Whatever Happened to Shannon Purser, the Actress Who Played Barb in Stranger Things?

While we expected the likes of Eleven, Max and Dustin to stay alive and on the good side, there was always that lingering doubt.

And be honest – you weren't completely convinced Max was going to come back to earth alive in the iconic 'Running Up That Hill' scene were you?

But for all the standout characters and compelling scenes over its four seasons, one unlikely fan-favourite really captured the imagination in Season 1 and is still remembered fondly today.

Barbara Holland (played by Shannon Purser) was a gentle, likeable character whose friendship with Nancy was endearing.

And whose death was greeted with shock by fans who couldn't believe she'd gone. It was a role appreciated by fans and critics alike, with Purser receiving a nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series at the 2017 Emmys.

But what has Purser been doing since the Demogorgon ended her time on Stranger Things?

The hit Netflix series marked her debut on screen, and she has been pretty busy since leaving the show in 2017.

Her TV roles after Stranger Things include starring as Ethel Muggs in another massively popular supernatural thriller, Riverdale.

And she's also featured in Rise, Final Space, Room 104 and Equal. Apart from tv, she's netted herself a couple of movie roles too, in Wish Upon (2017) and Sierra Burgess is a Loser (2018).

Away from the screen, though, Purser has other talents. She's also an amateur visual artist and musician.

She performed the song Sunflower for Sierra Burgess is a Loser and read the audiobook of Leah on the Offbeat, a young adult novel by Becky Albertalli.

But perhaps more important than any of her acting roles, she has used her position of influence to speak out on issues that matter to her.

Via her social media channels, she has talked about living with OCD. And she regularly speaks about issues around mental health and anxiety.

She also used Twitter to come out as bisexual.

Given that she's such a recognisable star in shows that are hugely popular with teens, acting as an advocate on these issues is a huge credit to Purser and one that is bound to make a difference in the lives of some of those who look up to her and respect her first and foremost for her acting talent.