Stranger Things: There's a Reason You Love Eddie Munson - And It Isn't That Guitar Solo
* WARNING: This post contains spoilers for Stranger Things Season 4.Joseph Quinn’s portrayal of Hawkins’ alleged cult leader, Eddie Munson, struck a literal chord with old and new Stranger Things fans alike when Netflix dropped the fourth season in early summer 2022. Eddie’s devotion to the Dungeons & Dragons, struggle with running away, and his heroic Metallica performance won audiences over globally. Of course, it would have been far too easy to go another route with this character. After all, Eddie was a metalhead and drug dealer, and his friendship now rivalled -- and even threatened -- the fan-favorite bromance between Dustin Henderson and Steve Harrington. Off the bat (pun unfortunate and unintended), viewers could have had another Billy Hargrove on their hands. Billy’s racism and abuse was chilling, but also, disconcertingly realistic. But it would have been reductive to alienate the misfit metal-obsessed nerd from audiences with similar behavior.Thankfully, Eddie’s compassion, honest reluctance to deal with the supernatural chaos, and endless flirting with Hawkins’ best babysitter showed the world what Stranger Things has been highlighting all along: heroes come from the most unlikely of places.Eddie Munson Defies Small Town Prejudice - And Our Own(Photo by Netflix)Like most of Hawkins, the main characters initially doubt Eddie’s innocence when it comes to the Vecna murders. They learn in no time how wrong they were, though. Hawkins might judge him, but those who truly understand Eddie Munson -- like the Hellfire Club and his Uncle Wayne -- know better.Eddie “The Freak” Munson is an outcast through and through, which is why the townspeople paint him as a satanic cult leader with loose morals. Even before the murders, fellow classmates and peers poke fun at his interests. In some ways, his story mirrors Winona Ryder’s — sometimes, no matter what you’ve done, you can never be enough for people. At his core, Eddie resonates with so many because he's so different.RELATED: Stranger Things Is Breaking One Dangerous (And Deadly) Hollywood PatternA metal fan in the ‘80s, you might expect him to be chauvinistic or homophobic, but he’s far from it. Within minutes of dismissing Erica Sinclair as a worthy player in his campaign, he accepts her. Eddie immediately defers to Nancy Wheeler’s leadership. He is deeply committed to art but considerate. He swears by nonconformity but stands by community. Subverting expectations everywhere he goes, Eddie is a safe space for the outcast in all of us.Eddie Munson Challenges Masculine Norms with Kindness and Vulnerability(Photo by Netflix)It makes perfect sense why the internet latched on to Eddie Munson. While his interactions with the tragic Chrissy Cunningham morphed into a catchy tune that is stuck in even actor Joseph Quinn’s head, his concern over the cheerleader undeniably drew audiences into his warm gaze. Early on, he has no clue what demons Chrissy faces, but TikTok user and actor Brittany Grove’s analysis of Joseph Quinn’s body language shows how, in a single scene, Eddie effortlessly puts Chrissy at ease. That is, until Eddie soon witnesses Chrissy’s brutal murder and runs away. RELATED: Stranger Things’ Millie Bobby Brown Has Powerful Words Against Sexualizing Her – And Hollywood Needs to ListenMany fans noted how writers foreshadowed his tendency to run, when, as Dungeon Master, Eddie tells his party, “There is no shame in running.” As beautiful as this personal philosophy is, he later expresses nothing but shame when confronting how he left Chrissy alone. Yet none of Eddie’s friends punish him for being afraid. Instead, they validate him. It's also important to note Eddie never sexualizes any female character. Not only does this challenge the norm within canon, it underlines how easy it is not to hyper-sexualize Stranger Things actresses like Millie Bobby Brown. His ability to respect women and share how he feels doesn't cancel out his personality... or that badass guitar solo. Why Eddie Munson and Steve Harrington's Relationship is Refreshing(Photo by Netflix)Rather than lean in to a predictable dynamic of macho rivalry, Joseph Quinn improvised lines hinting at Eddie having a crush on Steve Harrington. The two share a heartwarming moment in the woods amid Vecna’s mayhem where Steve comforts Eddie after they admit they were jealous of each other. This interaction matters. It matters because two monster-slaying boys set time aside to address how they feel and acknowledge the very real insecurities they had. Rather than telling each other to “man up” or put on masks of bravado, Eddie and Steve get real with themselves and each other. Honestly, romantic or not, it's refreshing to see Steve, who goes from being a people-pleasing jock to bat-swinging caretaker over the course of the show, make a friend his age.