Cancer Treatment Kept Stranger Things Star From Final Season
Jennifer Marshall, who played Max's mother, explains why her character disappeared during the show's most critical moments. Her revelation about missing filming while in remission has sparked discussion among fans.
Jennifer Marshall, known for her role as Susan Hargrove in Netflix's hit series, has opened up about her absence from the show's concluding chapter. The actress portrayed the mother of Max Mayfield, the character brought to life by Sadie Sink, who spent nearly two years in a comatose state while battling the menacing Vecna within her own mind.
Marshall appeared in the second and fourth seasons of the supernatural drama. Fans questioned why the show would remove Max's mother during such a crucial period when family support seemed most necessary.
Health Struggles and Professional Impact
Taking to social media, Marshall addressed the confusion surrounding her character's disappearance. "I had cancer, I get it. But I was in remission during the shooting of season five," she explained on Instagram. The actress also mentioned the financial implications of missing work, noting that "Shooting would have helped me obtain my health insurance through the union."
With characteristic humor, Marshall added, "Maybe they had too many characters, I don't know, but obviously Susan Hargrove is the worst mother ever." Her post included hashtags reading "Cancer sucks, but why?"
Fan Response and Show's Conclusion
The revelation accompanied a video asking "How often I think about where the fuck Max's mom was during season five," with Marshall responding "Every day. Not all day, every day, but... Every day."
The science fiction phenomenon wrapped up its run on New Year's Eve 2025. The Duffer brothers, who created the series, have announced plans for a spinoff focusing on Henry, the human identity of the villainous Vecna. This new project promises to explore "lingering questions" while introducing "an entirely new mythology."
Cast Members Moving Forward
Sadie Sink has transitioned to theater, making her West End debut as Juliet in Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet at London's Harold Pinter Theatre. Noah Jupe stars opposite her as Romeo, with Robert Icke directing the production.