In April 2020, when many people were stuck at home trying to figure out what to do with their homebound time, many Netflix users went to Outer Banks. The teen mystery-drama series became a popular favorite among its target demographic, particularly as its central mystique and its sunny locales made it a heavily bingeable series. With that, it wasn't surprising that the service decided to renew the show for another season. Before that season comes to Netflix, though, you might've found yourself wondering where you've seen the actors behind this popular new show.
While the series is filled with fresh faces, each of them has appeared in some high-profile films and shows, which might explain why they looked familiar to you while you were catching up on this early 2020 series. If you're trying to figure out where you've seen the Outer Banks cast before, fret not. We've got you covered.
Chase Stokes (John B)
As John B, the leader of the Pogues, Chase Stokes plays the male lead in Netflix's Outer Banks. In addition to this popular teen drama series, Stokes also appeared in an episode of Stranger Things. His other television roles include appearances in Tell Me Your Secrets, The First, Daytime Divas, and Base. He also starred in the adventure dramedy film, Between Waves, the TV movie, The Beach House, and the short film, Lost Island. He starred in the music video for "Hot Stuff," from the artist Kygo (feat. Donna Summer), earlier this year. Next, he'll be seen in the drama film, Dr. Bird's Advice for Sad Poets.
While Chase Stokes' filmography remains light, particularly as a young actor involved with this popular Netflix series, we should expect to see him pop up in a few more notable, high-profile film and TV projects in the years ahead. It should be noted, though, that he was nearly cast as Han Solo in Solo, by his own admission.
Madelyn Cline (Sarah Cameron)
In the role of Sarah Cameron, the affluent teenage girl who's deemed "the princess of the Kooks," even though her rebellious attitude pushes against the Kook lifestyle, Madelyn Cline plays the female lead character in Outer Banks. Prior to her prominent role, Cline was notably seen in Stranger Things and Boy Erased. She also appeared in episodes of Vice Principals, Maid to Order, and The Originals. Cline had film roles in Savannah Sunrise and 23rd Psalm: Redemption. And she starred in The Giant, which made the film festival rounds last year. It's premiering on VOD in mid-November.
Additionally, Madelyn Cline starred in What Breaks the Ice, which premiered at the Woodstock Film Festival earlier this month. Earlier this year, Cline appeared in an episode of Day by Day and Kygo's "Hot Stuff" music video. She'll soon star in Once Upon A Time in Staten Island.
Madison Bailey (Kiara “Kie”)
As Kiara, i.e. "Kie," the daughter of a successful restaurant owner who hangs out with the Pogues, Madison Bailey plays a lead role in Netflix's Outer Banks. As an up-and-coming actress, this teen drama series was among her most high-profile performances, though TV fans may be familiar with Bailey thanks to her role as Wendy in The CW's Black Lightning.
Additionally, the actress appeared in episodes of Mr. Mercedes, Creepshow, Two Roads, Murder Chose Me, Swamp Murders, and Constantine, the latter of which was her first professional credit. She also had an uncredited role in Fist Fight and she was briefly seen in Impractical Jokers: The Movie earlier this year. Her other film credits include 2018's Nightclub Secrets and Discarded Things, which premiered at the Great Lakes Christian Film Festival in August. Additionally, Madison Bailey recently appeared in episodes of NBC's drama series, Council of Dads.
Jonathan Daviss (Pope)
In the role of Pope, who is considered the brains behind the Pogues, Jonathan Daviss plays the most headstrong character at the core of Outer Banks. As a young actor, Daviss' first screen credit came from an episode of NBC's Revolution. He later appeared in films like Age of Summer and Edge of the World, as well as TV movies like Shattered Memories, All the Marbles, and Deliverance Creek. In 2017, Daviss starred in the short film, All the Marbles. Next, the actor is set to be seen in another series, Baselines.
Rudy Pankow (JJ)
Playing the part of JJ, John B's loyal surfer best bud, Rudy Pankow provides a splashy supporting character to Outer Banks. In addition to this popular Netflix show, Pankow was seen in an episode of The Politician, another Netflix high school drama. He also appears in episodes of Acting for a Cause, Solve, and Sunny Family Cult. Outside of television, Pankow has acted in a number of short films over the past few years, including 11:47, Not Me, Last Summer, Muse: Thought Contagion, Deviant, and Nobody Knows. Next, he'll star in the dramedy film, Space Waves.