“I love you, man,” Eddie Munson says to Dustin before dying. There’s no doubt Eddie’s words will make it in the hall of fame of Stranger Things quotes. (Unsurprisingly, Joseph Quinn also improvised these last words. He's tapped into the nuance of his character with genius.)Eddie's tears or sometimes comedic screams don't undermine any of his sacrifice -- it doesn’t mean any less because of how loudly he feels. If anything, his sacrifice means more.Joseph Quinn’s Portrayal as Eddie Reveals the Importance of Found Family(Photo by Netflix)Another huge reason why Eddie matters beyond the realm of television is how his arc points to how important it is to find community. When dealing with body-snapping telepathy or more common life stressors, it's important not to feel alone. The Hellfire Club was not just a way to pass the time with D&D, but a place where outsiders could belong. (The shirts selling out shows just how much viewers can relate.)The truth is, it wasn’t just Eddie who was stuck in a box society created for him. He openly shares his misguided first impressions with the Hawkins gang, from Erica’s youth to doubting Steve’s good nature. The difference between him and a character like Billy or Jason is his ability to accept when he’s wrong. He even accepts these new characters as his friends. Even with a whole community against him, he held compassion for “lost sheep” until the very end.RELATED: 11 Stranger Things Quotes to Turn Your Life Upside DownEddie Munson tugs at so many hearts because of his own. Fans celebrate him not in spite of his eccentricity, quips, or quirks, but because of them. Despite the town's opinions of him, he stays kind and spreads the gospel of good music motivation through all kinds of danger. It’s no wonder the Stranger Things fandom is pumping out theory after theory on how he could return. Whether he does or not, one thing is for certain: Eddie Munson comforts and inspires anyone who’s ever felt like they were “too much.” Never change and rest in peace, Eddie.KEEP READING:What Wes Anderson’s ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ Taught Us About Finding Humor in Trauma and Dysfunction
Matthew Perry Was Shockingly Wrong—Why We're Lucky Keanu Reeves Walks Among Us
In recent weeks, Matthew Perry’s memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing has been the talk of Twitter. From revealing how Jennifer Aniston saved his life to confessing how a medical scare forced him to reevaluate his career, Perry laid it all bare in his book. RELATED: Scott Steindorff: Killing Myself with Drugs and AlcoholBut among his deeply honest musings on co-star crushes and his battle with alcohol and drugs, was a take nobody seemed to appreciate: Why was Keanu Reeves still alive?What Matthew Perry Wrote About Keanu Reeves While reflecting on the death of River Phoenix, who Perry acted alongside in A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon, the actor observed: “It always seems to be the really talented guys who go down. Why is it that the original thinkers like River Phoenix and Heath Ledger die, but Keanu Reeves still walks among us?” RELATED: Keanu Reeves Surprises Entire Crew With $7000 Personalized Rolex Watches To Express His GratitudePerry went on to reminisce on how he punched a hole through Jennifer Aniston’s dressing room wall upon finding out about Chris Farley’s death. “Keanu Reeves walks among us,” he reiterated. In response to media backlash, Perry has since issued an official apology to People Magazine, saying he was “actually a big fan of Keanu.” According to the 17 Again actor, he chose Reeves’ name at random and admits he should have chosen his own instead.Though maybe Perry missed the point.How Perry Undermined Keanu Reeves and River Phoenix’s FriendshipIt’s time to peel back the layers here. Sure, Perry’s comments underestimated a versatile Hollywood icon. They also weren’t as grounded as Perry might hope. (One glance at the Matrix star’s filmography gives you a glimpse of his multifaceted portfolio.)For the public, what struck all the wrong chords was Perry’s insensitivity to the very real and deep friendship between Reeves and River Phoenix. Even in recent interviews, Reeves’ grief is palpable. In late 2021, he told Esquire how he hates “speaking about him in the past.” To Reeves, his best friend existing in past tense still feels foreign thirty years later. RELATED: How Julia Roberts and George Clooney’s Lifelong Friendship Helped ‘Save’ One AnotherIt’s ironic and all too human. Wrapped up in his own despair, Perry didn’t take into account the loss of the very person he was criticizing. Intentional or not, his subtle digs didn’t just pit one actor against the other. They called one friend’s value into question while putting the other on a pedestal.Perry’s grief and confusion are understandable. Losing anyone, much less someone gifted and kind is difficult to make sense of. Plus, it’s natural to compare yourself to idols — yes, even when you’re a celebrity yourself. But is it fair to diminish someone else’s worth entirely? Especially when that someone else is John Wick?Keanu Reeves Is a Gem of the People(Image by: Getty Images)Google “Keanu Reeves kindness” and you will find a plethora of Keanu articles and think-pieces heralding the actor as the