“**Outer Banks**,” the popular Netflix series, has captivated audiences with its high-stakes treasure hunts, teen drama, and picturesque coastal setting. One of the most notable aspects of the show is its cast, who play a group of teenagers navigating their lives and adventures in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. However, like many shows that center on teenage characters, the actors portraying these roles are often significantly older than their on-screen counterparts. Here’s how the real ages of the “Outer Banks” cast compare to the ages of their characters.
### 1. **Chase Stokes as John B Routledge**
– **Character Age**: 16-17 years old
– **Real Age**: 31 years old (as of 2024)
Chase Stokes plays the fearless leader of the Pogues, John B, who is a teenager on a mission to uncover the secrets of his father’s disappearance. In the series, John B is around 16 or 17 years old, which makes his real-life age quite a shock to many fans. Chase Stokes was born on September 16, 1992, meaning he’s in his early thirties—far older than the high school student he plays. Despite this, Stokes’ youthful appearance and energy help him pull off the role convincingly.
2. **Madelyn Cline as Sarah Cameron**
– **Character Age**: 16-17 years old
– **Real Age**: 26 years old
Madelyn Cline plays Sarah Cameron, the wealthy and rebellious “Kook” who finds herself entangled in the Pogues’ adventures. Like John B, Sarah is supposed to be around 16 or 17 years old. However, Cline, born on December 21, 1997, is in her mid-twenties. Although Cline’s age is closer to that of a teenager compared to some of her co-stars, it’s still quite a gap. Her chemistry with Stokes and ability to portray both the maturity and naivety of Sarah make her a fan favorite.
### 3. **Rudy Pankow as JJ Maybank**
– **Character Age**: 16-17 years old
– **Real Age**: 25 years old
Rudy Pankow plays JJ Maybank, the wild and loyal Pogue with a troubled home life. On the show, JJ is another high school student, around 16 or 17, but Pankow, born on August 12, 1998, is in his mid-twenties. The age difference is noticeable, especially when JJ’s character is caught up in teenage mischief. Nonetheless, Pankow’s performance brings a sense of emotional depth and rawness to JJ that resonates with fans.
4. **Madison Bailey as Kiara Carrera**
– **Character Age**: 16-17 years old
– **Real Age**: 25 years old
Madison Bailey plays Kiara, or “Kie,” the environmentally-conscious, down-to-earth member of the Pogues. Kiara is also around 16 or 17 years old in the series, but in real life, Bailey was born on January 29, 1999, making her mid-twenties. Bailey’s portrayal of Kie is grounded and believable, even if she’s several years removed from her character’s high school years.
### 5. **Jonathan Daviss as Pope Heyward**
– **Character Age**: 16-17 years old
– **Real Age**: 24 years old
Jonathan Daviss plays Pope Heyward, the brains of the Pogue operation who is always striving for more in life. Like his fellow Pogues, Pope is around 16 or 17 years old. Daviss, however, was born on February 28, 2000, which makes him 24 years old in 2024. While Pope’s character is deeply involved in his academic pursuits and personal growth, Daviss’ portrayal of him has been praised for its relatability, despite the age gap.
### 6. **Carlacia Grant as Cleo**
– **Character Age**: Late teens
– **Real Age**: 32 years old
Carlacia Grant joined the cast in season 2 as Cleo, a tough and resourceful new addition to the Pogues. Although Cleo’s exact age isn’t explicitly stated, it’s implied she’s in her late teens, perhaps around 18. In real life, Grant was born on January 18, 1992, which makes her 32 years old. The difference in age is even more pronounced with Grant’s character, but her dynamic performance keeps Cleo feeling authentic and fitting within the group of Pogues.
### 7. **Drew Starkey as Rafe Cameron**
– **Character Age**: Early 20s
– **Real Age**: 30 years old
Drew Starkey plays Rafe Cameron, the volatile and dangerous older brother of Sarah Cameron. Rafe is portrayed as being in his early twenties on the show, while Starkey, born on November 4, 1993, is now 30 years old. Despite the nearly decade-long age gap, Starkey’s menacing performance as Rafe has made him one of the standout antagonists on the series.
### Conclusion
While the “Outer Banks” cast is notably older than their teenage characters, their ability to bring depth and authenticity to their roles has resonated with viewers. The show’s popularity proves that the actors’ real ages don’t hinder their performances but instead add a layer of maturity that enhances the storytelling.
