From Feldco Windows to Hawkins: the True Story Behind Jake Connelly's Derek
By Sarah Jenkins
Q1: Who plays Derek Turnbow in Stranger Things Season 5?
A1: Derek Turnbow is played by American actor Jake Connelly. The role served as his breakout mainstream performance during the final season of the Netflix series.
Q2: What was Jake Connelly's acting background before Stranger Things?
A2: Before landing his role in Hawkins, Connelly worked primarily as a commercial and print actor in the Chicago area, most notably appearing in regional television advertisements for Feldco Windows.
Q3: What upcoming projects does Jake Connelly have lined up for late 2026 and beyond?
A3: Following his viral breakout in Stranger Things 5, Connelly signed on to star in an unannounced sinister action thriller feature film, marking his first major post-Netflix cinematic role.
Sarah Jenkins is a veteran tech journalist with over 12 years of experience covering artificial intelligence, mobile innovations, and digital ethics. Her insights have appeared in leading technology publications worldwide.