kindest and most down-to-earth man in Hollywood. Here's Keanu gifting an entire movie crew, and Keanu organizing cars for plane passengers, or even Keanu accepting a stranger's wedding invitation. Reeves has more than earned this glowing reputation. RELATED: Taylor Swift Pays $6k to Cover a Fan’s College Tuition – And Changes Her Life ForeverReeves is part of a tragically short list of famous men who mind their own business. He emulates the fierce protectiveness of his action roles and embodies the tenderness required for a romantic drama. (Yeah, we’re still crying about The Lake House.) He humbly contains multitudes. We’re extremely fortunate to have him walk among us. It’s no surprise, then, how fans across the board became incensed by Perry’s evaluation of Reeves’ skill and general life. But Chandler Bing memes aside, there’s a lesson here.Perry v. Reeves Shows We All Can Be More Compassionate(Image by: Good Morning America)The age-old adage still rings true: “If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all.” It’s easy to point a finger to Matthew Perry. His memoir shows how the ways we measure success can narrow our perspective. It doesn’t help that his comments were inconsiderate and incorrect. (Keanu Reeves’ cameo in Always Be My Maybe is poetic cinema, after all.) Yet we can always go deeper. All of us could afford to offer more compassion to both the Keanu Reeves and Matthew Perrys in our lives. How many of us have made an unfair assessment of someone? How many of us throw away comments, tweets, and posts without a second thought on whether we’re tearing someone down? RELATED: How Keanu Helped Winona Ryder When No One Else Would Stand Up For HerOn one hand, we’ve all been Matthew Perry, inadvertently causing harm with one phrase while trying to do good. On the other hand, we might feel like Keanu — underrated and misunderstood. The Perrys of our lives might not see our struggles even if they definitely exist. Matthew Perry might never lay his eyes on this article (could that be any more depressing?). You did. So maybe we can rethink how we treat and speak of those who still walk among us.KEEP READING: Taylor Swift and Katy Perry Finally Buried The Hatchet After A Longstanding Feud
Chris Pine’s Got Jokes, Quotes, and Our Votes!
Yes, Chris Pine is a nepotism baby. Not everyone is perfect. Thankfully, his diverse portfolio speaks for itself. To wider audiences, Pine is Star Trek’s Captain Kirk, Wonder Woman’s dreamy boyfriend, and most recently, Florence Pugh’s nemesis in Don’t Worry Darling. Meanwhile, those of us with taste — that is, millennials and Gen-Zers — might recognize him as Lord Devereaux of The Princess Diaries 2: A Royal Engagement.RELATED: Ariana Grande’s Most Inspirational Quotes About Life, Love, and Success Pine’s IMDb page is also full of indie projects. He sings. He reads voraciously. And despite being absent from social media, the Internet still swoons for him. Is it his love for literature? Is it his unapologetic fashion choices? Is it his zoning out during interviews?Sure, no one article can gather all the empirical evidence of Chris Pine’s charm, much less analyze it. But you can’t blame us for trying to delve into the actor’s psyche. Read on for Pine’s perspective on being mistaken for other celebrities, love, and the analog lifestyle.Pine's Grounded Sense of Humour(Photo by Getty Images)It’s always awkward when you’re recognized as someone else. The same is true for Chris Pine. He shared with Jimmy Kimmel many often mistake him for his fellow Chrises or even Ryan Reynolds and Matt Damon. But taking it in stride, Pine’s got a hilarious way to introduce himself for the unaware: “[I’m] Chris Evans, Captain America.”RELATED: Superman’s Most Inspirational Quotes That Prove He Really Is a ‘Man of Tomorrow’Beyond cracking jokes, Pine doesn’t seem to care much for the MCU clout. Back in 2018, Pine voiced blonde Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Though he took no part in the popular No Way Home, there were no hard feelings. Pine told Yahoo it was a “full team already” and he’d “happily sit this one out.”Chris Pine’s sense of humour comes from grounded self-confidence. He was secure enough to poke fun at his fame and able to celebrate his Spidey colleagues.Likewise, when it comes to the idea of pursuing music professionally, Pine says: “I’d love to. I’m sure we would get … eviscerated by that lovely thing we call the Internet … F*ck them anyway. Actually, just to spite them, I will.”Spiteful (or spit-full) as he is, Pine understands the importance of laughing at yourself.On Masculinity and Aging With Grace(Photo by: Warner Bros.)Pine pirouettes to the beat of his own drum. In March 2022, the actor’s current workout routine sparked headlines (even earning him a Men’s Health feature) when he revealed he takes ballet classes. The actor described the art form as “difficult” and “so beautiful because you have to be strong and kind of masculine, so to speak, but also very gentle and feminine with your arms and hands.”RELATED: 21 Tony Stark Quotes That Are Both Inspirational and FunnyHis