Chrissy Cunningham may have appeared in just a single episode of Stranger Things, yet her lasting impact on viewers is a testament to actress Grace Van Dien’s remarkable performance. Introduced in the season 4 premiere, Chrissy is portrayed as a popular cheerleader dating the school’s star athlete, Jason Carver (Mason Dye). Despite her seemingly perfect life, Chrissy grapples with deep-seated issues stemming from emotional abuse by her mother, leading to her tragic demise at the hands of Vecna. This complexity sets her apart from typical tropes in similar narratives.
Initially, Chrissy may seem like a stereotypical head cheerleader, but as the story unfolds, her struggles resonate deeply, revealing her similarities with characters such as Eddie Munson (Joseph Quinn). Her untimely death is not only shocking due to its brutality but also because it hints at the potential depth her character could have brought to the series. Fans would have loved to see more of Grace Van Dien’s talent. Luckily, she continues to showcase her skills in various upcoming projects.
The Fix (2024)
Ella McPhee
In the sci-fi thriller The Fix, directed by Kelsey Egan, the narrative unfolds in a dystopian future where Earth’s air has turned toxic. A South African company named Aethera creates a purported miracle cure that offers protection but fails to disclose it’s in limited supply. Grace Van Dien stars as Ella McPhee, a model who inadvertently consumes this experimental drug. While she gains immunity to the toxins, she also begins to manifest unusual abilities.
Elements of The Fix echo classic superhero origin tales, while other aspects lean more towards body horror reminiscent of films like The Fly. The film’s unique blend may occasionally feel chaotic, yet Van Dien’s portrayal of Ella is compelling as she navigates her character’s initial despair and ultimate transformation into a champion for the oppressed.
What Comes Around (2023)
Anna
What Comes Around is a gripping mystery film featuring Grace Van Dien as Anna, a 17-year-old girl whose life takes a shocking turn when she interacts with an online stranger named Eric (Kyle Gallner) on her birthday, who reveals he is 28. While Anna appears unfazed by the age gap, her protective mother, Beth (Summer Phoenix), becomes increasingly alarmed when she realizes Eric’s troubling past connections.
This film is rife with twists that keep viewers guessing until the very end, with each revelation more shocking than the last. Anticipation builds as the story unfolds, making it nearly impossible to predict the final outcome. Van Dien excels as Anna, portraying a nuanced blend of intelligence and naiveté that heightens the tension of her predicament.
The Binge (2020)
Lena
The Binge offers a satirical take on the dystopian theme popularized by The Purge franchise, depicting a reality where all substances are banned in the U.S. except for a 12-hour period each year. Lead by Vince Vaughn, the film presents a cast of talented, lesser-known actors, among them Grace Van Dien as Lena, the daughter of Principal Carleson (Vaughn).
Reuniting with her Stranger Things co-star Eduardo Franco, who plays Argyle, Van Dien showcases her comedic talents in a role that’s both fun and engaging. Despite the movie flying largely under the radar, its nostalgic vibes harken back to classic 2000s teen comedies and feature a sequel, It’s a Wonderful Binge, though Van Dien does not reprise her role.
The Village (2019)
Katie Campbell (10 Episodes, 2019)
In the short-lived drama series The Village, Grace Van Dien plays Katie Campbell, the teenage daughter of Nick (Warren Christie) and Sarah Campbell (Michaela McManus). The series explores the lives of residents in a Brooklyn apartment building who have forged a strong community bond. Early on, Katie discovers she is pregnant, adding pressure to her already tumultuous life, including the revelation that Nick is her father.
While the series occasionally veers into melodrama, Van Dien’s performance stands out as she navigates heavy plot lines with maturity, showcasing her ability to hold her own among the adult cast members.
Charlie Says (2018)
Sharon Tate
Charlie Says presents a biographical drama centered around Charles Manson, portrayed by Matt Smith, as seen through the perspective of one of his followers, Leslie “Lulu”Van Houten (Hannah Murray). The film chronicles Lulu’s journey from her initial admiration to her later realization of Manson’s horrific actions.
In this film, Grace Van Dien has a crucial role as Sharon Tate, capturing the late actress’s essence in a haunting portrayal that includes a harrowing scene during the Tate murders where she pleas for her unborn child. Her ability to evoke the emotional weight of this moment showcases her talent and dedication to the role.
Greenhouse Academy (2017-2020)
Brooke Osmond (24 Episodes, 2017-2018)
Grace Van Dien brought her talents to the role of Brooke Osmond in the Netflix series Greenhouse Academy, which is inspired by an Israeli show of the same name. Set in a prestigious boarding school, the series navigates the lives of gifted students, establishing their friendships and rivalries. Initially part of the show’s first two seasons, Van Dien shifted to The Village when production on Greenhouse Academy seemed uncertain of continuation.
Brooke, the dean’s daughter and a member of the Eagles, leads her own storylines filled with typical teen drama motifs. Her character’s journey, alongside the overarching mystery, offers a blend of intrigue and classic young adult themes. The series presents a fitting platform for Van Dien’s talents, drawing connections to her work in Stranger Things.
Grace Van Dien’s Other Roles
Beyond her memorable performance as Chrissy in Stranger Things, Grace Van Dien boasts an array of television roles, including guest appearances as Tori in What Just Happened??!, Olivia in The Rookie, and Tally in Immoral Compass. Her acting debut was in the reality series I Married a Princess, featuring her father, Casper Van Dien, and stepmother, Catherine Oxenberg. Additionally, she played “Patient 5″in the horror anthology film Patient Seven.