Ross Partridge is a staple on TV and starred in a few episodes of Netflix's Stranger Things as Will (Noah Schnapp) and Jonathan Byers's (Charlie Heaton) father Lonnie Byers. Partridge is also known for playing Don Midleton on Daisy Jones & The Six, Tom McKinnon on Billions, and David Lamb in the 2015 horror movie The Lamb. There is quite the mystery surrounding Joyce Byers's (Winona Ryder) ex-husband Lonnie. Since he hasn't been a part of his children's lives in years, viewers want to know more about him.
What do fans find out about Lonnie Byers on Stranger Things? Is he a good or bad character and how does his absence change Will, Jonathan and Joyce? Even though he only shows up in four episodes, Lonnie Byers plays a big part on this popular show.
Who Is Lonnie Byers On Stranger Things?
At the beginning of Stranger Things, it becomes clear that Lonnie Byers hasn't been around Joyce and her children in a long time. Lonnie was verbally abusive toward Joyce, and it's possible that he was physically abusive as well. Some of Joyce's best Stranger Things quotes are about her love for her family, especially for her son Will who has disappeared.
As time goes on, some details about Lonnie Byers are shared. When Jonathan turned 10 years old, he and Lonnie went hunting. Lonnie made him hurt an animal, which upset Jonathan. This is terrible to hear about. It's definitely a good thing that Lonnie and Joyce broke up. He's a horrible father and Joyce, Will, and Jonathan deserve so much better.
Even though Lonnie is only in four episodes, he makes viewers care about whether Joyce gets a happy ending. Romance might not be the point of Stranger Things. But when Bob Newby (Sean Astin) dies in season 2, it's heartbreaking to watch Joyce lose another partner. All she wants is to find love, peace, and safety. Lonnie is also a perfect contrast to Jim Hopper (David Harbour), whose caring and strong nature is a great match for Joyce.
Where Did Will And Jonathan Byers's Dad Lonnie Go?
Stranger Things explains that Lonnie Byers moved to Indianapolis. When the show begins, he doesn't appear to see Will or Jonathan very often. And that seems to be okay with his kids. Even though they wish that their father was a kinder, different person, they seem to realize that he can't be a present, caring parent.
There are great characters in season 4 of Stranger Things and the same thing is true of every single season. Throughout it all, Joyce proves herself to be a passionate person and a kind-hearted parent. She would do anything to get Will home safely, and her ex-husband's absence makes her seem even stronger in comparison.
While there are some scary scenes on Stranger Things, there are also moments of smart character development. Lonnie Byers might not seem incredibly important at first, but he informs the decisions that Joyce makes.
Is Lonnie Byers Involved In The Mystery In Stranger Things?
So much could happen in Stranger Things season 5 based on the fast pace and thrilling action of the past four seasons. For the most part, Will and Jonathan's dad Lonnie Byers isn't part of that action. But he does show up when Hawkins is shocked by Will's disappearance and wondering what is going on.
Lonnie visits Hawkins in season 1 when Will goes missing. Joyce wonders if Lonnie is scared and distraught of what could have happened to Will, but she finds out that he came back to get some money and that he doesn't actually care. Lonnie has another meaningful interaction with Joyce when he sees Christmas lights in her home. When he attempts to clean them up, she is upset since she knows that she can talk to Will through them. This interaction is smart and shows that while Joyce understands Will and feels closely tied to him, Lonnie doesn't know him at all.
The Stranger Things actors are all talented. And even when a character is as unlikable as Lonnie Byers, the actor playing them always gives an impressive performance. Ross Partridge played Lonnie as a selfish person who doesn't seem phased by the mistakes that he has made. Although Lonnie Byers is gone for much of Stranger Things, his terrible qualities show what a good parent Joyce is. And Lonnie and Joyce's awful relationship makes Hopper, with his hilarious Stranger Things quotes and kind personality, an even better choice for Joyce. Hopefully when the show returns for season 5, Joyce and her kids will be able to work toward a happier future after so many years of pain... after Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) saves Hawkins, of course.