Drew Starkey has emerged as one of the most compelling young actors of his generation, gaining widespread recognition for his portrayal of the volatile and troubled Rafe Cameron in the hit Netflix series Outer Banks. Born Joseph Andrew Starkey on November 4, 1993, in Hickory, North Carolina, he grew up in a family that encouraged his creative pursuits, though his path to acting was not immediate. He initially considered a career in baseball before an injury redirected his focus toward the performing arts, leading him to study at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where he honed his craft and graduated with a degree in drama.

Starkey made his on-screen debut in 2017 with a minor role in the short film The American Meme, but his career gained traction in 2018 when he landed supporting roles in two critically acclaimed teen dramas. He appeared in Love, Simon, the groundbreaking romantic comedy that marked a milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream cinema, and later in The Hate U Give, a powerful adaptation of Angie Thomas’s novel about racial injustice and police brutality. These early roles showcased his versatility and ability to hold his own alongside established stars like Nick Robinson and Amandla Stenberg. The following year, he continued to build his resume with appearances in the horror film Scream: The TV Series and the thriller The Boy Next Door.

Starkey’s breakout moment came in 2020 when he was cast as Rafe Cameron in the Netflix adventure drama Outer Banks. The series, which follows a group of teenagers in the Outer Banks of North Carolina searching for a legendary treasure, became a global phenomenon, and Starkey’s performance as the deeply flawed, drug-addicted, and dangerously impulsive Rafe earned him critical praise and a devoted fanbase. His portrayal of a character struggling with mental health issues and familial dysfunction brought a complex humanity to what could have been a one-dimensional antagonist, making Rafe one of the most talked-about figures on the show. The series has run for multiple seasons, with Starkey’s role expanding significantly as the story deepened, and he has become a central figure in the show’s dramatic arcs.

Beyond his work on Outer Banks, Starkey has continued to take on diverse projects, demonstrating his range as an actor. In 2022, he starred in the independent thriller The Devil’s Light and the romantic drama The In Between, the latter of which saw him playing a young man navigating love and loss. His most ambitious project to date came in 2024 with Queer, a period drama directed by Luca Guadagnino and based on the novel by William S. Burroughs. In the film, Starkey played Eugene Allerton, a complex role that required him to navigate themes of identity, desire, and alienation in 1950s Mexico City, starring alongside Daniel Craig. The role marked a significant departure from his work in television and showcased his ability to handle emotionally demanding, art-house material, earning him further recognition in the industry.

Starkey remains relatively private about his personal life, but he has spoken in interviews about the importance of mental health and the challenges of playing a character as intense as Rafe Cameron. He has also expressed a desire to continue exploring a wide range of genres, from horror to historical drama, and has hinted at future projects that will allow him to work with visionary directors. With his rising profile, a dedicated fanbase, and a growing body of work that balances mainstream appeal with artistic integrity, Drew Starkey is positioned to become one of the most versatile and respected actors of his generation.