This breakout 'Stranger Things' star explains why her character is so beloved

Netflix

Shannon Purser doesn't have much on her IMDb page.

In fact, she only has one acting credit to her name: Netflix's "Stranger Things," the hit thriller series that debuted July 15.

There's a lot of talk about all of the '80s pop-culture references in "Stranger Things," or how the show is Winona Ryder's comeback.

But there's also a lot of talk about Purser.

Purser plays Barb, the quintessential '80s nerdy best friend to Nancy (Natalia Dyer), the pretty and perfect teen lead character.

Barb isn't even present in the show for very long. 

She's decently featured as a supporting character in the first two episodes and then very briefly in episodes three and seven.

Yet fans connected with Barb, making #WeAreAllBarb a robust hashtag. Someone even painted a mural dedicated to the character.

Purser understands exactly what it is that people love about Barb.

"People saw Barb and saw how unapologetic she was about who she was and what she believed in and what she wanted to wear, even. I think they admired her for not wanting to please others too much, and for being an honest and loyal friend," Purser told Vulture of her sudden fame. "Everybody has been a third wheel, and Barb is a wonderful, nerdy third wheel. People really relate to her and her outcast, left-out position because everybody's felt that way at some point." 

Read the full interview with Purser.

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