Understanding Drew Starkey Through His Own Interviews and Conversations

One of the most rewarding things about following an actor's career is learning how they think about their craft. Drew Starkey, while relatively private compared to some of his peers, has given a number of interviews over the course of his Outer Banks run that offer real insight into his approach to acting, his relationship with the character of Rafe Cameron, and how he thinks about his career.

Here's a look at the themes and perspectives that have emerged from his public conversations.

On Playing Rafe Cameron

One of the most consistent threads across Starkey's interviews is his thoughtful approach to Rafe Cameron's complexity. He's spoken about the importance of not playing Rafe as simply a villain — of finding the human logic behind the character's actions, even when those actions are indefensible.

This is the mark of an actor with genuine craft instincts. The easiest path with a villain character is to lean into the menace and let the audience hate them. The harder, more interesting path is to make them understandable — which is what Starkey has consistently done with Rafe, and what he's articulated doing intentionally in interviews.

He's discussed Rafe's relationship with his father as a central key to understanding the character — the idea that much of Rafe's destructive behavior is rooted in a desperate, unfulfilled need for approval. That psychological framework, which Starkey has referenced in multiple conversations, is visible in how he plays the role.

On His Training and Preparation

Starkey has spoken warmly about his time at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, crediting his training there with giving him the tools to approach complex characters systematically. He's mentioned the value of theatrical training specifically — the way it builds stamina, range, and a comfort with vulnerability that translates directly to screen work.

For aspiring actors, his comments on training are worth noting. He hasn't downplayed the value of formal education or suggested that natural talent alone is sufficient — a more honest and nuanced position than many working actors take publicly.

On the Success of Outer Banks

Starkey has expressed genuine gratitude and some degree of surprise at the show's cultural impact, particularly during the pandemic years when it became one of Netflix's most-watched series. He's spoken about the experience of the show finding such a large audience as humbling and motivating.

Notably, he's been thoughtful about not taking the opportunity for granted — framing the show's success as something that creates responsibility to keep doing good work rather than something that entitles him to coast.

On His Personal Approach to the Work

  • Research and preparation: Starkey has mentioned doing significant character work before production begins — building backstory, understanding psychology, making choices that may never be explicitly visible on screen but inform everything that is.
  • Collaboration: He's spoken positively about working with directors and writers, framing the work as genuinely collaborative rather than positioning himself as the sole author of his performances.
  • Privacy: Starkey tends to keep his personal life relatively separate from his public profile, something he's alluded to in interviews — a deliberate choice that keeps the focus on the work.

On What's Next

When asked about future projects and ambitions, Starkey has been characteristically measured. He's expressed interest in continuing to pursue complex, character-driven work — roles that challenge him and allow him to do the kind of layered performance work that he's shown he's capable of in Outer Banks.

The through-line in his interviews is someone who takes the craft seriously, approaches opportunities with preparation and intentionality, and is in this for the long run. That's exactly the kind of actor whose career is worth following closely.