Who is Drew Starkey? The Rising Star’s Journey
Drew Starkey is an American actor born on November 4, 1993, in Hickory, North Carolina. He is best known for his role as Rafe Cameron in the Netflix series “Outer Banks” and has appeared in popular films like “Love, Simon” and “The Hate U Give.”
Quick Facts About Drew Starkey:
- Full Name: Joseph Andrew Starkey
- Born: November 4, 1993 (Age 30)
- Birthplace: Hickory, North Carolina
- Height: 6’2″ (1.88 m)
- Education: Western Carolina University (graduated magna cum laude with degrees in English and Theatre Performance)
- Breakthrough Role: Rafe Cameron in Netflix’s “Outer Banks” (2020-present)
- Notable Films: “Love, Simon” (2018), “The Hate U Give” (2018), “Queer” (2024)
Drew Starkey’s journey to stardom began with a passion for acting finded in high school drama class. After graduating from Western Carolina University in 2016, he moved to Atlanta to pursue his acting career, taking on numerous day-player roles before landing his breakthrough as the complex villain Rafe Cameron in “Outer Banks.”
“I kind of felt like a one-man traveling show, just saying yes to everything,” Starkey once shared about his early career, highlighting his dedication to honing his craft through diverse experiences.
Beyond his villainous role in “Outer Banks,” Starkey has demonstrated impressive range in films like “Love, Simon” and most recently in Luca Guadagnino’s “Queer” alongside Daniel Craig. His ability to bring depth to complex characters has established him as one of Hollywood’s rising talents.
Early Life and Education
Born as Joseph Andrew “Drew Starkey” in Hickory, North Carolina, Drew’s childhood was anything but stationary. His family moved frequently throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains before eventually circling back to settle in Hickory again. This early nomadic lifestyle might explain the remarkable adaptability that would later become one of his greatest strengths as an actor.
The stunning landscapes of western North Carolina provided a picturesque backdrop for Drew Starkey’s formative years. Far from being solely focused on the arts, young Drew was a well-rounded kid who excelled in both athletics and creative pursuits. Before finding his passion for acting, he spent his energy on baseball diamonds and basketball courts, while also developing impressive musical talents on both piano and guitar.
His educational journey took him to St. Stephens High School, where a life-changing moment awaited in his freshman drama class. After graduating high school, Drew Starkey continued his academic and artistic development at Western Carolina University. There, he wasn’t just another theater kid – he was a standout student who graduated magna cum laude in 2016 with an impressive double major in English and Theatre Performance.
During his university years, Starkey’s talent didn’t go unnoticed. He earned the inaugural Charles Stancil Stephens-Kudzu Players Scholarship, an early recognition that hinted at the promising career that lay ahead.
Finding Acting in High School
The acting bug bit Drew Starkey during his freshman drama class at St. Stephens High School. In what might seem like an unusual introduction for a teenager, his drama curriculum featured a heavy dose of Samuel Beckett’s works. With his characteristic humor, Starkey has described this experience as “a lot of Samuel Beckett and shit” – not exactly typical high school fare!
Rather than being intimidated by Beckett’s challenging, existential material, Starkey found himself drawn to the emotional depth and complexity that theater offered. This early exposure to sophisticated dramatic works clearly made a lasting impression, setting him on the path that would eventually lead to his professional acting career.
University Training and Stage Work
At Western Carolina University, Drew Starkey didn’t just study acting – he lived it. His college years were packed with diverse stage performances that built the foundation for his later screen work, allowing him to develop versatility that would serve him well in Hollywood.
His campus theater credits included Shakespeare’s “Macbeth Is the New Black” (playing Pierce/Duncan), contemporary works like “Elemeno Pea” (as Ethan), classics like “A Doll’s House” (as David/Torvold), and even “Zombies on Campus! A SlaughterPocalypse!” as Jake. He also ventured into radio drama, performing as Robin in “Robin Hood The Legacy” at the Bardo Performing Arts Center.
During these formative university years, Starkey cultivated an impressive array of performance skills including voice work, stage combat, and improvisation. He also developed remarkable accent proficiencies, mastering various American regional dialects alongside Australian, British, Irish, Scottish, and Spanish accents.
Drew Starkey’s Breakthrough and Major Roles
After graduating from Western Carolina University in 2016, Drew Starkey packed his bags and headed to Atlanta to join friends who were launching a production company. This move marked the beginning of his professional acting journey. In those early days, Starkey hustled like few others, describing how he “auditioned like a f**king madman,” grabbing every day-player role possible to build his experience and resume.
