Chase Stokes: Actor, Madelyn Cline Past & Kelsea Ballerini Love

From his breakout role as the charismatic leader of the Pogues to becoming a fixture in Hollywood’s most talked-about circles, Chase Stokes has redefined what it means to be a modern leading man. As of March 2026, he is navigating a monumental year, wrapping up the final chapter of Outer Banks, making his feature directorial debut, and adjusting to a new chapter in his personal life.

Whether he’s on a surfboard in North Carolina or a red carpet in Los Angeles, Chase Stokes continues to prove that he is a creative force with a vision that extends far beyond the screen.

Chase Stokes Biography

Chase Stokes

Born James Alexander Chase Stokes on September 16, 1992, in Annapolis, Maryland, Chase’s early life was defined by transition. After his parents, Jeff Stokes and Jennifer Canning, divorced when he was four, he moved between Georgia and Florida. A natural athlete, he spent his youth as a competitive ice hockey player before a series of injuries redirected his energy toward the performing arts.

After earning his degree from Valencia College and studying at the University of Central Florida, Chase moved to Los Angeles with almost no money to his name. He famously lived out of his car for several months while auditioning, a “Pogue-like” struggle that would eventually give him the grit needed to play John B.

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Career

Chase’s career is currently reaching its most sophisticated peak yet:

  • The Outer Banks Finale (2026): After six years, the fifth and final season of Outer Banks is scheduled for release in late 2026. Chase has called the conclusion of John B.’s journey “the most emotional wrap-up of his life.”
  • Directorial Debut: In 2025, Chase announced his first feature film as a director, a coming-of-age romantic thriller titled I Told the Sunset About You, based on an original concept he developed.
  • Lead Roles: He recently starred in the YA romance Marked Men: Rule + Shaw (released January 2025), playing the tattooed and complex lead, Rule Archer.
  • Netflix Partnership: He remains a staple of the platform, with his dystopian film Uglies and the military thriller Valiant One solidifying his status as a bankable action lead.

Chase Stokes Movies

Chase Stokes in his role as John B. Routledge from the Netflix series Outer Banks

While Outer Banks made him a star, his filmography reflects a desire for diverse storytelling:

  • Uglies (2024): A high-concept dystopian project based on the Scott Westerfeld novels.
  • Valiant One (2025): A gritty military thriller that showcased his physical range.
  • Marked Men: Rule + Shaw (2025): A fan-favorite romantic drama.
  • Music Got Me Here (2026): A biographical film based on the life of music therapist Tom Sweitzer.

Chase Stokes Net Worth

As of March 2026, Chase Stokes’ net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $2 million. While some early reports cited lower figures, his increased salary for the final seasons of Outer Banks (reportedly over $300,000 per episode), his directorial ventures, and major brand deals with companies like Armani Beauty and Ralph Lauren have significantly elevated his financial standing.

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Relationships & The Spotlight

Chase Stokes and Madelyn Cline

Chase Stokes and Madelyn Cline

The “John B. and Sarah Cameron” romance spilled over into real life in June 2020, making them one of the most beloved couples in the world. Although they split in October 2021, Chase Stokes and Madelyn Cline have remained professional and friendly while filming the final three seasons of Outer Banks. In 2026, Chase noted that their ability to work together despite their history is a testament to the “deep respect” they still hold for one another.

Chase Stokes and Izabella Metz

Chase Stokes and Izabella Metz

Following his split from Cline, Chase was briefly linked to model Izabella Metz in the summer of 2022. The pair were spotted together in New York City, but the “fling” was short-lived, with sources noting they were simply enjoying the city’s social scene during Chase’s filming breaks.

Chase Stokes and Kelsea Ballerini

Chase Stokes and Kelsea Ballerini

The most high-profile relationship of Chase’s recent years was with country superstar Kelsea Ballerini, which began in early 2023.

  • The “On-and-Off” Year: 2025 was a “messy year for the heart,” with the couple reportedly splitting in September before a high-profile New Year’s Eve reconciliation.
  • 2026 Status: As of February 2026, reports surfaced that the couple has officially called it quits for good. Kelsea attended the 2026 Grammy Awards solo, and insiders suggest the relationship simply “ran its course.” Chase has since focused his energy on his directorial debut.

Family

Chase remains incredibly close to his mother, Jennifer Canning, and his siblings. Despite his parents’ early divorce, he has maintained a relationship with his father, Jeff, who is a franchise owner. Chase often credits his family’s support during his “starving artist” years in his car as the reason he never gave up on Hollywood.

Controversies

Chase has largely avoided the typical “scandal” cycle, though he made headlines in March 2026 for a candid red-carpet moment:

  • The “Invisible” Comment: During the 2026 awards season, Chase sparked a viral conversation about mental health when he admitted he “misses being a little bit invisible.” This led to a wider discussion about the pressures of fame and the physical toll of maintaining a “Hollywood physique.”
  • On-Set Rumors: Throughout the years, Chase has had to navigate constant (and often false) rumors regarding friction with his Outer Banks castmates, all of which he has consistently handled with a “business-as-usual” attitude.

Chase Stokes Age

As of today, March 31, 2026, Chase Stokes is 33 years old. He will celebrate his 34th birthday on September 16.

Chase Stokes Instagram

With over 7.7 million followers, @hichasestokes is a blend of behind-the-scenes film work and lifestyle aesthetic. In 2026, his feed is currently dominated by:

  • Director Life: Stills from the set of I Told the Sunset About You.
  • OBX Nostalgia: Emotional throwbacks as the final season approaches.
  • Growth & Truth: Posts reflecting his “year of growth,” often featuring his dog, Milo, and his travels.

Conclusion

Kelsea Ballerini and actor Chase Stokes attending the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards on May 8, 2025, in Frisco, Texas

Chase Stokes enters the spring of 2026 as a man who has outgrown the “teen idol” label to become a respected filmmaker and actor. As he says goodbye to the Outer Banks and hello to the director’s chair, his journey serves as a reminder that with enough grit, you can move from a car to the center of the cinematic world.

ALSO READ: Rudy Pankow: Fame, Madison Bailey & Madelyn Cline Rumored Feud

Aniekan Andikan
Aniekan Andikan

Aniekan Andikan is a senior entertainment writer and researcher at Tushstories, specializing in the intersection of pop culture history and global celebrity legacies and relationships. With over 5 years of experience in blogging, Aniekan focuses on uncovering the lesser-known narratives of movie, sports and music icons. He holds a degree in Education and is dedicated to providing readers with deeply researched, human-centered biographies that go beyond basic facts. When not digging into film archives, Aniekan can be found exploring local art galleries in Ikot Ekpene

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