Drew Starkey has steadily built a name for himself in Hollywood, gaining widespread recognition for his role in Netflix’s hit series Outer Banks. Now, he takes a significant leap in his career, starring alongside Daniel Craig in Luca Guadagnino’s Queer, an adaptation of William S. Burroughs’s 1985 novella.
Who is Drew Starkey?
Drew Starkey is an American actor best known for his portrayal of Rafe Cameron in Outer Banks. His performance as the troubled, violent, and unpredictable older brother of Sarah Cameron (played by Madelyn Cline) made him a standout in the hit Netflix drama. With his intense on-screen presence and ability to bring depth to morally complex characters, Starkey quickly gained recognition among audiences and critics alike.
While Outer Banks established him as a rising star, Starkey has expanded his career beyond teen-centric roles. He now takes on a more mature and layered character in Queer, an upcoming adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ semi-autobiographical novel. In the film, he plays Eugene Allerton, a reserved and enigmatic young man who becomes the object of fascination for Lee, the protagonist portrayed by Daniel Craig. This role signals Starkey’s transition into a more diverse range of performances, showcasing his ability to take on emotionally complex and nuanced characters.
With his growing body of work and undeniable screen presence, Starkey continues to solidify himself as one of Hollywood’s most promising emerging talents.
Drew Starkey Early Life
Drew Starkey, born Joseph Andrew Starkey on November 4, 1993, in Asheville, North Carolina, is an American actor best known for his role as Rafe Cameron in the Netflix series “Outer Banks.” He is the eldest of four siblings, with a brother named Logan and two sisters, Brooke and Mackayla. His father, Todd Starkey, is a college basketball coach, and his mother, Jodi Ballard Hutto, works as a school counselor.
Growing up, Starkey’s family moved around the Blue Ridge Mountains area, primarily residing in Hickory, North Carolina. During his childhood, he was actively involved in sports, playing baseball and basketball, and also developed a passion for music, learning to play the guitar and piano.
Starkey attended St. Stephens High School in Hickory, where his interest in acting was sparked during his freshman year after enrolling in a drama class. This experience led him to pursue acting more seriously. He continued his education at Western Carolina University, graduating magna cum laude in 2016 with a double major in English and theater performance.
After college, Starkey moved to Atlanta to collaborate with two friends who were starting a production company. During this time, he began auditioning extensively, securing various roles in network television, short films, and student projects. This period of relentless auditioning and diverse acting opportunities laid the foundation for his subsequent success in the entertainment industry.
Wiki
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Joseph Andrew Starkey |
| Date of Birth | November 4, 1993 |
| Place of Birth | Asheville, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Hometown | Hickory, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Todd Starkey (father), Jodi Ballard Hutto (mother) |
| Siblings | Logan Starkey (brother), Brooke Starkey, Mackayla Starkey (sisters) |
| Education | St. Stephens High School; Western Carolina University (B.A. in English & Theater Performance) |
| Early Interests | Sports (Baseball, Basketball), Music (Guitar, Piano), Acting |
| Career Start | Moved to Atlanta after college to audition and work in independent projects |
Drew Starkey’s Physical Appearance
| Feature | Details |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 176 lbs (80 kg) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Light Brown |
| Body Type | Athletic, Lean Build |
| Tattoos | No visible tattoos |
| Distinctive Features | Sharp jawline, high cheekbones, piercing blue eyes |
Drew Starkey Age and Background
Born on November 4, 1993, Drew Starkey is currently 30 years old. Originally from North Carolina, he developed a passion for acting early in life and pursued his career through various television and film projects before landing major roles in Hollywood.
Film and Television Career
While Outer Banks brought him into the limelight, Starkey had already built an impressive resume. He appeared in notable films such as Love, Simon and The Hate U Give, both of which resonated with audiences for their compelling storytelling. His television credits include roles in Ozark, Mercy Street, Doom Patrol, Queen Sugar, Good Behavior, and Scream: Resurrection. Additionally, he was featured in critically acclaimed films like American Animals and The Devil All the Time.
Starring in Queer – A Career-Defining Moment
Playing Eugene Allerton in Queer marks one of Starkey’s most significant roles to date. The film, set in the 1940s, follows Lee (portrayed by Craig), a writer who relocates to Mexico after fleeing New Orleans. There, he develops a deep and complicated attraction to Allerton. Discussing the experience, Starkey expressed how nerve-wracking yet rewarding the project was, emphasizing that both he and Craig approached their performances with dedication and care.
How Drew Starkey Feels About His Expanding Career
When asked about transitioning from Outer Banks to more mature, complex roles, Starkey acknowledged the contrast but emphasized his commitment to evolving as an actor. He noted that every project he takes on is a unique experience and doesn’t define him by past roles alone.
