ActressWinona Rydershared she's proud of her youngerStranger Thingsco-stars because of how they've managed to navigate fame in the age of social media.
In aNovember2025 interview on theHappy Sad Confusedpodcast, Ryder, who started her career in Hollywood as a child actor, referenced that many cast members onStranger Thingsgrew up on set. Ryder said she admired how her younger co-stars have handled social media.
"It's such a different world because I didn't grow up with the internet or social media or any of that. I'm really proud of the kids because I watched them each figure out how to take breaks from that," said Ryder, who has played Joyce Byers since theNetflixshow's first season, which premiered in 2016.
She said that her co-star,Caleb McLaughlin, 24, who plays Lucas Sinclair, took a break from his phone.
"I remember like Caleb just turned off his. And he was like, 'God, it's great,'" said Ryder.
Winona Ryder Said She Wants Her Younger 'Stranger Things' Co-Stars to Know How Special They Are
During theHappy Sad Confusedpodcast interview, Ryder also said she wants her youngerStranger Thingsco-stars to know that their talent and screen presence are why the show is so successful.
"Netflix is so lucky to have them and they are what made this show what it is," said Ryder in the November 2025 interview.
Ryder also said she felt protective of her younger co-stars because "they were at such a tender age" during the filming of the series.
"It's really important for them to be able to experience those tender years in an environment where they're not getting so much outside noise," said the 54-year-old.
Some 'Stranger Things' Stars Complimented Winona Ryder
In a November 2025 interview withEntertainment Tonight, severalStranger Thingsstars complimented Ryder. For instance,Charlie Heaton, 31, who plays Joyce's eldestson, Jonathan, said Ryder is "very awesome."
"Super generous. She's actually an amazing gift-giver," said Heaton to the publication.
Noah Schnapp, 21, who plays Jonathan's younger brother, Will, also said that Ryder gives thoughtfulgifts. Schnapp shared that Ryder gave him aCherT-shirt after he expressed an interest in the singer, who co-starred with his on-screen mother in the 1990 film,Mermaids.
"[Ryder is] a sweetheart. She's a lot of fun. And she has a lot of interesting stories. She gave me one of her T-shirts from a Cher concert," said Schnapp to the publication.
In addition,Jamie Campbell Bower, who plays Vecna, described Ryder as "amazing."
The first four episodes of the fifth and final season ofStranger Thingspremiered on Netflix on November 26.
This story was originally published byParadeon Nov 30, 2025, where it first appeared in theNewssection. Add Parade as aPreferred Source by clicking here.
