Eric Wolfhard and Mary Jolivet: The Parents Behind Finn Wolfhard’s Success
Finn Wolfhard, known for his role in the popular series Stranger Things, has often spoken about the significant influence of his parents, Eric Wolfhard and Mary Jolivet. The couple shares two sons: Nick, born in 1997, and Finn, born in 2002. They raised their children in Vancouver, Canada, where Finn still lives at home.
Eric and Mary have played a vital role in shaping Finn’s career as an actor, providing both emotional support and practical guidance. Finn has publicly credited them for helping him navigate the challenges of the entertainment industry. In a lighthearted post on Instagram in June 2020, he joked, “Thanks to these https://orijawa.xyzwho kidnapped me at birth and raised me,” adding, “I honestly could not have made it without you.”
A Family with a Shared Passion for the Arts
Eric and Mary prioritized introducing their children to the arts from a young age. Eric, a former screenwriter, shared his love of great films, while Mary played classic albums from bands like The Beatles. This environment helped foster Finn’s early interest in music and acting.
In April 2025, Finn revealed that after living independently for several years, he decided to move back in with his parents in Vancouver. “We all have our separate spaces, but we still live together, and it’s great,” he said. “I rarely get to see my family. If I’m going to be away for most of the year working, then I might as well have a place [to come back to] with my parents.”
The Role of Nick, Finn’s Older Brother
Eric and Mary are also the parents of Nick, Finn’s older brother, who is also involved in the entertainment industry. Nick is an animated voice actor and starred in the Netflix series The Last Kids on Earth. The brothers even worked together in 2013 when they both appeared in the short film Aftermath. They have plans to collaborate again in the future, including starring in the upcoming sci-fi animation series New-Gen.
Raising Their Sons in Vancouver
Vancouver has been a central part of Finn’s upbringing. During a December 2019 chat with Ryan Reynolds for Interview Magazine, Finn reflected on how important the city was to his development. “There’s no way I’d be the same person if I wasn’t raised here in Vancouver.”
Eric’s Work in Indigenous Rights Research
Eric, Finn’s father, is not only a supportive parent but also a researcher focused on Indigenous land claims. According to The New York Times, he works on Aboriginal land issues in Canada and Africa. His LinkedIn profile states that he is the co-founder of VLW Research and focuses on “extractive, treaty and litigation-driven research on indigenous land and boundary issues.”
Eric’s background as a lawyer and researcher has influenced Finn’s awareness of Indigenous issues. In a 2017 interview with Coup de Main, Finn explained, “My dad was a lawyer and is now an indigenous rights researcher, so there is talk and historical awareness of indigenous issues in our house all the time.”
Encouraging Finn’s Love of Music and Acting
Mary, Finn’s mother, has also played a key role in nurturing his artistic interests. She used to be an artist and later became a stay-at-home mom. During a June 2020 interview with The Guardian, Finn emphasized that he inherited his passion for music and film from his family. He recalled that Mary introduced him to The Beatles when he was 6 years old, and he began playing bass guitar soon after.
Eric also shared his love of classic films with Finn. One year, he gifted Finn John Cassavetes: Five Films on The Criterion Collection, which left a lasting impression on the actor. Finn told The Hollywood Reporter in January 2020, “They blew my mind.”
Supporting Finn’s Career
Eric and Mary have been instrumental in supporting Finn’s career from the beginning. When Finn was 9, he started acting by taking freelance gigs on Craigslist. “I see how that can sound sketchy,” he admitted to The New York Times in September 2017. A few years later, Eric hired an agent to help him.
Nick also spoke about their support during a 2019 interview with Showbiz Cheat Sheet. He recalled a time when Finn was discouraged after a project fell through and didn’t want to continue acting. “My dad and I were like, ‘No, you’ve got to keep going.’”
Working Together Behind the Scenes
Finn and Eric have also collaborated on creative projects. Finn wrote and directed Night Shifts, a 2020 comedy/horror short film, and Eric helped produce it. “My dad had to put together applications and a business case and although it was successful, he confessed that until he saw Artoun come through customs at the airport on the day before we shot, he was never sure that they would actually let him through,” Finn recalled.
Keeping Finn Grounded
Throughout his career, Finn has credited his parents for keeping him grounded. During a conversation with Ryan Reynolds for Interview Magazine in December 2019, he said, “Number one, I have great parents, a great family, and https://orijawa.xyzwho support me, but who also keep me in line.”
Finn also emphasized the importance of being treated with respect as a child. “I was raised in a household where kids’ opinions were just as valued as adults, and I think that was important for me,” he told CBC Radio in June 2019.