His persistence paid off when he landed his television debut in 2017 on PBS’s historical drama “Mercy Street.” From there, Drew Starkey’s career gained steady momentum as he secured small but meaningful roles in notable series like Netflix’s “Ozark,” Fox’s “The Resident,” and MTV’s “Scream.”
On the film side, Starkey began building his reputation with supporting roles in critically acclaimed teen dramas. 2018 proved to be a pivotal year when he appeared in Greg Berlanti’s “Love, Simon” as Garrett Laughlin and in George Tillman Jr.’s “The Hate U Give” as Officer 115/Brian MacIntosh. His film repertoire continued to grow with roles in the mining drama “Mine 9” and the psychological thriller “The Devil All the Time.”
But it was in 2020 that everything changed for Drew Starkey when Netflix’s teen drama “Outer Banks” catapulted him into the spotlight. For more detailed information about his filmography, you can check his profile on IMDb.
Drew Starkey in Outer Banks
“Outer Banks” became the defining moment in Drew Starkey’s career, though interestingly, he initially auditioned for the lead role of John B. Fate had other plans, and he was cast instead as Rafe Cameron, the troubled son of wealthy businessman Ward Cameron and the series’ primary antagonist.
Since the show’s premiere in April 2020, Starkey has appeared in 39 episodes across four seasons, evolving into one of the series’ most compelling characters. As Rafe Cameron, he portrays a young man wrestling with drug addiction, crushing family pressure, and his own violent tendencies. The character’s complexity has allowed Starkey to display impressive emotional range.
What makes Starkey’s performance truly stand out is his ability to help viewers understand Rafe’s motivations without excusing his behavior. As Starkey himself has thoughtfully explained, he doesn’t view Rafe as simply a villain but as “a traumatized individual seeking love.” This nuanced approach has earned him praise from critics and cultivated a passionate fan following.
Drew Starkey in Love, Simon and The Hate U Give
Before becoming Netflix’s favorite villain, Drew Starkey built his early film career with supporting roles in two significant teen dramas that tackled important social issues: “Love, Simon” and “The Hate U Give.”
In “Love, Simon” (2018), Starkey played Garrett Laughlin, a friend of the main character. The film broke new ground as one of the first major studio releases centered on a gay teenage romance, earning praise for its heartfelt handling of LGBTQ+ themes.
That same year, he appeared in “The Hate U Give,” based on Angie Thomas’s powerful bestselling novel. The film confronts police brutality and racial injustice through the story of a young Black woman who witnesses the shooting of her friend by a police officer.
Both films resonated strongly with critics and audiences alike, each earning a solid 7.5 rating on IMDb.
Festival & Prestige Projects: Queer
In a career-defining move, Drew Starkey was cast alongside Daniel Craig in Luca Guadagnino’s “Queer,” an adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ novel. This project represents a major leap forward, placing him in an art-house film directed by one of contemporary cinema’s most celebrated filmmakers.
According to the actor, Guadagnino cast him without ever having seen “Outer Banks.” Instead, the director found him through an audition tape Starkey had submitted for an entirely different project and was impressed enough to offer him the role in “Queer.”
The film premiered at the prestigious 81st Venice International Film Festival, marking Starkey’s entry into high-profile international cinema. With “Queer,” Drew Starkey is positioning himself for a career that extends beyond teen dramas into more artistically ambitious territory.
Acting Approach, Personal Insights & Lifestyle
When it comes to bringing characters to life, Drew Starkey takes a refreshingly thoughtful approach. Rather than seeing Rafe Cameron as just another TV villain, he digs beneath the surface to find the human being underneath. “I don’t look at him as a villain,” he’s explained in interviews, preferring to view Rafe as “a traumatized individual seeking love.” This empathy allows him to create characters that feel real, even when they’re doing terrible things.
What’s fascinating about Starkey’s preparation process is his willingness to try unconventional methods. For the challenging ayahuasca scene in “Queer,” he didn’t just read the script and wing it. Instead, he spent months working with choreographers, using interpretive dance and poetry to tap into the emotional core of the scene.
His university training gave him a solid foundation, but Drew Starkey brings so much more to the table. He’s naturally athletic – baseball, basketball, mountain biking, swimming – which gives his performances a physical authenticity that’s hard to fake. His musical abilities on piano and guitar add another dimension to his talent toolkit.