ballet appreciation — which many still associate with white women — should come as no surprise to long-time fans. In a 2014 interview with Elle, Pine briefly acknowledged the ambiguity of what it means to be a man, calling masculinity a “pretty complex and pretty subjective” concept.With all this in mind, it’s not shocking how Pine swerves from the Hollywood culture of chasing youth. Embracing his silver fox status, he’s unabashedly “enjoying the aging process and the gray hair and the wrinkles.”He's As 'Down to Earth' As it GetsPine’s view on masculinity is by no means revolutionary, but perhaps some part of it must come from his passion for reading. In case you missed it, the Don’t Worry Darling star has spawned an unofficial book club and is often photographed frequenting local bookstores.Chris Pine has also prided himself on going analog. (The man was using a flip phone for years which says it all.) Recently, Pine opened up about the dangers of his new iPhone, or as he calls it, a new “crack machine.” He lamented his worsening reading habits — he now knew more about Pete Davidson and Kim Kardashian than literature.Pine just might crawl back to the comforts of his flip phone. Reflecting on the overwhelming atmosphere of the internet, he confesses: “I don’t know if my soul can handle it.”RELATED: The Best Mark Twain Quotes on Life, Travel, Politics, Education, Truth and LoveEvidently, Pine is an old soul and an introspective romantic. In fact, he’s rather optimistic about dating. He openly admits: “I love first dates. I think they’re incredibly fascinating studies in human psychology. When you sit down across from someone on a first date and things are going alright, you talk objectives. We want to win each other over, so how do you win someone over? You have to put the best foot forward.”He certainly won over the internet, limbs and all, when he said this in a public service announcement: “Ambition is very sexy.”His Motivations Behind the Screen(Photo by: Paramount Pictures/Everett Collection)For all his love for ambition, Chris Pine’s career goals aren’t set in stone. He’s 100% okay with this. He didn’t go into acting for the passion of it. To him, “acting was something that seemed to pop out of nowhere and then just took over” his life. Similarly, Poolman, his upcoming directorial debut, “started as this little pebble in a pond.”Pine lets the creative current lead and inspire him.This mindset is likely why he doesn’t think the Star Trek franchise shouldn’t try to replicate Marvel’s formula. Pine says the movies are “for [those] that love this group of people, that love this story, that love Star Trek.” A true cinephile, Pine also believes “they should focus on making it for a budget so that when it doesn’t make a billion, it’s still a win.”RELATED: 23 Ian McKellen Quotes on Acting and Being HonestIn 2014, he said this of his portrayal of Jack Ryan: “I didn’t want to make a film about a flag-waving American patriot. I was more interested in making a film about a man who responded to his own sense of right and good. I thought that was more important than some cold war vision of the world and right and wrong.”Whether he’s asking to be beamed up or playing a not-so-charming prince, Chris Pine brings his heart into every project. Except for horror. “I don’t want to bring that energy home with me,” he says. “Just not my thing.” (Hey, we love a man who knows his boundaries.)Mindful and Humble Wins the Race (and Hearts)(Photo by: Barry J. Holmes)Maybe what’s most alluring about Chris Pine is his superpower: minding his own business. In a conversation with Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins, he described “being in the film and supporting a woman doing that job is kind of a dance between ego and soul.” By discussing his role as Steve Trevor with Jenkins, he learned not to center himself.“As a man and an actor and an ego-ful person,” he shared, “you really make peace with that and have a sense of humor about it and say, well, screw it then.” This self-awareness shone through his performance and the internet subsequently dubbed him as “the most supportive boyfriend.”RELATED: 8 Famous Quotes from Famous People That Will Inspire You to Love Yourself MoreEven after years in the business, Pine remains level-headed. With the wisdom of a veteran heartthrob, he says, “Hollywood is like living in a weird bubble. A bunch of people take care of you and get you stuff, and you’re the center of that little microcosmic world. You start believing that it is real.”Thankfully, Pine’s seen the light. “I’m certainly not the greatest actor in the world, but I consider myself someone who has a nice big tool bag,” he muses. (The same can be said for Don’t Worry Darling co-star Harry Styles.)While the public probably has something more generous to say of Pine, it’s comforting to know at least one Chris is doing the most … by doing the least. Less is more, right?KEEP READING: Best Dating Quotes to Keep You Motivated in Your Search for Love
Betty White Knows The ‘Secret’ – Why The Beloved Actress Wasn’t Afraid of Dying
