Chase Stokes became a Netflix star almost by accident. The 6’1″ actor went from sleeping in his car to leading Outer Banks, one of streaming’s biggest shows. At 33, he’s now directing his first film while wrapping the series that changed his life.
Born James Alexander Chase Stokes on September 16, 1992, in Annapolis, Maryland, he never planned on acting. His bank account hit negative $36 before landing the role of John B. Routledge. With projects like Marked Men releasing January 2025, he’s moved far beyond those parking lot nights.
Chase Stokes Quick Bio/Wiki
| Fast Facts | Details |
| Full Name | James Alexander Chase Stokes |
| Born | September 16, 1992 |
| Age | 33 years old (as of October 2025) |
| Birthplace | Annapolis, Maryland, USA |
| Height | 6’1″ (185.4 cm) |
| Shoe Size | US men’s size 12 |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Parents | Jeff Stokes, Jennifer Canning |
| Siblings | Kaden Stokes, Kendall Nicole Stokes, Griffin Walker, Evan Walker, Rylie Walker (step-siblings) |
| Education | Valencia College (AA, 2012), University of Central Florida, Seminole State College |
| High School | Timber Creek High School, Orlando (graduated 2010) |
| Occupation | Actor, Director, Producer |
| Known For | John B. Routledge in Outer Banks (2020-2025) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $650,000 (2025 estimate) |
| Relationship Status | Single (as of October 2025) |
| Past Relationships | Madelyn Cline (2020-2021), Kelsea Ballerini (2023-2025) |
| @hichasestokes (6.6 million followers) |
Chase Stokes Family & Early Life
Jeff Stokes and Jennifer Canning divorced when Chase was four years old. His mom took him to Canton, Georgia, where he spent most of his childhood. His dad later married Nicki Osterman Stokes, a psychotherapist, adding new family members.
Chase has two biological siblings: younger brother Kaden and sister Kendall Nicole Stokes. His dad’s remarriage brought three step-siblings: Griffin Walker, Evan Walker, and Rylie Walker. The blended family setup shaped his understanding of relationships.
The family moved to Orlando, Florida during his teen years. He attended Timber Creek High School and graduated in 2010. Teachers called him a troublemaker until one suggested acting as an outlet for his energy.
Education
Valencia College gave Chase his Associate of Arts degree in 2012. He then enrolled at the University of Central Florida and also attended Seminole State College. His academic path was scattered, typical for someone chasing acting dreams.
College meant juggling classes with dead-end jobs. He worked sales at a Florida gym and briefly at an IT firm. Neither job excited him, but both taught survival skills.
Chase eventually dropped everything for Los Angeles. He couch-surfed with his agent and acting classmates before returning east to complete his degree. Once finished, he headed back to L.A. permanently.
The Struggling Actor Era
Chase lived in his car for two months at the Hollywood & Highland lot beneath the TCL Chinese Theatre. He told Jimmy Kimmel Live in 2021 that he strategically changed parking spots daily. Corner spots attracted attendant attention, so he kept moving around the garage.
His bank account showed negative $36 when Outer Banks came calling. He couldn’t afford an Uber from the airport for the audition. His sub-300-square-foot studio apartment faced eviction with failing electricity.
Chase initially rejected the audition, thinking it was a Goonies remake. Casting director Lisa Mae Fincannon convinced him to reconsider. He auditioned for Topper, not John B., and admitted he “bombed” that first reading.
Chase Stokes Early Career (2015-2019)
Chase’s first credited role came in 2015’s short film Lost Island as Captain Charles Whitaker. That same year, he appeared briefly in the TV show Base as Ethan Terri. These tiny roles paid almost nothing but built his resume.
His 2016 Stranger Things cameo as Reed, a school bully, lasted minutes in episode three. Most viewers don’t remember him from Season 1. That’s how small his foothold was in the industry.
Between 2018 and 2019, Chase appeared in Between Waves, The Beach House, and Tell Me Your Secrets. He got cast as TJ in One of Us Is Lying pilot but couldn’t return due to Outer Banks Season 2 scheduling conflicts. Those years taught him hustle without guarantees.
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The Outer Banks Breakthrough
Outer Banks premiered on Netflix on April 15, 2020, during the pandemic lockdown. Chase played John B. Routledge, a 16-year-old treasure hunter whose father vanished at sea. At 28 years old, he successfully portrayed a teenager and became the heart of the Pogues crew.
Creator Jonas Pate told Entertainment Weekly in April 2020 they envisioned “probably like a four-season, maybe five-season show.” Season 2 held the #1 Netflix spot for four straight weeks after its July 2021 release. The timing during lockdown turned the cast into overnight sensations.
Chase worked alongside Madelyn Cline, Madison Bailey, Jonathan Daviss, Rudy Pankow, and Drew Starkey. Season 5, announced as the finale, premieres in 2025. He never returned to his apartment after landing the role—only the clothes he’d packed came with him.
Chase Stokes Earnings & Net Worth
As of October 2025, Life & Style estimates Chase’s net worth to be around $650,000 (as per Parade). This number might be a little low since Chase has more projects coming up in late 2025. His Outer Banks salary has climbed substantially across five seasons.
First-time Netflix actors typically earn $20,000 to $40,000 per episode, according to Capital FM. StyleCaster reported Stranger Things cast members received $60,000 pay bumps for Season 2. Chase’s per-episode rate has followed similar upward movement.