While many celebrities share their elaborate beauty and wellness routines, Drew Starkey keeps things relatively private. His athletic background suggests he values physical fitness, which certainly contributes to his on-screen presence. According to research from the Mayo Clinic, physical activity significantly reduces stress, something especially valuable in the high-pressure world of entertainment.
Building Rafe: A Layered Antagonist
Creating a villain that audiences love to hate takes skill, and Drew Starkey’s portrayal of Rafe Cameron showcases his talent for nuanced character work. Instead of playing Rafe as a one-dimensional bad guy, he’s crafted someone whose terrible choices make a sad kind of sense when you understand his backstory.
Starkey approaches Rafe with genuine compassion, seeing him as someone desperately craving his father’s approval while battling addiction issues. This doesn’t excuse Rafe’s actions, but it helps explain them, creating a more compelling antagonist who can sustain viewer interest across multiple seasons.
What’s impressive is how Starkey has steered Rafe’s evolution throughout “Outer Banks.” From privileged but troubled teen to hardened criminal, and now possibly toward redemption, he’s maintained an emotional authenticity that rings true. Fans have noticed, with comments like “Hottie but I hated his character = great actor” recognizing the distinction between Starkey’s likability and Rafe’s reprehensible behavior.
Off-Screen Passions
Despite having nearly 4 million Instagram followers, Drew Starkey keeps his personal life refreshingly low-key. He posts infrequently, seeming to prefer real experiences over curated online ones – a healthy approach in our social media-saturated world.
His hobbies reflect his North Carolina roots, with outdoor activities like body surfing, mountain biking, fishing, and mountain climbing topping the list. These nature-focused pursuits offer a perfect counterbalance to the artificial world of sets and studios.
Family clearly matters to Starkey. Though he’s relocated to Los Angeles for his career, he maintains close ties to his siblings and parents back in the Blue Ridge Mountains area. This strong family foundation provides stability amid the unpredictable nature of Hollywood success.
When it comes to relationships, Drew Starkey keeps things mostly private, though rumors have linked him romantically to actress Odessa A’zion since 2022.
Upcoming Projects, Recognition & Industry Impact
The future looks bright for Drew Starkey as his star continues to rise in Hollywood. With “Queer” marking his entry into prestige cinema, he’s not slowing down anytime soon. Fans can look forward to seeing him in “The Other Zoey,” a romantic comedy that will showcase his versatility beyond the troubled villain we’ve come to know in “Outer Banks.” His involvement in the “Hellraiser” reboot also suggests he’s ready to dive into horror, proving he’s not afraid to explore different genres.
While Drew Starkey hasn’t yet collected major award nominations, his industry standing speaks volumes. Currently sitting at position 914 on IMDb’s Starmeter (within the top 5,000), he’s captured significant attention from both industry insiders and audiences alike.
Financially, Starkey’s journey shows impressive growth. Industry sources estimate he earns between $20,000 and $30,000 for each episode of “Outer Banks,” contributing to a reported net worth between $300,000 and $750,000. While he’s not yet commanding A-list paychecks, these figures represent remarkable success for someone still writing the early chapters of his Hollywood story.
Perhaps most telling is Starkey’s cultural impact, particularly among younger viewers. With nearly 4 million Instagram followers and impressive engagement rates, he clearly resonates with audiences. This connection to younger viewers makes him particularly valuable in today’s entertainment landscape, where star power often translates across platforms.
Career Evolution & Future Goals
Drew Starkey’s path in Hollywood tells a story of thoughtful progression and genuine passion for his craft. From humble beginnings taking any role he could get to now working alongside Daniel Craig in festival films, his journey reflects both strategic choices and authentic artistic curiosity.
In those early days, Starkey described himself as “a one-man traveling show, just saying yes to everything.” This grind of small parts and constant auditions wasn’t glamorous, but it built the foundation for everything that followed. Like many successful actors, he paid his dues with determination and persistence.
The “Outer Banks” opportunity marked a turning point, requiring him to relocate to Charleston for six months of filming. “It’s all I wanted,” Starkey has shared, reflecting on this milestone. “I was like, I want to be there from the beginning to end and be part of the process.”
Now, with Luca Guadagnino’s “Queer,” Starkey appears to be entering an exciting new phase – one where he can move fluidly between mainstream entertainment and more artistically ambitious projects. This versatility is particularly valuable in today’s blurred entertainment landscape, where the lines between film and television, commercial and independent, continue to fade.
Frequently Asked Questions about Drew Starkey
How did Drew Starkey get started in acting?