Across social media in late 2021, it felt like the whole internet was rooting for Betty White to make it to her 100th birthday. Who could blame them? The Golden Girls actress spent decades bewitching us on and off the screen. RELATED: Betty White Revealed Why She Never Had Kids – And It’s an Important Lesson for EveryoneAnd while White passed away at 99 weeks shy of turning 100, we can rest assured she was anything but unprepared. Actor Ryan Reynold's said it best on his Proposal costar, "The world looks a little different now. She was great at defying expectation. She managed to grow very old and somehow, not old enough. We'll miss you, Betty."Betty White and Her Mother’s Inspiring Perspective on DeathAn only child born in 1922, White’s early childhood was set against the backdrop of The Great Depression. Life was far from easy. Still, growing up, White witnessed her mother Tess respond to loss with surprising hope. Reflecting on her mother’s optimism, the Mary Tyler Moore Show star once told Katie Couric, “Whenever we’d lose somebody, she’d always say, ‘Now, they know the secret.’”RELATED: 40 Betty White Quotes To Remind You To Stay Young At HeartAccording to White’s mother, there was no way of truly knowing what happens in or after death until you’d experienced it yourself. Simply put, the White family secret involved accepting the great unknown.Through the decades, as she came closer to facing that unknown, Betty White showed us how important it is to lead a fulfilling life. For her, “feeling young” meant committing to kindness and selfless service.How Betty White’s Love for Animals Sustained HerAll her life, White was rooted by her devotion to animal rights and their welfare. When she wasn’t on set, she was working with the likes of the Morris Animal Foundation and the Los Angeles Zoo. In 2006, the Los Angeles Zoo even named her “ambassador to the animals.” But her advocacy didn’t stop at working with animal rights organizations. If an acting project involved the mistreatment of an animal, she refused to take it on.RELATED: The Powerful Story Behind Betty White’s Refusal to Remove a Black Dancer From Her ShowBetty White was steadfast in her principles and self-confident, always looking out for any animal’s well-being. They brought her immense joy. It seems only natural she wanted to give back. Unsurprisingly, the comedian saw animals as one half of her life. (The other, of course, was show business.)As a child, White’s parents encouraged her to embrace an attitude of wonder when it came to animals. This enthusiasm impacted her activism greatly, even after she passed. On her hundredth birthday, Betty White fans were encouraged to donate to their local animal shelters. Dubbed the #BettyWhiteChallenge, the tribute was a clear mark of how powerful of an advocate she was.Betty White’s Last Words Show Us What Really MattersLove was at Betty White’s core. And if her compelling humor or activism didn’t give this away, it was her final words. According to her assistant, the actress spoke her late husband’s name as she drew her last breath: “Allen.”Betty White and Allen Ludden married in 1963. Through the marriage, White became stepmother of Ludden’s three children: David, Martha, and Sarah. The couple spent 18 years together before Ludden died in 1981 due to cancer. Notably, White never remarried and wore a ring Ludden gave her for years after his death.RELATED: 25 Wanda Sykes Quotes That Are Both Funny and InspirationalNot long after Betty White’s death, Vicki Lawrence, co-star and longtime friend, shared a short anecdote about White and Ludden. In the moving vignette, Lawrence described how the couple asked for a moment alone while at a Christmas party. They sat and dined quietly in Lawrence’s bedroom by the window, the city and party fading in the background.White died 40 years after her husband. It might be heart-wrenching to think of the grief she must have carried through those decades. But it would be a disservice to everything Betty White embodied if we didn’t see how she carried Ludden everywhere. Her dedication to bringing levity to audiences across the globe, animal welfare, and her family was anchored by unwavering love.The Secret Betty White Gave UsWith eight decades on television under her belt, and a breadth of life experience, Betty White was a light for many. She wasn’t just Rose or Sue Ann or the eccentric grandmother in The Proposal. Her life could never truly be watered down into roles on screen or at home as a wife and stepmother. She understood this deeply, once stating her desire to be remembered for her love for animals.RELATED: Love is Your Legacy and Happiness is Your Myth – Here’s WhyFor those of us left behind, we might not know the secret to what comes after death. But Betty White left us a secret of her own. She showed us firsthand how enriching life can be at any age, so long as you find the people and causes you care about. In the end, Betty White’s legacy is this: what’s untamed and unexpected isn’t so scary after all.KEEP READING: Olivia Newton-John Was a Great Entertainer but Her True Talent Was Even More Inspiring