The New York Post mentioned he now has “first-edition poster money” for collectibles. His financial transformation mirrors the classic Hollywood rags-to-riches arc.
Post-Outer Banks Projects
Chase starred opposite Joey King in Netflix’s Uglies in 2024, based on Scott Westerfeld’s dystopian novel. Laverne Cox also appeared in the adaptation. The project showed his willingness to explore different genres beyond teen adventure.
According to Variety, Marked Men: Rule + Shaw is set to release on January 22, 2025, with Chase starring as tattoo artist Rule Archer. Director Nick Cassavetes, who helmed The Notebook, leads the project based on Jay Crownover’s bestselling novel. Sydney Taylor and Alexander Ludwig co-star in the Voltage Pictures production.
Valiant One, a military thriller with Lana Condor, showcases Chase as both actor and co-producer. Released by Briarcliff Entertainment, it follows soldiers stranded after a helicopter crash. His first movie as a director, I Told the Sunset About You, is in development as of 2025, produced by Monarch Media.
Relationship with Madelyn Cline
Chase and Madelyn Cline confirmed they were dating in June 2020 after fans noticed their strong on-screen chemistry in Outer Banks. Their romance made headlines and brought even more attention to the show.
The two broke up in late 2021 but stayed professional when filming new seasons together. Working side by side after their split showed both their maturity and focus on their careers.
Relationship with Kelsea Ballerini
Chase started dating country singer Kelsea Ballerini in late 2022 after she messaged him online. They often supported each other’s work and balanced time between filming, touring, and family life with their dogs, Milo and Dibs.
After nearly three years together, they decided to part ways in 2025. Friends said they cared deeply for each other but couldn’t make their schedules work. The breakup came just as Chase focused more on directing and film projects.
Personal Philosophy
Chase told People in 2023: “I think one thing for me is this journey has not been a quick and easy one.” He refuses to believe he’s “made it” because everything can vanish instantly. His parking garage nights keep him grounded.
When asked if he’d return to his sub-300-square-foot apartment and restart, Chase said yes immediately. “I would absolutely go back and take the journey again,” he stated. That response reveals how much he values the struggle.
Chase quit a shady restaurant job by essentially blackmailing his boss for paychecks. He got fired from catering Elton John’s Oscar party after 15 minutes for watching the band. These stories show his willingness to share messy, authentic parts of his path.
Chase Stokes Style & Public Image
Chase wore an all-black Tom Ford ensemble to the Outer Banks premiere. The outfit included a crepe jacket, leopard jacquard shirt, iridescent trousers, and alligator-print Kurt Chelsea boots. His fashion choices mix textures and prove black doesn’t have to be boring.
Standing at 6’1″ and wearing US men’s size 12 shoes, Chase has commanding physical presence. His Instagram @hichasestokes has 7.9 million followers. He shares cooking (specialty: skirt steak with homemade chimichurri), travel photos, and career updates.
In 2021, Men’s Health Magazine featured Chase talking about his overdraft story and how those rough years shaped him. His public image balances Hollywood glamour with blue-collar roots. He never hides where he came from or sanitizes pre-fame struggles.
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Current Status (October 2025)
As of October 2025, Chase is 33 years old and single after his September 2025 breakup. He’s currently filming the fifth and final season of Outer Banks, which is set to premiere in late 2025. The show’s conclusion marks the end of a life-changing chapter.
Marked Men is set to hit theaters on January 22, 2025, followed by Valiant One later that same month. Both projects demonstrate range beyond teen adventure stories. His acting choices show deliberate career diversification.
His directorial debut I Told the Sunset About You is in development with Monarch Media. The romantic thriller, based on his original concept, follows a restless waitress and quiet drifter heading west. Chase is transitioning from streaming star to filmmaker.
Conclusion
Chase Stokes shows what can happen when hard work meets the right moment. The months he spent sleeping in his car built the drive that made him who he is today. Outer Banks gave him fame and stability, but his later projects prove he wants more than just being a TV star.
From growing up in small towns to finding global success, his journey feels like a real-life movie. As of 2025, Chase keeps acting, producing, and now directing, showing that persistence really pays off. The guy who once couldn’t afford a ride to an audition is now leading Hollywood stories of his own.
FAQ’s About Chase Stokes
What is Chase Stokes’ real name?
His full legal name is James Alexander Chase Stokes.
How tall is Chase Stokes?
Chase stands at 6 feet 1 inch (185.4 cm) tall.
What is Chase Stokes’ net worth in October 2025?
It’s estimated at around $650,000, but it could be higher with his new projects this year.
Is Chase Stokes married?
No, he’s currently single after breaking up with Kelsea Ballerini in September 2025.
What role made Chase Stokes famous?
He became famous playing John B. Routledge in Netflix’s Outer Banks.
Did Chase Stokes really live in his car?
Yes, for two months at the Hollywood & Highland parking lot before landing Outer Banks.
What movies is Chase Stokes in?
He stars in Uglies (2024), Marked Men (January 22, 2025), and Valiant One (2025).
Is Chase Stokes directing any movies?
Yes, his feature directorial debut is I Told the Sunset About You.
Who did Chase Stokes date from Outer Banks?
He dated co-star Madelyn Cline from June 2020 to October 2021.
Where is Chase Stokes from?
He was born in Annapolis, Maryland, but grew up in Canton, Georgia, and Orlando, Florida.
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