Drew Starkey’s acting journey began in a rather unexpected way—through a freshman drama class that dove headfirst into Samuel Beckett’s complex works. While most teenagers might have found Beckett’s existential themes overwhelming, something about these challenging theatrical pieces sparked a flame in young Starkey.
“A lot of Samuel Beckett and shit,” is how he humorously described his introduction to acting, but this early exposure to profound dramatic material clearly left its mark. This initial spark developed into a genuine passion as he continued performing throughout high school in North Carolina.
At Western Carolina University, Drew Starkey committed fully to his craft, double-majoring in English and Theatre Performance. His talent didn’t go unnoticed—he received the inaugural Charles Stancil Stephens-Kudzu Players Scholarship, an early vote of confidence in his abilities.
After graduating magna cum laude in 2016, Starkey didn’t wait for opportunity to knock—he chased it relentlessly. Moving to Atlanta, he became what he called “a one-man traveling show,” taking any role he could find and auditioning “like a f**king madman.” This hustle paid off with supporting roles in “Love, Simon” and “The Hate U Give” in 2018, setting the stage for his career-defining role as Rafe Cameron in Netflix’s “Outer Banks” in 2020.
What is Drew Starkey’s educational background?
Behind Drew Starkey’s successful acting career lies a solid educational foundation. His formal journey began at St. Stephens High School in North Carolina, where that fateful drama class first introduced him to performance.
After high school, Starkey pursued higher education at Western Carolina University, where he demonstrated both artistic and academic excellence. His choice to double major in English and Theatre Performance reflects a deep appreciation for storytelling in multiple forms.
Starkey wasn’t just passing through university—he excelled, graduating magna cum laude in 2016. During these formative years, he immersed himself in stage work, building a diverse portfolio of theatrical experiences. His university credits included roles in productions like “Macbeth Is the New Black,” “Elemeno Pea,” “A Doll’s House,” and “Zombies on Campus! A SlaughterPocalypse!”
What upcoming roles does Drew Starkey have?
Drew Starkey’s career continues to gain exciting momentum with several diverse projects on the horizon. Most notably, he stars alongside Daniel Craig in “Queer,” directed by acclaimed filmmaker Luca Guadagnino. This adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ novel represents a significant artistic milestone for Starkey, having premiered at the prestigious 81st Venice International Film Festival.
For fans who enjoy seeing Starkey explore different facets of his talent, “The Other Zoey” will showcase his abilities in the romantic comedy genre—a refreshing contrast to the intensity of his villainous Rafe Cameron character. This versatility extends further with his involvement in the “Hellraiser” reboot directed by David Bruckner, where he takes on a lead role in the horror genre.
Of course, Outer Banks enthusiasts can look forward to seeing more of Starkey as the complex antagonist Rafe Cameron, with the show renewed for its fourth season on Netflix.
Conclusion
From captivating audiences in high school drama class to commanding attention on the Venice Film Festival red carpet, Drew Starkey’s journey showcases what dedication and thoughtful career choices can achieve. At just 30 years old, he’s built an impressive portfolio spanning teen dramas, socially conscious films, and prestigious art-house cinema.
What truly sets Drew Starkey apart is his thoughtful approach to character development. When playing Rafe Cameron, he doesn’t simply portray a villain – he finds the wounded humanity beneath the character’s troubling actions. This emotional intelligence allows him to bring unexpected depth to every role. His willingness to accept unconventional preparation methods for “Queer,” including interpretive dance workshops, reveals an actor more interested in artistic growth than merely chasing fame.
Starkey’s career path offers valuable inspiration for aspiring actors. His story demonstrates that formal education, persistent hustle, and strategic role selection can build a sustainable career in Hollywood’s competitive landscape. There’s something refreshingly authentic about his journey from small parts to Netflix stardom to walking prestigious festival carpets.
At Beyond Beauty Lab, we particularly appreciate how Drew Starkey balances his professional and personal life. In an era of oversharing, his thoughtful navigation of fame – maintaining privacy while still connecting genuinely with fans – aligns perfectly with our wellness philosophy that emphasizes holistic well-being amid professional demands.
We’re excited to watch Starkey’s career continue to unfold in the coming years. His trajectory suggests an actor with staying power who will likely surprise us with each new role. For more insights on how celebrities like Drew Starkey maintain balance while building successful careers, explore our article on Wellness Travel Like a Celebrity: Their Favorite Retreats.
The journey from North Carolina drama student to rising Hollywood star reminds us that authentic talent, combined with dedication and thoughtful career building, still matters in the entertainment industry. Drew Starkey embodies this principle, making him not just a performer to watch, but one to learn from as well.
