Whether you know as the resilient Kassie from Evil Dead Rise or the newly iconic Holly Wheeler from the Stranger Things 5 finale, Nell Fisher has officially cemented her status as 2026’s biggest breakout star.
While the world watched her battle Vecna alongside the Hawkins gang, the young actress behind the role is even more fascinating in real life. From her “top-secret” audition process to her surprising academic hobbies, here are 10 facts about Nell Fisher that prove she’s Hollywood’s next powerhouse performer.
1. She is a Real-Life Polyglot
Nell doesn’t just master scripts; she masters ancient languages. In between filming blockbuster hits, she reportedly studies Russian, Ancient Greek, and Latin. Her “refined intelligence” is something director Ant Timpson noted as a key reason she stood out in her early roles.
2. She Beat Out Over 300 Actors for ‘Bookworm’
Casting the lead role of Mildred in the 2024 film Bookworm was a massive search. Director Ant Timpson auditioned over 300 young actors across the globe. Nell won the role after a single Zoom call with Elijah Wood, where their natural chemistry made it clear she was the perfect fit for the adventure-comedy.
3. Her Mother is a High-Ranking Diplomat
Nell’s international upbringing isn’t just a fun fact—it’s her life story. Her mother is Laura Clarke OBE, a prominent British diplomat and the former High Commissioner to New Zealand. Because of her mother’s career, Nell grew up living in London, New Zealand, and South Africa, giving her a worldly perspective that shines through in her mature performances.
4. She Comes from a Creative (and Legal) Household
While Nell isn’t a typical “nepo baby,” creativity is in her blood. Her father, Toby Fisher, is a successful environmental lawyer but was actually a professional actor in New Zealand before his legal career. This unique blend of analytical thinking and acting chops helps Nell navigate the intense pressure of a Netflix set.
5. She Had to Keep her ‘Stranger Things’ Role a Secret for a Year
One of the hardest parts of joining the Stranger Things cast wasn’t the monsters—it was the silence. Nell had to keep her role as the “new” Holly Wheeler a total secret from her school friends for over a year. She recently admitted on This Morning that her friends are “self-involved” enough that they didn’t even care when she finally told them, which she found surprisingly refreshing!
6. Finn Wolfhard Gave Her the Best “Fame Advice”
Stepping into a global phenomenon at age 12 is daunting. Luckily, veteran cast member Finn Wolfhard took her under his wing. His biggest piece of advice? “It’s okay to say no to pictures when you’re out with your friends.” He encouraged her to protect her “normal kid” life as much as possible.
7. She Trained with “Fake Blood and Vomit”
To prepare for the gore of Evil Dead Rise, director Lee Cronin used a unique method to make sure Nell wasn’t scared. He let her play with the special effects “slime,” fake blood, and vomit behind the scenes. By the time they started filming the terrifying elevator scenes, she was completely desensitized to the horror.
8. She is an Elite Athlete (and a “Geek”)
Nell’s physical performance in the Stranger Things finale—escaping the Abyss—wasn’t just stunt work. She is highly skilled in Gymnastics, Rock Climbing, and Horse Riding. Despite her physical prowess, she calls herself a “huge geek” who loves Math and Chemistry tests.
9. She hadn’t watched ‘Stranger Things’ before her Audition
In a hilarious twist, Nell had never actually seen the show before she was cast. Her mother, Laura Clarke, had banned her from watching it, claiming it was “too scary” (though Nell suspects it was actually too scary for her mom!). The audition gave her the perfect excuse to finally binge-watch all four seasons in three weeks.
10. She is a “Massive Nerd” for Books
Living up to her Bookworm character’s name, Nell is an avid reader. She recently cited the novel Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell as one of her favorites and is a huge fan of the series Only Murders in the Building. Her advanced reading age allows her to dive deeper into her character’s motivations than most child actors.
What’s Next for Nell Fisher?
With the Stranger Things legacy now complete, Nell Fisher is looking forward to a “normal” 2026—which for her includes school plays and Latin exams. However, with her performance as Holly Wheeler being hailed as the “breakout of the season,” expect to see her leading a major prestige drama or a new action franchise very soon.
Read Also: If you love following the rise of the industry’s newest powerhouse stars, don’t miss our story on How Michelle Randolph almost lost her voice for Landman.