Drew Starkey Family Life
Drew Starkey comes from a close-knit family, and he has spoken about the important role his family plays in his life.
- Father: Todd Starkey – A college basketball coach, currently serving as the head coach at Kent State University. His father’s career has significantly influenced Drew’s early involvement in sports, especially basketball.
- Mother: Jodi Ballard Hutto – Works as a school counselor. Drew has mentioned that his mother’s nurturing and supportive nature had a profound impact on him growing up.
- Siblings:
- Logan Starkey – Drew’s brother, though less is known about him, he is an important part of Drew’s family dynamic.
- Brooke Starkey & Mackayla Starkey – Drew’s two sisters, who, like his brother, are a big part of his life.
Growing up in Hickory, North Carolina, Drew had a strong connection to his family, and they remain a major influence in his personal life today. His parents’ careers shaped his early interests in sports, while his move into acting was a result of his own passion and exploration.
Drew Starkey Personal life
Drew Starkey, born on November 4, 1993, in Hickory, North Carolina, is an American actor best known for his role as Rafe Cameron in the Netflix series “Outer Banks.” He is the eldest of four siblings, with a brother named Logan and two sisters, Brooke and Mackayla. His father, Todd Starkey, is a college basketball coach, and his mother, Jodi Ballard Hutto, works as a school counselor.
Growing up, Starkey was actively involved in sports, particularly basketball, which he described as his “first love.” This passion for basketball was influenced by his father’s career as a head basketball coach at Kent State University. Despite his athletic inclinations, Starkey discovered a profound connection to acting during his freshman year at St. Stephens High School in Hickory, after enrolling in a drama class. He pursued this newfound passion by double majoring in English and theater performance at Western Carolina University, graduating magna cum laude in 2016.
In terms of personal relationships, Starkey maintains a private life. He was reportedly linked to actress Claire Van der Linden during his college years, with whom he co-starred in the 2014 short film “The Radical Notion of Gene Mutation.” More recently, he has been associated with actress Odessa A’zion, as they have shared numerous photos together; however, neither has publicly confirmed the nature of their relationship.
Starkey’s dedication to his craft is evident in his career choices. He gained prominence through his role in “Outer Banks” and expanded his repertoire by starring alongside Daniel Craig in Luca Guadagnino’s film adaptation of William S. Burroughs’s novel “Queer.” This role required him to delve into complex emotional and physical scenes, marking a significant milestone in his acting career.
Drew Starkey Social Media
Drew Starkey maintains a strong presence on Instagram, where he shares glimpses of his personal life, behind-the-scenes moments from his projects, and professional updates.
- Instagram: @drewstarkey – Over 4 million followers
- Twitter: Not currently active
- TikTok & Facebook: No official accounts
Despite his rising fame, Starkey prefers to keep a relatively low profile online, primarily using Instagram to engage with his fans. He does not frequently post but occasionally shares content related to his acting career and personal interests.
What Next for Drew Starkey?
With Queer set to premiere in U.S. theaters on November 27, 2024, and Outer Banks Season 4 already captivating fans on Netflix, Drew Starkey is proving to be one of the most promising talents in the industry. His dedication to diverse roles signals an exciting future ahead in film and television.
FAQs about Drew Starkey
Q: What is Drew Starkey best known for?
A: Drew Starkey is best known for portraying Rafe Cameron in the Netflix series Outer Banks.
Q: When and where was Drew Starkey born?
A: He was born on November 4, 1993, in Hickory, North Carolina, U.S.
Q: Where did Drew Starkey go to college?
A: He attended Western Carolina University, where he double-majored in English and Theater Performance.
Q: Is Drew Starkey dating anyone?
A: Drew Starkey keeps his personal life private. He has been rumored to be dating Odessa A’zion, but no official confirmation has been made.
Q: What other roles has Drew Starkey played?
A: Apart from Outer Banks, Starkey plays Eugene Allerton in Queer, starring alongside Daniel Craig. He has also appeared in Love, Simon, The Devil All the Time, and Scream: The TV Series.
Q: Does Drew Starkey have any siblings?
A: Yes, he has three siblings: Logan Starkey (brother), Brooke Starkey, and Mackayla Starkey (sisters).
Conclusion
Drew Starkey has quickly established himself as a talented actor, rising to fame with his breakout role as Rafe Cameron in Outer Banks. His ability to portray complex, emotionally charged characters has earned him recognition in Hollywood. As he takes on more mature and diverse roles, like Eugene Allerton in Queer, Starkey continues to showcase his versatility and depth as an actor. With a promising career ahead, he remains one of the most exciting young talents in the industry today.
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