The Complete Guide to Chase Stokes

Chase Stokes: Netflix Star, Aspiring Director, and One of Hollywood’s Most Watched Rising Talents

Chase Stokes is an American actor and director best known for playing John B. Routledge in the hit Netflix series Outer Banks (2020–present). Born James Alexander Chase Stokes on September 16, 1992, in Annapolis, Maryland, he has grown from small TV cameos into one of streaming’s most recognizable leading men.

Here are the key facts at a glance:

Detail	Info
Full Name	James Alexander Chase Stokes
Born	September 16, 1992
Age	33
Birthplace	Annapolis, Maryland, USA
Height	6′ 1″ (1.85 m)
Known For	John B. in Outer Banks (Netflix)
Years Active	2015–present
Awards	2 wins, 5 nominations
Upcoming	Outer Banks Season 5 (2025), directorial debut I Told the Sunset About You
Social Media	@hichasestokes (Instagram & X)

His path to fame wasn’t overnight. Stokes spent years grinding through minor TV roles before landing the part that changed everything. And now, in 2025, he’s not just acting — he’s stepping behind the camera too.

Whether you know him from Outer Banks, his high-profile relationships, or his growing film career, Chase Stokes is a name that keeps coming up in contemporary pop culture.

Early Life and the Journey to Hollywood

Long before he was the face of a Netflix phenomenon, James Alexander Chase Stokes was just a kid from Annapolis, Maryland. Born on September 16, 1992, his early years were marked by significant change. When he was just four years old, his parents divorced, leading to a childhood spent navigating different states. We know that he spent time in Georgia before eventually moving to Florida, a state that would play a major role in his upbringing and educational journey.

Growing up, acting wasn’t necessarily the first thing on his mind. Like many young athletes, he had massive sports dreams—specifically, he harbored serious ice hockey aspirations. He wanted to go professional, a goal that requires intense discipline and a bit of a “tough guy” exterior, traits that arguably helped him later when portraying the gritty, resilient John B.

His academic path was diverse, reflecting a young man trying to find his footing. He attended Timber Creek High School in Orlando, Florida. After graduation, he pursued higher education with a focus that eventually shifted toward the arts. Chase Stokes’ educational background includes a degree from Valencia College. He also spent time at the University of Central Florida and Seminole State College. This period of his life was essential for his growth, providing the intellectual foundation needed to navigate the complex business of Hollywood.

The Rise of Chase Stokes: From Stranger Things to Outer Banks

Every “overnight success” usually has years of quiet hard work behind it. For chase stokes, the road to the Outer Banks was paved with small appearances that many fans might have missed at the time. One of his most famous “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” moments was a cameo in Stranger Things (2016). He appeared in the first season as a character named Reed. While it was a minor role, it gave him a taste of the Netflix machine.

He followed this with roles in Daytime Divas (2017) and Tell Me Your Secrets. However, the audition process for his breakthrough was anything but smooth. When the script for Outer Banks first crossed his desk, he actually passed on it. He famously compared the premise to “The Goonies,” thinking it might be a derivative project. Thankfully, he reconsidered and eventually read for the roles of both Topper and John B. The rest, as they say, is Pogue history.

The role of John B. Routledge required more than just good looks; it required a sense of adventure, vulnerability, and leadership. As the leader of the Pogues, Stokes became the heart of a show that resonated with millions during the 2020 lockdowns. The “Pogue life”—centered on friendship, loyalty, and a hunt for legendary treasure—turned him into a global superstar.

Early Roles vs. Breakthrough

To understand how far he has come, it’s helpful to look at the contrast between his early career and his current status.

Project	Role Type	Year	Impact
Stranger Things	Cameo (Reed)	2016	First major network exposure
Daytime Divas	Recurring (3 episodes)	2017	Developed TV acting stamina
Tell Me Your Secrets	Supporting	2021	Filmed before OBX, released after
Outer Banks	Lead (John B)	2020–2025	Global stardom and industry clout

The Evolution of Chase Stokes as an Actor

Since the debut of Outer Banks, we have seen a significant shift in how the industry views him. He is no longer just a “teen drama” star; he has achieved true leading man status. This is reflected in his IMDbPro Starmeter rank, which spiked following the show’s release and has remained consistently high.

