Image Source: Netflix [1]
When it comes to Stranger Things [2] characters, I put Mr. Clarke in the same category as Officer Callahan [3], meaning the two men are highly underrated. Just as Callahan doesn't get nearly enough credit for his sassy one-liners, it seems like Scott Clarke's importance to the series' plot goes unfairly unnoticed.
A science teacher at Hawkins Middle School and the A/V Club adviser, Clarke nurtures the curiosity of his students, especially Mike Wheeler and his friends. He passionately lectures and patiently answers questions — even fielding inquiries in the wee hours from his home (like that time Dustin interrupts his date night to ask how to build a sensory deprivation tank for Eleven during season one). On top of that, Clarke's simple explanation of how alternative dimensions work was a crucial factor in helping Dustin discover that the gate to the Upside Down was in Hawkins Laboratory.
After binge-watching season two of Stranger Things [5] in 2017, we were left wondering more about the man behind the sweater vest, and our curiosity has been further piqued now that season three is here. So, we did a mini deep dive into the actor. The character is played by Randy Havens [6], who you might recognize from other TV shows like Halt and Catch Fire and Sleepy Hollow, and the recent action flick Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Besides the various other roles he has under his belt, one major thing struck us on our journey to learn more about Hawkins' most underappreciated teacher: he looks TOTALLY different in real life.
Behold, Exhibit A:
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Aaaand Exhibit B, in case you needed additional convincing:
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Let's toss in an Exhibit C too, just for kicks:
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Though Mr. Clarke has straight, combed-over hair in the show, it looks like that's all thanks to some strong-hold hair products (perhaps a few spritzes of Steve Harrington's Farah Fawcett spray [11]?!) because his 'do IRL is a lot curlier. Plus, Havens wears glasses when he's not acting and also has a whole beard, rather than just a mustache. Kinda crazy how much a little chin scruff and a different hairstyle can change someone's whole appearance, am I right?