If you’ve been binge-watching Outer Banks lately and found yourself going down a rabbit hole about the guy who plays John B., you’re in good company. Chase Stokes went from being a working actor doing odd jobs between auditions to becoming one of the most recognizable faces on Netflix — almost overnight. And once that happens, people naturally want to know more: How tall is he? How old is he really?
Who’s he with now? Let’s get into all of it.
Who Is Chase Stokes? The Quick Snapshot
Before we go deeper, here’s the basic info most people are searching for:
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Alexander Chase Stokes |
| Date of Birth | September 16, 1992 |
| Age | 33 (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Annapolis, Maryland |
| Height | Approximately 6’1″ |
| Occupation | Actor, Director |
| Known For | John B. in Outer Banks |
| Relationship Status | Single (as of early 2026) |
Chase Stokes Height — Let’s Clear This Up
Alright, Chase Stokes’ height is approximately 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm). That’s the number that comes up most consistently across interviews and photos. Some sources say 6’2″, others say exactly 6’0″ — but standing next to the rest of the Outer Banks cast, 6’1″ makes the most sense.
What’s interesting is how his height works on screen. He’s tall enough to hold the frame in action scenes but not so tall that he feels distant or unapproachable. That balance suits John B. perfectly — the kind of guy you’d actually follow into trouble.
For reference, his co-star Madison Bailey (Kiara) stands around 5’7″, and Rudy Pankow (JJ) is about 5’10”. So Stokes has a few inches on most of the group, which you can actually notice in those wide shots on the beach.
Chase Stokes Age — He’s Older Than He Looks
Chase Stokes was born on September 16, 1992, which puts him at 33 years old as of 2026. If you assumed he was a teenager while watching Outer Banks, you’re not alone — he plays younger convincingly, and that’s a real skill.
He was actually in his late twenties when he landed the role of John B. That’s pretty common in Hollywood, but what makes it work for Stokes is that he pulls from real emotional memory. He’s talked about drawing on his own teenage years to make the character feel grounded, not performed.
If you’re curious how that compares to other actors in the young-adult TV space, take a look at Lanny Lambert — another actor whose age versus on-screen role tells an interesting story about how the industry works.
Early Life and Family Background
Chase was born in Annapolis, Maryland, to Jeff Stokes and Jennifer Canning. His parents split when he was just four years old, and he moved with his mom to Canton, Georgia, before eventually settling in Orlando, Florida. He went to Timber Creek High School there.
Here’s the part that surprises most people: acting wasn’t actually his first dream. He genuinely wanted to be a professional ice hockey player growing up — which, if you know anything about Maryland, makes a lot of sense. Life redirected him, and thankfully it did.
Education-wise, his path wasn’t a straight line either. He studied at Valencia College, the University of Central Florida, and Seminole State College before things started clicking. Most real careers don’t follow a clean script, and his is no exception.
His mom, Stephanie Stokes, has clearly stayed close to him through all of it. A social post from her account in May 2026 showed her picking up a colourful lion shawl in Cape Town, describing herself as a proud Leo who loves lions. It’s a small detail, but it says something about the warmth that’s still there in that family relationship.
The Acting Career — From Background Work to Leading Man
Chase didn’t walk straight into Outer Banks. His early career involved small television roles — a background appearance in Stranger Things, parts in Daytime Divas and Tell Me Your Secrets. Screen time, but no spotlight.
The real shift came in February 2019 when he was offered an audition for Outer Banks. Here’s the part worth knowing: he actually turned it down at first. He eventually came back, read for both Topper and John B., and landed the lead role that changed his trajectory entirely.
Outer Banks Season 1 dropped on April 15, 2020 — right when people were stuck at home and desperate for something to watch. The timing was almost perfect. Season 2 arrived in 2021, Seasons 3 and 4 followed in 2023 and 2024, and a fifth and final season is scheduled for 2026.
Beyond the show, his resume has quietly filled out. He appeared in the music video for Kygo and Donna Summer’s “Hot Stuff,” was cast in the Netflix film Uglies, joined the military thriller Valiant One, and took the lead in the romance Marked Men: Rule + Shaw, which hit theatres in January 2025.
And then there’s the biggest development of his career so far: in 2025, Chase announced his feature directorial debut with I Told the Sunset About You, a coming-of-age romantic thriller based on his own concept. Moving behind the camera is a real statement — it tells you he’s thinking beyond John B. and building something longer-term.
Chase Stokes’ Girlfriend and Relationship History
This is the part everyone searches for, so let’s go through it clearly.
Madelyn Cline — Chase and his Outer Banks co-star started dating in mid-2020, during the filming of Season 1. They were the couple fans had quietly hoped would get together, and for a while, they really were. They split in October 2021.