His growth is evident in his character development across four seasons of Outer Banks. He has moved from a reckless teenager to a more nuanced, weary, yet determined young man. His acting technique has matured, allowing him to carry heavy emotional beats alongside high-octane action sequences. As he grows, so does his influence in the industry, moving from being a hired actor to a creative force involved in the production side of his projects.

Beyond the Pogue Life: Film Credits and Directorial Debut

While John B. might be his most famous role, chase stokes has been busy diversifying his portfolio. He recently starred in the Netflix fantasy film Uglies (2024) alongside Joey King, playing the character Peris. He is also set to appear in the thriller Valiant One and the YA romance Marked Men: Rule + Shaw, where he takes on the role of Rule Archer.

Perhaps the most exciting development in his career is his move behind the lens. In early 2025, it was announced that Stokes would make his feature directorial debut with the film I Told the Sunset About You. This project, produced by Monarch Media, marks a major milestone. It’s a bold move that shows his commitment to the craft of storytelling beyond just performing. By taking on executive producing and directing roles, he is ensuring his career has longevity far beyond the final season of Outer Banks.

Personal Life, Relationships, and the Kelsea Ballerini Breakup

The public has always been fascinated by Chase’s personal life, largely because he often dates his high-profile collaborators. His most famous early relationship was with his Outer Banks co-star, Madelyn Cline. The two dated from 2020 to 2021, and their chemistry was so palpable that they won the MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Kiss in 2021. They even starred together in the steamy music video for Kygo’s “Hot Stuff.”

Following his split from Cline, Chase began dating country music star Kelsea Ballerini in early 2023. The couple was a fan favorite, often sharing supportive posts about each other’s careers. He appeared in her “First Rodeo” music video, and she was a frequent visitor to the Outer Banks set. However, the relationship was not without its hurdles.

Reports surfaced in late 2025 that the pair had officially called it quits after nearly three years of on-and-off dating. According to insiders, the split was fueled by “lifestyle logistics” and the difficulty of merging two very busy, high-pressure careers. While they briefly reconciled on New Year’s Eve, sources confirmed in February 2026 that they had broken up again. Kelsea noted at the 2026 Grammys that while the splits looked “dramatic” to the public, they were more about two people trying to find happiness in different places.

For those following the latest updates on Chase Stokes in 2025, it’s clear that he is focusing heavily on his work and his move into directing as he navigates this new chapter of his personal life.

The Personal Side of Chase Stokes

Aside from his romantic life, there are several personal details that fans love to track. One of the most searched queries is the chase stokes height, which stands at an impressive 6′ 1″ (1.85 m). As a Virgo (born September 16), he often displays the typical traits of the sign: hard-working, detail-oriented, and perhaps a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to his acting and directing.

His social media influence is massive, with millions of followers on Instagram (@hichasestokes). He uses his platform not just for self-promotion, but to share glimpses of his life with his siblings, Kaden and Kendall Nicole Stokes. He has also shown an interest in philanthropy and the sophisticated side of urban living, often spotted at high-end events in New York City.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chase Stokes

How old is Chase Stokes and when is his birthday?

chase stokes is currently 33 years old. He was born on September 16, 1992.

What is Chase Stokes’ height?

He stands at 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters) tall.

Is Outer Banks Season 5 the final season?

Yes, Netflix has confirmed that Outer Banks will conclude with its fifth season. Production and release are slated for 2025, bringing the epic saga of the Pogues to a close.

Conclusion

The journey of chase stokes is a testament to the power of persistence. From a kid dreaming of ice hockey in Maryland to a Netflix icon and burgeoning director, he has navigated the highs and lows of Hollywood with grace and a clear sense of ambition. As he transitions from the “Pogue life” into more mature film roles and directorial projects, his career longevity seems assured.

At PARK Ave Magazine LLC, we celebrate the intersection of talent, sophistication, and the urban lifestyle. Chase’s evolution from a young actor to a multi-hyphenate creative mirrors the dynamic energy of the cities we cover. Whether he’s on a red carpet in NYC or behind the camera on a new film set, we look forward to seeing where his artistic evolution takes him next.

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