Actress Jennifer Marshall Opens Up About Missing from “Stranger Things” Season 5 Due to Cancer Diagnosis
Actress Jennifer Marshall, known for her role as Susan Hargrove in “Stranger Things,” recently shared on social media the reason behind her absence in the show’s final season. Marshall, who played Max’s mother in Seasons 2 and 4, revealed that she was diagnosed with cancer, which coincided with the filming of Season 5.
Season 4 concluded with Max in a coma at the hospital, with her character spending much of Season 5 there as well. Despite being Max’s mother, Susan was notably missing from her daughter’s side during this critical time.
In a social media post, Marshall expressed her disappointment at not being part of Season 5, especially since it would have helped her secure health insurance through the union. Despite being in remission during the filming, Marshall highlighted the importance of being on set for insurance benefits.
Marshall’s post, although lighthearted in tone, emphasized the absence of her character in the final season and jokingly referred to Susan Hargrove as “THE WORST MOTHER EVER.” She playfully questioned the decision to exclude her character from the storyline.
Reflecting on her social media posts, Marshall clarified that her intention was not to cause any harm but to bring light to the fact that Susan Hargrove may not have been the most present mother figure in the series. She expressed gratitude for her previous seasons on the show.
In an Instagram post following the release of the “Stranger Things” finale, Marshall humorously questioned the absence of her character, sparking fan theories and discussions about Susan’s role as a mother.
Marshall first shared her cancer diagnosis on Facebook in 2022, revealing that she was undergoing treatment while filming Season 4. Despite the challenges she faced, Marshall praised her co-stars, especially Sadie Sink, for their support and kindness during her time on set.
Marshall’s diverse acting credits include roles in “The Terminal List: Dark Wolf,” “Sugar,” “For All Mankind,” “NCIS: Los Angeles,” and “Reacher,” as well as her hosting role on The CW’s “Mysteries Decoded.”
