Everything You Need to Know About Chase Stokes

Chase Stokes is an American actor best known for playing John B. in the hit Netflix series Outer Banks. Here are the key facts at a glance:

From small guest spots on Stranger Things to leading a global Netflix phenomenon, Chase Stokes has built a career on authenticity. He once nearly skipped the Outer Banks audition entirely — reportedly dismissing the concept before eventually reading for the role that would change his life.

Now, with nearly 9 million Instagram followers and a final season on the horizon, he's as much a cultural figure as he is an actor.

Quick * chase stokes I* definitions:

Long before he was leading the Pogues through the marshlands of the Carolinas or walking red carpets in Hollywood and Santa Monica, James Alexander Chase Stokes was a kid with a very different dream. Born in Annapolis, Maryland, on September 16, 1992, his early years were spent navigating the complexities of a blended family. Following his parents' divorce, he moved frequently, eventually spending significant portions of his youth in Georgia and Florida.

In Florida, Chase wasn't dreaming of Hollywood lights; he was dreaming of the NHL. He was an avid ice hockey player, a sport that requires the kind of grit and physical presence he now brings to his acting. However, as is often the case with high-impact sports, injuries eventually sidelined his professional aspirations, leading him to discover a new passion: storytelling.

Chase is the oldest of eight siblings in his blended family. Being the "big brother" to such a large group undoubtedly shaped his leadership qualities. He has often spoken about the "outlier" feeling of being the eldest but notes how much he values the reconnection he has found with his siblings as an adult.

His educational path was as grounded as his upbringing. He attended Timber Creek High School in Orlando before pursuing higher education in Florida. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Valencia College and also spent time at the University of Central Florida and Seminole State College. This period of his life was about finding his footing, a journey that fans can track through his rising IMDbProStarmeter See rank as he transitioned from a college student to a working actor in 2015.

The career of * chase stokes I* is a classic story of "the right role at the right time." Before Outer Banks became a household name, Chase was working the typical actor's hustle, taking small roles in television to build his resume.

His early television appearances include:

However, everything changed in April 2020. As the world went into lockdown, Netflix released Outer Banks, a sun-drenched, high-stakes treasure hunt that provided the perfect escape for millions. Chase starred as John B. Routledge, the charismatic leader of the "Pogues," a group of working-class teens on a mission to find a lost fortune and solve the mystery of his father’s disappearance.

The show was an instant sensation. Chase’s portrayal of John B. struck a chord because it felt raw and gritty. Interestingly, he initially passed on the audition, famously calling the script "f*cking Goonies" before realizing the depth and potential of the character. His chemistry with the cast was undeniable, leading to a massive fan following and critical recognition, including winning the MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Kiss in 2021.

As we look toward the future, the Outer Banks journey is nearing its end. Netflix has confirmed that Season 5 will be the final chapter for the Pogues, with a scheduled release in 2026. For Chase, this show has been a pillar of his life for nearly a decade, and transitioning away from it will be an emotional milestone.

What makes * chase stokes I* stand out in a sea of young Hollywood talent? It’s his commitment to being "just a guy." Despite having nearly 9 million followers, he strives to maintain a sense of normalcy. He often speaks about the importance of authenticity in an industry that often prioritizes "relevancy as currency."

Fans gravitate toward his "Pogue life" persona—a blend of ruggedness, loyalty, and vulnerability. He’s also known for setting healthy boundaries. In interviews, he has expressed that while he loves his fans, he prefers genuine conversations over being treated like a "zoo animal" for photos. This level-headedness is rare and incredibly relatable.

While John B. put him on the map, Chase has been busy diversifying his portfolio. He recently starred in the Netflix fantasy film Uglies alongside Joey King, playing the character Peris. This role allowed him to explore a more polished, futuristic aesthetic compared to the salt-and-sun look of the Outer Banks.

His upcoming film projects include:

Perhaps the most exciting development in his career is his move behind the camera. Chase has announced his directorial debut with a film titled I Told the Sunset About You. Produced by Monarch Media, this project represents a significant step in his evolution from actor to filmmaker. He has often said that "stagnancy breeds the death of art," and this move into directing proves he is committed to constant growth.

Beyond film and TV, Chase has also made waves in the music world. He starred in Kygo’s "Hot Stuff" music video and more recently appeared in Kelsea Ballerini’s "First Rodeo" video, showcasing his ability to bring cinematic energy to shorter formats.

Chase Stokes’ personal life has often been in the spotlight, but he handles it with a refreshing degree of honesty. His most famous past relationship was with his Outer Banks co-star Madelyn Cline. The pair dated from June 2020 to October 2021, and despite their breakup, they continued to work together professionally for several seasons—a testament to their mutual respect and commitment to the show.

In early 2023, rumors began swirling about Chase and country music superstar Kelsea Ballerini. Kelsea eventually confirmed she "slid into his DMs," and the two had their first date at a sushi restaurant on January 7, 2023. Their relationship has been a favorite for fans to follow, characterized by supportive red carpet appearances at the CMT Music Awards and the Met Gala.

Though they faced a brief split in September 2025 due to busy schedules and communication hurdles, they were spotted holding hands in Croatia and Scotland just two months later. By November 2025, sources confirmed they were officially back together, proving that "there’s still a lot of love there."

Perhaps the most impactful part of Chase's public persona is his advocacy for mental health. He has been incredibly open about his journey, which began with his first anxiety attack at age 15. Today, at 33, he is a vocal proponent of therapy, attending sessions weekly to stay grounded.

Chase works closely with Bring Change to Mind, a nonprofit co-founded by Glenn Close, to help destigmatize mental health conversations among young people. He even has a "Dear Me" tattoo on his hand—a reminder of a self-compassion exercise where he writes letters to his younger self.

He views his mental health journey as an "evolving battle" and uses his platform to encourage others to seek help. Whether he's partnering with brands for campaigns that donate to mental health causes or speaking candidly in interviews, Chase is dedicated to showing that even "successful" people struggle and that there is no shame in that.

As of late 2025, Chase Stokes is 33 years old. He was born on September 16, 1992. He stands at 6'1", a height he once had to clarify on social media after fans debated his physical appearance. As a Virgo, he often attributes his love for routine and his grounded nature to his zodiac sign.

Chase Stokes is currently dating country singer Kelsea Ballerini. After a brief separation in late 2025, the couple reconciled and has been seen traveling together in Europe. They have even moved in together, with Kelsea noting that their foundation is built on solid communication and shared therapy goals.

Fans have plenty to look forward to! The fifth and final season of Outer Banks is currently in development and expected to hit Netflix in 2026. Additionally, his films Marked Men and Valiant One are slated for release, and he is hard at work on his directorial debut, I Told the Sunset About You.

At Edible L.A., we believe in the power of local stories and authentic voices—whether that’s a farmer in Malibu or an actor like Chase Stokes who uses his platform to speak on mental health and the importance of staying grounded. Chase’s journey from a hockey player in Florida to a global star in L.A. and beyond is a reminder that the "next right thing" is often just around the corner if you have the patience to wait for it.

As Chase prepares for the final season of Outer Banks and steps into his new role as a director, we look forward to seeing how his storytelling continues to evolve. His commitment to authenticity mirrors our own mission to bring you the real, seasonal stories of our community.

For more insights into the people and culture that make our region unique, or to learn more about our local initiatives, check out our More info about seasonal produce services.