What Happened to Joseph Andrew Starkey?
Drew Starkey rose to prominence as Rafe Cameron in Netflix's "Outer Banks" (2020-present) and has since expanded his filmography with diverse roles, including a critically acclaimed performance in Luca Guadagnino's "Queer" (2024). In 2026, he starred in the Apple TV+ series "Lucky," where his character met a notable end, and has several upcoming film projects.
Quick Answer
Drew Starkey is an American actor best known for his role as Rafe Cameron in the popular Netflix series "Outer Banks," which is set to release its fifth and final season in 2026. In 2024, he garnered critical attention for his performance as Eugene Allerton in Luca Guadagnino's film "Queer." Most recently, in July 2026, he starred as Cary Masterson in the Apple TV+ miniseries "Lucky," where his character surprisingly died in the fourth episode. He also has upcoming film projects like "Onslaught" (2026) and "Deep Cuts" (2027).
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
Acts in College Productions
Drew Starkey acts in productions such as "The Radical Notion of Gene Mutation" while attending Western Carolina University.
Graduates from Western Carolina University
Starkey graduates with a double major in English and Theatre Performance, subsequently moving to Atlanta to pursue acting professionally.
Television Debut in "Mercy Street"
He makes his television debut in PBS's "Mercy Street" as a gambling soldier, followed by guest appearances in other shows.
Appears in "Love, Simon" and "The Hate U Give"
Starkey lands significant supporting roles in the films "Love, Simon" as Garrett Laughlin and "The Hate U Give" as Brian MacIntosh Jr.
Breakout Role in "Outer Banks"
He gains widespread recognition for his portrayal of the troubled antagonist Rafe Cameron in Netflix's hit teen drama "Outer Banks."
Stars in "The Terminal List"
Starkey appears in the Amazon Prime Video action-thriller series "The Terminal List" as recurring character Junior Alba.
Role in "Hellraiser"
He stars as Trevor in the supernatural horror film "Hellraiser," a reboot of the classic franchise.
Stars in "The Other Zoey"
Starkey takes on a leading role as Zach MacLaren in the romantic comedy film "The Other Zoey."
"Queer" Premieres at Venice Film Festival
Luca Guadagnino's romantic drama "Queer," starring Starkey as Eugene Allerton opposite Daniel Craig, has its world premiere.
"Outer Banks" Season 4 Part 1 Release
The first part of the highly anticipated fourth season of "Outer Banks" is released on Netflix.
"Outer Banks" Renewed for Final Season
Netflix announces the renewal of "Outer Banks" for its fifth and final season, scheduled to premiere in 2026.
Joins A24's "Onslaught"
Starkey joins the cast of Adam Wingard's action-thriller "Onslaught," with production commencing in New Mexico.
Production Begins for "Deep Cuts"
Production starts for Sean Durkin's film "Deep Cuts," in which Starkey is cast as Joe Morrow, with a 2027 release planned.
"Lucky" Premieres on Apple TV+
The Apple TV+ crime thriller miniseries "Lucky," starring Drew Starkey as Cary Masterson, debuts with its first two episodes.
Character Death in "Lucky"
Drew Starkey's character, Cary Masterson, dies in the fourth episode of "Lucky," a significant and unexpected plot development.
Theatrical Release of "Onslaught"
The action-horror film "Onslaught," featuring Drew Starkey, is scheduled for release in theaters.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Joseph Andrew Starkey, born on November 4, 1993, began his acting career with minor roles after graduating from Western Carolina University in 2016 with a double major in English and Theatre Performance. His early work included appearances in films like "Love, Simon" (2018) and "The Hate U Give" (2018), and television shows such as "Ozark" (2017) and "The Resident." His career trajectory significantly changed in 2020 with his breakout role as the troubled antagonist Rafe Cameron in Netflix's hit series "Outer Banks," a performance that brought him widespread recognition and a dedicated fanbase.
Following his success in "Outer Banks," Starkey continued to expand his filmography with diverse projects. In 2022, he appeared in the supernatural horror film "Hellraiser" as Trevor and had a recurring role as Detective Junior Alba in the Amazon Prime Video series "The Terminal List." In 2023, he starred as Zach MacLaren in the romantic comedy "The Other Zoey," which saw a limited theatrical release and was also available on Amazon Prime Video.
2024 marked a pivotal year for Starkey with his role as Eugene Allerton opposite Daniel Craig in Luca Guadagnino's critically acclaimed romantic drama "Queer." The film premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival in September 2024 and received a limited theatrical release in the United States in November 2024. This performance was widely regarded as a career-defining moment, showcasing his dramatic range and earning him significant critical attention. Additionally, "Outer Banks" Season 4 was released in two parts in October and November 2024.
As of July 2026, Starkey remains highly active in the entertainment industry. He starred in the Apple TV+ crime thriller miniseries "Lucky," which premiered on July 15, 2026. His character, Cary Masterson, notably died in the fourth episode, released on July 29, 2026, a significant plot twist that diverged from the original novel. Starkey has several anticipated projects in the pipeline, including the action-horror film "Onslaught," directed by Adam Wingard, which is scheduled for theatrical release on September 4, 2026. He is also cast as Joe Morrow in Sean Durkin's film "Deep Cuts," which began production in February 2026 and is slated for a 2027 release. Furthermore, "Outer Banks" has been renewed for its fifth and final season, set to premiere in 2026. Starkey's career trajectory highlights a successful transition from supporting roles to prominent leading and critically recognized performances, solidifying his status as a rising star in Hollywood.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Joseph Andrew Starkey made different choices?