Long before wearing the iconic bandana as John B. Routledge on Netflix's smash hit Outer Banks, James Alexander Chase Stokes spent years navigating the grueling audition circuit in Los Angeles. While millions recognize him instantly for his breakout role in the treasure-hunting drama, his path to stardom was defined by small television guest spots, hospitality jobs, and a childhood shaped entirely by coastal life. Understanding his early trajectory reveals an actor who put in years of grinding before catching his defining break at age twenty-seven.
Born in Annapolis, Maryland, Stokes grew up surrounded by boating communities and originally dreamed of playing professional ice hockey. Multiple concussions altered those athletic aspirations, leading him to pivot toward acting during his late teens while living in Orlando, Florida. He attended Timber Creek High School and later earned a degree from Valencia College before moving to California to pursue the craft seriously.
The Hard Knock Years of Auditioning and Odd Jobs
When Stokes first arrived in Los Angeles, he faced the same harsh reality as thousands of other aspiring performers. He enrolled in acting classes and worked shifts at a bar located in Universal CityWalk to pay rent. Watching peers book major television series and feature films while he remained behind the counter provided a masterclass in patience and observation.
Unlike actors who achieve overnight success in their early teens, Stokes spent his twenties taking whatever work came his way. He made his brief on-screen debut in a 2015 short film before landing a minor, uncredited-style background role as Reed in the first season of Netflix's Stranger Things in 2016. Though his appearance lasted mere seconds, that minor gig inadvertently forged a crucial industry connection with an executive who later championed his casting on Outer Banks.
Early Television Roles and Minor Film Credits
Between 2015 and 2019, Stokes steadily built a resume filled with minor recurring and guest television parts.
- Daytime Divas (2017): Appeared in three episodes of the VH1 satirical drama series as a character named Graham.
- The Beach House (2018): Played Russell Bennett in this Hallmark Channel television film adaptation based on the novel by Mary Alice Monroe.
- The First (2018): Grabbed a small guest role as Finn in an episode of the Hulu space drama starring Sean Penn.
- Tell Me Your Secrets (2021): Filmed a multi-episode arc as Adam for the thriller series, which aired shortly after his career skyrocketed.
- Between Waves (2018): Secured his first indie feature film credit playing a younger version of the character Dale.
These foundational years kept him afloat financially and artistically, sharpening the tools he would later lean on when handling heavy dialogue requirements under intense production schedules.
Almost Passing on the Role of John B.
The turning point of his career arrived in early 2019 when casting calls went out for a new Netflix adventure series set in the coastal marshlands. Ironically, Stokes initially rejected the opportunity to audition for Outer Banks. He assumed the project was simply a modern television remake of the 1985 classic The Goonies and opted not to read the initial packet.
Months later, after receiving the full pilot script and recognizing the distinct depth of the character, he reconsidered and went through rigorous callbacks. His real-life upbringing surfing in Cocoa Beach and handling boats along the eastern seaboard made him a natural fit for the physical demands of playing a salt-water-soaked local. When production began in Charleston, South Carolina, creators discovered he already possessed a legitimate boating license tucked inside his wallet, smoothing out stunt coordination entirely.
For more details on his filmography and ongoing projects, check out his profile on Wikipedia or read deep-dive interviews via outlets like Backstage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Chase Stokes' first major television appearance?
His first notable television credit was a brief role in season one of Netflix's Stranger Things in 2016, followed by a three-episode stint on VH1's Daytime Divas in 2017.
Did Chase Stokes almost turn down Outer Banks?
Yes. He initially declined to audition in 2019 because he mistakenly believed the show was a direct remake of The Goonies, but he changed his mind after reading the actual scripts months later.
What did Chase Stokes do before becoming an actor?
He played competitive ice hockey until an injury forced him to pivot at age eighteen, subsequently working hospitality jobs like bartending in Los Angeles while attending acting classes.
Is Chase Stokes his real name?
His legal birth name is James Alexander Chase Stokes. He has gone by his middle name, Chase, since childhood.