What happened next is worth noting. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Chase said they’d committed before they even started dating — that the work would always come first. Madelyn echoed the same thing, saying their job was to “leave the show better than we found it.” The show’s co-creators backed them both up, saying you’d never know from watching them on set that they’d had a personal relationship. That kind of professionalism under public pressure isn’t easy, and both of them deserve credit for it.
Kelsea Ballerini — In January 2023, Chase began dating country singer Kelsea Ballerini. It started in a pretty modern way — she messaged him on Instagram at 1 a.m. on December 1, 2022, with a simple “Hiii chase stokes.” He replied two hours later: “Hey there, how u doi?” They made their red carpet debut at the CMT Music Awards in April 2023.
The relationship had its ups and downs. Reports in late 2025 said they’d reconciled after a rough patch, but by February 2026, they’d broken up for good. Chase’s own Instagram post heading into 2026 carried a reflective tone — talking about not taking the most beautiful things for granted, learning from mistakes, and leaning into love. Whatever it was directed at, the honesty behind it resonated with a lot of people.
If you enjoy reading about how relationships play out in the public eye for entertainment figures, the story of Miles Roosevelt Bialik Stone is another interesting one worth following.
Chase Stokes Family — Parents, Siblings, and Roots
His father, Jeff Stokes, is a businessman, and his mother, Jennifer, has remained a steady presence through all the changes. He’s spoken warmly about both of them in interviews, often crediting them with giving him a strong work ethic even through the divorce.
He also has a sister, and from what he’s shared publicly, they’re close. Family clearly grounds him, even as his career has pulled him in more directions.
What you notice when you read through his interviews over the years is that he doesn’t talk about his family in a performative way. It’s quieter than that — just a person who remembers where he came from.
Interests, Fitness, and What He Does Off Screen
When Stokes isn’t working, he’s actually a pretty well-rounded guy. He surfs, plays hockey, and hikes — which keeps his fitness routine from feeling like a chore. For someone filming physically demanding scenes, staying in shape is part of the job, but his approach sounds like something a normal person could actually keep up with: mix up your activities, find things you enjoy, stay consistent.
He’s also into photography, and the shots on his social media show a genuinely creative eye. It’s a side of him that doesn’t always make the headlines but says something real about how he sees the world.
He’s also used his platform for mental health awareness and environmental causes. In recent interviews, he’s been open about therapy and what it’s done for him. That kind of honesty matters, especially for younger fans who look up to him.
What’s Next for Chase Stokes?
As of mid-2026, he’s got a full plate. The final season of Outer Banks is coming, which marks the end of a defining chapter in his career. His directorial debut, I Told the Sunset About You, is in production. And based on his public reflections heading into the year, he seems to be approaching this next phase with more intention than before.
For readers who follow up-and-coming figures navigating similar career pivots in entertainment, the profile on Uri Poliavich offers some interesting parallels about how people build creative careers beyond their first major role.
The broader pattern with Stokes is worth recognising. He turned down his biggest audition before accepting it. He navigated a public breakup with professionalism. He’s now stepping behind the camera. None of that is accidental — it points to someone who’s been paying attention and making deliberate choices.
Final Thoughts
Chase Stokes is 6’1″, 33 years old, and further along in his career than most people realise. He’s not just the guy from Outer Banks — he’s someone who spent years grinding through small roles and rejection before everything clicked. He handled a public breakup with maturity, kept working, and is now stepping into directing on his own terms.
Whatever comes next, the foundation looks solid. And that’s not something you can fake.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Chase Stokes?
Chase Stokes is approximately 6’1″ tall.
How old is Chase Stokes?
He was born on September 16, 1992, making him 33 years old as of 2026.
Who has Chase Stokes dated?
He dated Outer Banks co-star Madelyn Cline from mid-2020 to October 2021, and country singer Kelsea Ballerini from January 2023 to early 2026.
Is Chase Stokes in a relationship right now?
As of early 2026, he appears to be single following his split from Kelsea Ballerini.
What is Chase Stokes working on next?
He’s completing the final season of Outer Banks and making his directorial debut with I Told the Sunset About You.
Where is Chase Stokes from?
He was born in Annapolis, Maryland, grew up partly in Canton, Georgia, and later moved to Orlando, Florida.
What did Chase Stokes study?
He studied theatre and attended Valencia College, the University of Central Florida, and Seminole State College.
How did Chase Stokes get the role of John B.?
He was offered an audition in February 2019, initially turned it down, then came back and read for both Topper and John B. — ultimately landing the lead.
Disclaimer: All details in this article are based on publicly available information at the time of writing. Relationship statuses and career updates may have changed after publication.
