I had done Intruders, and I had a scene where I had to cry after a traumatic scene. So it was crazy, because Glen Morgan, who wrote The X-Files, came up to me and was like, “Do you have a dog? Well, that’s just dropped down dead right now.” [Ryder throws up her hands.] And he’s like, “How do you feel about that?” And I’m just like, “Let’s just roll!” And we’re rolling. – On crying on scene
I think I was quite accustomed to it. I knew what the industry was about—I knew that it was competitive. I had best friends who were in the industry, and I’m like, it’s cool if you get a job, and I’m happy. Before an audition, I’m like, “Good luck,” I really am. So I think that it’s important just to stay humble and really not make it a competition. It’s about the art and you’re being a participant. – On her young acting career
For some reason, I like seeing people feel emotional. My dad doesn’t ever cry, but watching this show, he did. I’m like, if I get that response from people, then maybe I’m making them more soft, you know? I kind of like that.
I never liked sleeping in the dark. I have, like, twinkle stars around my bed, so it’s not so bad.
If you got to know her, I think she’s just very caring and protective. And that’s the only trait I could really relate to with my actual self. I’d probably say I’m very strong. If somebody says something horrible, I’m like, ‘Okay, whatever.’ With Eleven, people call her the weirdo and she really doesn’t care. She’s very badass and I think when I can be, I will be.
I wasn’t worried about my hair at all. I don’t care what I look like; it’s how people think of me. And I do care how people think of me. I want people to say, ‘Oh, she’s nice,’ rather than, ‘Oh, she’s so pretty. Yes, it’s hard for anybody to go through something like that, but it’s harder for someone to go through a disease like alopecia or cancer, losing their hair without any choice.
It was really weird. I knew it was coming. But it didn’t really make any sense to me. I was like, ‘Why!’ It was a funny thing because afterwards, I was like, ‘Kissing sucks!’ And Finn was like, ‘I know, right? But it wasn’t too bad.’ – On having her first kiss with Finn
I would just go to her like, ‘Ugh, the boys are getting on my nerves today!’ And she’d be like, ‘Got it — come sit.’ And we’d eat cheese. – On girl time with Winona
I live on a plane.
I was so surprised they were such young dudes, movie buffs and socially awkward geeks, but they are my big brothers. I argue [with] and love them! – On “Stranger Things” creators Matt and Ross Duffer
It has happened to me so much, my alter ego his name is John. – On being mistaken as a boy
Well, I’m quite sarcastic and I’m funny, but not kind of funny. It’s a weird funny and some people don’t get me and some people do. They kind of wrote to that. In some sense they’d be like… When they dropped the space ship… I’m sorry, I don’t watch Star Wars!
I used to go off set and then pretend I was called back on to set and then hide behind the chairs and watch her scenes, which was so cool for me. It was amazing just to be around her. She was great. – On Winona
Comic Con was amazing, it was so much fun. Super hectic! I wish I could have gone round and seen every single little stall.
I watch lots of real TV! When I’m in the UK I wake up early every day to watch This Morning and then Loose Women. I love Keeping Up With The Kardashians too. I guess they’re seen as guilty pleasures, but yeah.
I’m a bit of a movie buff, and I’m kinda into 80s stuff. I just love the hair and the whole look! I also love Twilight. And I’m obsessed with Jodie Foster. She was a child actress too. I always dreamed of her directing an episode of Stranger Things!
I want me, Jodie Foster and Kristen Stewart to create a new squad.