AmyBeth McNulty has long been admired for her emotional depth on screen, from her luminous portrayal of Anne Shirley in Anne with an E to her more recent turn as Vickie Dunne in Netflix’s global phenomenon Stranger Things. But behind the success of her Stranger Things role lies a deeply personal story—one shaped by loss, love, and a promise her parents believed in before they were gone.
In January 2026, the Irish-Canadian actress shared a revelation that reframed her experience on one of the biggest television shows in the world. Appearing on Ireland’s The Late Late Show with host Patrick Kielty, McNulty opened up about how her audition for Stranger Things became permanently intertwined with a family tragedy that changed her life forever.
What followed was not just a story about career milestones, but about devotion, sacrifice, and the quiet power of parental faith.
In This Post:
A Stranger Things Audition That Became a Final Memory
During her Late Late Show appearance in January 2026, AmyBeth McNulty revealed that her audition for Stranger Things was the last audition her parents ever knew about.
At the time, neither she nor her family could have known the weight that moment would later carry. After the audition, both of McNulty’s parents passed away before she learned that she had landed the role. When the call finally came confirming her casting, the moment was bittersweet—career-changing, yet shadowed by profound loss.
McNulty shared that her parents had a strong and unwavering belief in that particular audition. They told her they had a “good feeling” about it and genuinely believed it would work out. In her words, they were right.
That belief has since become one of her most cherished memories.
“They Did Everything for Me”: The Parents Behind the Career
As McNulty reflected on her journey, she emphasized the extraordinary level of support her parents provided throughout her life and career.
From the age of 10, they drove her to auditions and acting opportunities, prioritizing her dreams with tireless dedication. When McNulty was just 14 years old, she moved to Canada to pursue acting more seriously—a decision that would eventually lead to her breakout role in Anne with an E.
Rather than letting her face that transition alone, her parents—both retired—uprooted their lives entirely to live with her in Toronto.
“They did everything [for me],” McNulty said, describing their sacrifice as “mental,” yet incredibly generous.
It was a level of commitment that shaped not only her career, but her sense of gratitude, resilience, and purpose.
Remembering Siobhan and Liam McNulty
AmyBeth McNulty’s mother, Siobhan McNulty, whose full name was Siobhan Eileen Martha McNulty, passed away on November 18, 2021, after battling cancer. Her death marked the first devastating loss in McNulty’s immediate family.
Two years later, tragedy struck again. Her father, Liam McNulty, passed away on December 14, 2023.
McNulty has honored both parents publicly in the past, sharing heartfelt Instagram tributes after each loss. She described her father as “the kindest soul” and expressed endless pride in her mother, celebrating her strength and influence.
Though she has largely kept her personal life private, these tributes offered glimpses into the profound bond she shared with them.
Why Stranger Things Means More Than Fame
McNulty’s role in Stranger Things holds a meaning that extends far beyond career prestige.
She joined the series in Season 4 (2022) as Vickie, a marching band student at Hawkins High and the girlfriend of Robin Buckley, portrayed by Maya Hawke. The character was described as a “cool, fast-talking band nerd,” and McNulty reprised the role in the final Season 5 (2025).
While reflecting on the experience, McNulty described working on the massive Netflix series as both “weird” and “insane.” She often felt like a small part of a huge machine, but being a longtime fan of the show helped guide her through the audition process.
Knowing that Stranger Things was the project her parents believed in most—and the one they never saw her achieve—gives the role an emotional permanence in her life.
Growing Up Queer in Donegal and Finding Authenticity
McNulty’s Late Late Show appearance also touched on her experiences growing up queer in Donegal, Ireland. She came out as bisexual online at the age of 16 or 17, a formative period that shaped her identity and her approach to acting.
Those lived experiences, she explained, help fuel the authenticity she brings to roles like Vickie. Her portrayal resonates not only because of talent, but because it draws from personal truth, vulnerability, and understanding.
This intersection of identity, loss, and artistic expression has become a defining thread in her work.
Fans React to a Story of Loss and Triumph
Recent coverage from outlets such as Parade, BBC, RSVP Live, and others has highlighted the emotional weight of McNulty’s revelation. Fans and media alike have noted the poignant timing of her success—how one of the biggest opportunities of her career arrived only after she had endured such profound personal loss.
Despite global recognition, McNulty has continued to approach her career with humility, often redirecting praise toward the people who made it possible.
For her, Stranger Things is not just a cultural milestone—it is a living reminder of her parents’ faith.
A Legacy That Lives On
AmyBeth McNulty’s story is ultimately one of continuity. Though her parents are no longer physically present, their influence remains embedded in every achievement, every role, and every step forward.
The Stranger Things audition they believed in became real. The future they imagined for her unfolded. And the sacrifices they made continue to echo through her work.
In sharing this deeply personal chapter of her life, McNulty has given fans more than behind-the-scenes insight. She has offered a testament to love that outlives loss—and to parents whose belief proved stronger than time.
And in that sense, her role in Stranger Things will always be something more.
Leave a Reply