Hollywood is weird. One day you’re a kid from Perth, and the next, you’re the most hated (and secretly loved) villain on Stranger Things. For Dacre Montgomery, that transition was a literal whirlwind. But through the madness of Billy Hargrove’s mullet and the red-carpet chaos of the Venice Film Festival, one person has been there since the start. Liv Pollock.
You’ve probably seen the photos. They’re usually looking incredibly chic, maybe a bit moody, and always impeccably dressed. But if you think this is just another "actor meets model" cliché, you’re actually way off. Their story isn't about Hollywood parties or networking. Honestly, it’s about a very small town and a shared obsession with architecture.
The Perth Connection: How Dacre Montgomery and Liv Pollock Actually Met
Most people assume they met at some exclusive LA industry event. Nope. They’re both from Perth, Western Australia. If you know anything about Perth, you know it’s basically the most isolated city in the world. It’s a small pond.
They had mutual work contacts, but the real spark happened on social media. They started talking online, realized they were both from the same neighborhood, and things just... clicked. It wasn't an overnight Hollywood romance. It was a slow burn that started in 2017, right before Dacre’s life exploded with Netflix fame.
Why Design Matters More Than Fame
While the world knows Dacre for his acting, he actually studied interior design. Liv was an architecture student at the University of Western Australia. This is the "glue" people miss.
✨ Don't miss: Bea Alonzo and Boyfriend Vincent Co: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
When they moved in together in Atlanta while he was filming, they didn't just buy furniture. They obsessed over it. They spent months turning a temporary rental into a home, picking out specific linens and curtains. Pollock once told The Daily Telegraph that their relationship is built on these similar values. They’re both aesthetic-driven people who value a "holistic" lifestyle over the Hollywood grind.
The Engagement and Staying Grounded in 2026
Fast forward to now. It’s 2026, and the couple is still going strong. In December 2023, Pollock confirmed their engagement on Instagram, sending fans into a frenzy.
But have you noticed something? They’ve been weirdly quiet lately.
Dacre actually took a massive hiatus from Hollywood. He dropped off the map for nearly five years. Why? Because he felt like the "mystery" of being an actor was dead. He didn't want to be a social media product. He wanted to be a human being. During that time, Liv was his "backbone." While he was stepping back to find his identity again, she was building her own brand—not just as a model with Vivien’s Models, but as a recipe developer and food stylist.
🔗 Read more: What Really Happened With Dane Witherspoon: His Life and Passing Explained
Why the "Model Girlfriend" Label is Insulting
Calling Liv Pollock just a "model" is kinda lazy. Sure, she’s stunning and has worked with brands like It's Now Cool, but she’s also an ambassador for the Australian Red Cross. During the devastating bushfires, she and Dacre were on the ground, raising money and using their platform for something that actually mattered.
- Architecture Background: She didn't just drop out for fun; she took a gap year to travel and learn through experience.
- Holistic Living: She’s a huge advocate for yoga and meditation, often sharing her "Pilates Class" routines.
- Independence: She’s been very vocal about not letting Dacre’s fame define her. She told PerthNow that she refuses to "put all her eggs in one basket."
The 2025/2026 Career Pivot
Recently, we’ve seen a shift. Dacre returned to the screen in the indie film Went Up the Hill and the upcoming Dead Man’s Wire. He’s not doing the big blockbuster thing anymore. He’s doing "divisive" art-house films. And who was there at the Venice Film Festival premiere in September 2025? Liv.
They seem to have figured out the secret to a long-term relationship in the spotlight: don't live in the spotlight. They spend a huge amount of time back in Australia. They prioritize "real life" over "industry life."
Common Misconceptions About Dacre and Liv
- "She moved to LA just for him." Sorta, but not really. While she did relocate to be with him during Stranger Things, she’s maintained her own international modeling career and continues to work heavily in Australia.
- "They are typical influencers." Hardly. If you look at Dacre’s social media, it’s mostly poetry and art. Liv’s is focused on wellness. They don't do the "vlog my daily life" thing.
- "The fame changed them." If anything, it made them more reclusive. Dacre has been open about his struggles with OCD and how he needs a stable environment. Liv provides that.
What You Can Learn From Their Relationship
Honestly, the biggest takeaway from Dacre Montgomery and Liv Pollock isn't about how to look good on a red carpet. It’s about the importance of having a "thing" outside of your job. For them, it’s design and health.
💡 You might also like: Why Taylor Swift People Mag Covers Actually Define Her Career Eras
If you're looking to follow their lead on a more grounded lifestyle, here are some actionable steps inspired by their journey:
- Prioritize Shared Hobbies: Find a common interest that has nothing to do with your career. Whether it's interior design or cooking, having a "third thing" keeps the relationship dynamic.
- Value Privacy Over Validation: Dacre’s hiatus proved that you don't have to be "online" to be successful. Sometimes stepping back is the only way to move forward.
- Support the Pivot: When Dacre wanted to leave Hollywood, Liv supported him. When Liv wanted to pursue architecture and design alongside modeling, he was her biggest fan.
The story of Dacre and Liv isn't over. As he moves into directing with projects like The Engagement Party, and she continues to expand her wellness and design brand, they remain one of the most authentically stable couples in an industry known for being anything but.
Stay updated on their latest projects by following their verified social channels, but don't expect them to post every meal. They’re too busy actually living.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to see Dacre’s latest work, look for Went Up the Hill in independent theaters. For those interested in Liv’s wellness approach, her recipe contributions to The Pilates Class offer a practical way to integrate her holistic philosophy into your own routine.