Drew Starkey ‘Cried for a Solid Two Hours’ After Filming His Final “Outer Banks” Scene

**Drew Starkey Reflects on Emotional Farewell to ‘Outer Banks’ as Fifth and Final Season Approaches**

Drew Starkey, known for his portrayal of Rafe Cameron in Netflix’s popular series ‘Outer Banks’, has opened up about his emotional farewell to the show as it wraps up with its fifth and final season. In a recent appearance on *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon*, Starkey admitted to feeling a wave of nostalgia that left him in tears during his last moments on set.

The actor, now 32, recalled how the conclusion of filming hit him unexpectedly. “It was totally bittersweet,” Starkey revealed, reflecting on the seven years he spent working alongside what he described as his best friends. Initially, he felt emotionally detached from the impending end, saying, “I thought I was fine. I thought I was a sociopath. I was like, ‘I feel nothing, I’m ready to get out of here, I don’t care.’”

However, that facade crumbled when he filmed his final scene. Starkey recounted, “The last shot of my last scene, right when they yelled ‘cut,’ I was just weeping. Like, constantly.” His emotional reaction garnered an understanding response from the *Tonight Show* audience, to which he playfully responded that it wasn’t just an ‘aww’ moment, alluding to the depth of his emotional turmoil.

“I cried for a solid two hours, and crew members kept coming up to me,” he said. “I was like, ‘I’m good.’ And then someone would walk up and I’d [cry].” Starkey explained that the memories of his journey from the show’s inception at age 25 to now poured over him like a flood, making it clear how sentimental this milestone has become for him.

Since its debut in 2020, ‘Outer Banks’ has captured the hearts of viewers. Starkey’s on-screen adventures alongside his co-stars—Chase Stokes, Madelyn Cline, Jonathan Daviss, Madison Bailey, Carlacia Grant, and Rudy Pankow—have become iconic. Each character has developed a profound connection with fans, but Starkey’s portrayal of Rafe has been pivotal in driving the series’ dramatic narratives.

The upcoming season, which is set to premiere on August 20, promises to deliver high-stakes drama as the central group of friends, known as the Pogues, faces their most significant challenges yet. According to a synopsis released by Netflix, the Pogues find themselves at “their absolute breaking point following the tragic loss of JJ in Morocco.”

Stranded and mourning, the gang must navigate a treacherous landscape filled with familiar threats, including Chandlar Groff’s schemes and the Corsairs’ pursuit. The synopsis hints at a desperate fight for survival as the protagonists confront their adversaries, leaning on their instincts and the complex alliance with Rafe.

This final season marks the end of an era for both the cast and the loyal fans of ‘Outer Banks’. Starkey’s reflections reveal just how impactful the experience has been for him personally, a sentiment shared by his fellow cast members who have forged strong bonds through years of shared experiences on set.

As the Pogues embark on what Starkey describes as “a desperate race to reclaim their future,” viewers can expect an exhilarating conclusion to their journey. The emotional undercurrents of loss, friendship, and resilience are certain to resonate strongly in these final episodes.

With Starkey’s moving farewell, anticipation for the season’s premiere grows, marking not just an ending but the beginning of a new chapter for the show’s cast and its dedicated audience. As fans prepare to say goodbye to this beloved series, Starkey’s heartfelt sentiments serve as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the connections we make along the way.