Monty From 13 Reasons Why Character Actor More

Monty de la Cruz is one of the most controversial characters in the Netflix series *13 Reasons Why*. Though not a central figure in the narrative arc of Hannah Baker, his presence looms large over the show’s exploration of power, abuse, and systemic failure. As a high school student at Liberty High, Monty embodies toxic masculinity, unchecked privilege, and institutional complicity. His portrayal sparked intense debate among viewers and critics alike, raising questions about how media handles sensitive topics like homophobia and sexual violence. This article dives deep into Monty’s character, the actor who brought him to life, and the broader implications of his storyline.

The Role and Impact of Monty de la Cruz

Introduced in Season 1 as a background jock with occasional lines, Monty evolves into a pivotal antagonist by Season 2. He is a member of the football team and closely aligned with Bryce Walker, another key villain. While Bryce commits rape and other violent acts, Monty serves as both enforcer and participant—particularly in episodes involving Justin Foley and Tyler Down. His most heinous act occurs when he sexually assaults Tyler while he is unconscious, an event that remains hidden for much of the season.

What makes Monty especially disturbing is not just his actions, but the way they are excused or ignored by authority figures. When Tyler reports the assault, the police dismiss it due to lack of evidence and pressure from influential parents. Even after Monty is arrested and charged, the system fails to hold him accountable effectively. This narrative thread underscores a recurring theme in *13 Reasons Why*: institutions often protect abusers rather than victims.

Tip: When analyzing characters like Monty, consider not only their individual actions but also the social systems that enable them.

Timothy Granaderos: The Actor Behind Monty

Portraying such a morally complex—and widely despised—character is no small task. That responsibility fell to Timothy Granaderos, an American actor and model born on June 15, 1986, in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Before landing the role of Monty, Granaderos worked primarily in modeling and appeared in music videos for artists like Demi Lovato and Jason Derulo. His breakout acting role came in 2017 with *13 Reasons Why*, where he played Monty across multiple seasons.

Granaderos approached the role with nuance, aiming to humanize Monty without excusing his behavior. In interviews, he emphasized that Monty was shaped by a hyper-masculine environment and internalized homophobia. “He’s afraid of his own feelings,” Granaderos said in a 2019 interview. “That fear turns into aggression.” This insight adds depth to a character many viewers saw as purely evil.

Despite the controversy surrounding Monty, Granaderos received praise for his performance. His ability to convey menace, vulnerability, and denial made Monty more than a caricature—he became a symbol of how patriarchal norms can corrupt young men.

“He’s not a monster. He’s a product of a broken system.” — Timothy Granaderos on portraying Monty de la Cruz

Character Evolution Across Seasons

Monty’s arc unfolds over three seasons, each layer revealing new dimensions of his psychology and the consequences of his actions.

1. Season 1: Monty appears briefly, mostly in scenes involving the football team. He participates in bullying Tyler and aligns himself with Bryce’s dominance culture.
2. Season 2: His role expands significantly. He is revealed as Tyler’s assailant, arrested, and later released on bail. A shocking twist sees him framed for Bryce’s murder and ultimately killed in prison by fellow inmates.
3. Season 3: Though deceased, Monty appears in flashbacks and visions. These scenes explore his inner conflict, particularly his repressed sexuality and fear of exposure.

The decision to kill off Monty sparked backlash. Some argued it allowed the show to avoid confronting his redemption or accountability. Others felt it reflected real-world justice failures—where perpetrators die before facing trial, leaving victims without closure.

Behind the Controversy: Public Reaction and Ethical Debates

The depiction of Monty ignited widespread discussion about how television handles LGBTQ+ trauma. Critics pointed out that Tyler, a gay character, suffers repeated abuse—first from Monty, then from the justice system. By having Monty murdered in prison, some felt the show perpetuated the trope of queer suffering without resolution.

Additionally, the framing of Monty for Bryce’s murder raised ethical concerns. While it served as a plot device to protect other characters, it also highlighted vigilante justice and misinformation. In one episode, Clay and others plant drugs in Monty’s locker to ensure he stays incarcerated. This moment forces viewers to question whether justice was served—or merely manipulated.

Aspect	On-Screen Portrayal	Criticisms
Homophobia	Shown through Monty’s denial and violence	Reinforces harmful stereotypes about closeted gay men being dangerous
Justice System	Police ignore Tyler’s report; Monty dies in prison	Lacks accountability; suggests extrajudicial solutions are acceptable
Redemption	No clear path offered for Monty	Missed opportunity to explore rehabilitation or remorse

Lessons from Monty’s Storyline: A Viewer’s Guide

While fictional, Monty’s character offers valuable lessons about real-world issues. Understanding his role requires looking beyond surface-level villainy. Here’s what viewers can take away:

• Toxic masculinity harms everyone—not just victims, but those conditioned to suppress emotion.
• Institutional failure enables abuse; schools and law enforcement must be held accountable.
• Framing someone—even a guilty person—for a crime undermines justice.
• Media has a responsibility when depicting trauma, especially within marginalized communities.

Tip: Watch critically. Ask yourself: Who benefits from this story? Who is silenced?

Mini Case Study: Tyler Down’s Journey vs. Monty’s Downfall

Tyler Down, the school photographer and target of Monty’s abuse, represents resilience amid trauma. After being assaulted, Tyler spirals into paranoia and isolation. He buys guns, considers violence, and nearly becomes a school shooter. However, intervention from friends prevents tragedy. In contrast, Monty receives no mental health support. His fears go unaddressed, and he dies violently.

This parallel illustrates a crucial point: both boys were damaged by the same culture of silence and aggression. Yet only Tyler gets a chance at healing. Monty’s fate underscores how society often ignores the psychological roots of abusive behavior until it's too late.

FAQ

Was Monty from 13 Reasons Why actually gay?

The show strongly implies Monty was closeted and struggling with his sexuality. Flashbacks suggest he had intimate moments with male friends and feared exposure. However, the series never confirms this outright, leaving room for interpretation.

Why did they kill off Monty in Season 3?

Monty was killed to advance the murder mystery plot and remove a major antagonist. It also served as commentary on prison violence and flawed justice systems. However, many fans criticized the choice as avoiding deeper engagement with his character.

Did Timothy Granaderos win any awards for playing Monty?

No, Granaderos did not win major awards for the role, though his performance was recognized for its intensity and complexity. He has since moved on to lead roles in films like *Uglies* (2024), showcasing his range beyond villainous characters.

Conclusion: Why Monty Still Matters

Monty de la Cruz may be one of the least likable characters in *13 Reasons Why*, but he remains one of the most important. He forces audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about homophobia, masculinity, and complicity. Through Timothy Granaderos’ layered performance, Monty transcends simple villain status, becoming a cautionary tale about what happens when empathy is absent and systems fail.

Understanding Monty isn’t about forgiving him—it’s about recognizing the environments that create people like him. And more importantly, it’s about ensuring that stories like Tyler’s don’t end in silence.

💬 What did you think of Monty’s character development? Share your thoughts on how the show handled his storyline and its impact on discussions around justice and identity.