Austin North (Topper)
In the role of Topper, Sarah's ex-boyfriend who hates the Pogues, Austin North plays an antagonistic personality in this popular streaming series. First starting his professional acting career back in 2011 when he appeared in an episode of Kickin' It, North has worked almost exclusively on television, providing one-episode pop-ups in A.N.T. Farm, See Dad Run, Jessie, and an uncredited appearance in General Hospital. His most notable work prior to Outer Banks was playing the part of Logan Watson in the Disney Channel comedy series, I Didn't Do It. He can also be seen in several episodes of Hulu's All Night and he starred in 2018's short film, 11:11. Therefore, Outer Banks currently remains the most high-profile project in his early career.
Charles Esten (Ward Cameron)
Playing the part of Ward Cameron, Sarah's wealthy business owner father, Charles Esten is a prominent adult figure in this teen drama series. As an actor, musician, and comedian, Esten, also known professionally as "Chip Esten," is most notably known for his improvisational comedy work on Whose Line Is It Anyway?, both the U.K. and the American versions. He has appeared in nearly fifty episodes of Whose Line altogether. Esten was also seen on Drew Carey's Green Screen Show and Drew Carey's Improv-A-Ganza prior to Whose Line's revival.
Outside of improv comedy, Charles "Chip" Esten is known for his series regular role in Nashville, which helped kickstart his professional music career. Additionally, Esten has appeared in The Office, Big Love, Enlightened, Jessie, ER, The Drew Carey Show, Married... With Children, and Star Trek: Voyager. He also starred in Thirteen Days, The Postman, and Swing Vote.
Drew Starkey (Rafe Cameron)
As Rafe Cameron, the older brother of Sarah, Drew Starkey is also part of the main ensemble for Outer Banks. Outside of this role, Starkey has also been seen in bit roles in movies such as Just Mercy, Love, Simon, The Hate U Give, and American Animals. He appeared in episodes of Ozark, Shots Fired, Good Behavior, Brockmire, Bobcat Goldthwait's Misfits and Monsters, The Resident, Doom Patrol, Queen Sugar, Valor, Dead Silent, Mercy Street, and Dolly Patron's Heartstrings. He also appeared in several episodes of MTV's Scream. Last year, Starkey was seen in the thriller, Mine 9.
Earlier this year, Drew Starkey starred in Netflix's The Devil All The Time, as well as an episode of Acting for a Cause. Next, the young actor will be appearing in the sports drama, Embattled. He also has a role in the upcoming short film, Extended Stay.
Deion Smith (Kelce)
In the role of Kelce, Rafe's friend, Deion Smith plays a supporting character in Netflix's Outer Banks. Certainly, this role is the actor's most high-profile to date. Outside of this stream-friendly series, Smith made an uncredited appearance in Audience's Mr. Mercedes. He also appeared in Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda, the TV movie, Teachers, and the short film, 21. He was also the cinematographer for the TV short, The Right Side. Smith is soon set to be seen in another short film, Noxa.
Elizabeth Mitchell (Limbrey)
While she hasn't been seen in the show just yet, Elizabeth Mitchell is soon set to make a major appearance in Outer Banks' upcoming second season. Only a few days earlier, it was announced that the actress is playing a character named Limbrey, who appears to be polite and courteous at first, but she's way more toxic than she lets on. We'll ultimately learn more about her in the future. In the meantime, if the name rings a bell, it's likely because Mitchell played a prominent role in ABC's Lost. She also starred in Revolution, V, ER, Boston Legal, Crossing Lines, The Expanse, Dead of Summer, and Once Upon A Time.
Additionally, Elizabeth Mitchell is known for her film roles, including The Purge: Election Year, The Santa Clause 2, The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause, Running Scared, Frequency, Nurse Betty, Molly, The Christmas Club, and HBO's Gia.
Who is your favorite Outer Banks actor? Be sure to let us know in the comment section below!
