commercials for Feldco Windows directed by a family friend.[2] His only credit prior to Stranger Things was a short film titled Between the Silence.[6][7]
In July 2024, Connelly was cast in the fifth season of Stranger Things.[8][9] He received the call confirming he had won the role while sheltering in his basement during a tornado warning.[2] To keep his casting a secret, he told his schoolmates that he was filming a documentary about mayonnaise.[2]
Connelly portrayed Derek Turnbow.[10] The character is introduced as a bully who torments Holly Wheeler, but later becomes an ally to the protagonists.[6][11]
Filmography
[edit]Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes/Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Stranger Things | Derek Turnbow | Also starring (season 5); 7 episodes[12] |
Short film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Between the Silence | Jakub | [7] |
References
[edit]- 1 2 Ray, Alyssa (November 7, 2025). "How Millie Bobby Brown Welcomed 'Stranger Things' Newcomer Jake Connelly Into the Fold". TheWrap. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Who Plays Derek in Stranger Things 5 Volume 1? Meet 13-Year-Old Jake Connelly". Teen Vogue. November 27, 2025. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- ↑ WBEZ, Mike Davis | (December 24, 2025). "New 'Stranger Things' star Jake Connelly on going from Feldco window commercials to Netflix". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved June 30, 2026.
- ↑ Nhundu, Kimberly (November 28, 2025). "How old is Stranger Things season 5 star Jake Connelly?". MSN. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- ↑ Nhundu, Kimberly; Toua, Myriam (November 27, 2025). "Stranger Things Season 5 star Jake Connelly - all you need to know about the new character". The Irish Star. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- 1 2 O'Keefe, Meghan (November 26, 2025). "'Stranger Things' 5's Most Unlikely Hero? "Dipsh*t" Derek Turnbow". Decider. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- 1 2 Nhundu, Kimberly (November 27, 2025). "Who plays Derek Turnbow in Stranger Things 5? Jake Connelly's age and past roles". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- ↑ Napier, Caitlin (2025). "Meet The New Cast Taking Over 'Stranger Things' Season 5". Marie Claire. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- ↑ Moore, Julia (November 27, 2025). "Stranger Things Season 5's New Characters: See Who Joins for the Final Chapter". People. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- ↑ Hatchett, Keisha (November 27, 2025). "Stranger Things 5 Cast Guide: New Characters, Siblings, Backstories, DnD Classes, and More". Netflix Tudum. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- ↑ Colburn, Randall (November 25, 2025). "See who's joining the Stranger Things cast for its fifth and final season". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- ↑ "Stranger Things Season 5 Cast & Characters: Here's Who Plays Holly, Derek, and More". Teen Vogue. November 26, 2025. Retrieved November 29, 2025.