Chase Stokes Says His Liver, Kidney Were ‘Failing’ After “Outer Banks” Ended: I ‘Wouldn’t Have Been Around Much Longer’

**Chase Stokes Prioritises Health After Struggles of Fame**

Chase Stokes, the star of Netflix’s hit series *Outer Banks*, has shared his journey to reclaiming his health after facing serious physical consequences from his role as John B. The actor has candidly discussed the mental and physical toll of portraying a character that left him feeling more like John B than himself. Stokes’s revelations came during a recent interview with *The Hollywood Reporter*, where he opened up about his experiences following the show.

At the age of 33, Stokes reflected on the pressure he felt to maintain a youthful appearance while playing a teenager. This intense pressure contributed to multiple health issues, leading him to question his wellbeing. “Hindsight is 20/20, but I probably, unfortunately, wouldn’t have been around much longer if I didn’t take care of my body, which is a really jarring thought,” Stokes admitted, highlighting the seriousness of his situation.

Stokes explained that stepping away from the show was crucial for him to “find” himself again. He expressed a need to break free from the character that had defined so much of his recent life. “I’ve been John B more than I’ve been Chase,” he said, emphasising the importance of reconnecting with his true self.

The actor’s journey to recovery was not easy. He revealed that he had been grappling with a multitude of health concerns, including failing liver and kidney function. “I had so much wrong,” Stokes candidly shared, detailing the gravity of his health issues before he sought help.

In his quest for better health, Stokes turned to an internal medicine doctor and underwent rigorous medical treatments, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). This non-invasive therapy utilizes magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain and has been known to assist in managing conditions such as depression and anxiety. Stokes reported that he was diagnosed with alarmingly low testosterone levels for his age, adding to his challenges.

The lengthy recovery process has required significant dedication on Stokes’s part. “It’s been a lot of work to get back to baseline, and it was definitely scary for a little bit,” he said, reflecting on the emotional and physical turmoil he experienced. Stokes acknowledged that taking time for himself was essential to regain control of his life rather than rushing back to work without addressing these pressing health issues.

As he looks ahead, Stokes is optimistic about his future. With the conclusion of *Outer Banks* after five popular seasons, he is set to star in AMC’s upcoming series *Thunder Road*, where he will portray a reckless, aspiring professional racer. He expressed enthusiasm about entering this new chapter of his career, stating, “I feel great for the first time in a long time.”

Chase Stokes’s experience serves as a reminder of the often unseen struggles that come with fame and the pressure to maintain a certain image. His decision to prioritise his health and personal wellbeing is a testament to the importance of self-care, especially in high-pressure environments.

As his journey continues, Stokes hopes to inspire others facing similar challenges to seek help and take the necessary time to heal. He concluded with a powerful message about the need to address mental and physical health seriously, stating, “Unfortunately, we’ve seen great people leave this earth too soon for just continuing to go [on], and I have a lot to live for. I have a lot that I want to do, and a lot I want to accomplish.”

Stokes’s openness about his struggles resonates with many, shedding light on the complexities of navigating the demands of fame while maintaining one’s health and identity. His commitment to self-discovery and responsibility serves as an inspiration not only for his fans but for anyone striving to balance their ambitions with their wellbeing.