Drew Starkey, the breakout star of Netflix’s hit series “Outer Banks,” has captured hearts worldwide with his portrayal of the complex and brooding Rafe Cameron. While his on-screen character may be controversial, Drew himself has emerged as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after young actors, leading fans to become increasingly curious about his personal life and romantic relationships. The 30-year-old North Carolina native has successfully maintained a relatively private personal life despite his rising fame, but that hasn’t stopped speculation about his dating status from running rampant across social media platforms.
The actor’s charm extends far beyond his villainous role in “Outer Banks.” With recent high-profile projects including starring alongside Daniel Craig in Luca Guadagnino’s critically acclaimed film “Queer,” Drew has proven his versatility and cemented his status as a rising Hollywood star. His growing popularity has naturally led to increased interest in his romantic life, with fans eagerly searching for clues about potential relationships through his social media presence and public appearances.
Despite the intense scrutiny that comes with fame, Drew has managed to keep his love life largely under wraps, rarely sharing personal details or confirming relationships publicly. This air of mystery has only fueled more speculation among his dedicated fan base, who analyze every social media post and public appearance for hints about his relationship status. The question remains: is Drew Starkey single, or is he quietly dating someone away from the public eye?
Current Relationship Status: The Odessa A’zion Connection
The most persistent and widely discussed rumor surrounding Drew Starkey’s love life involves his alleged relationship with fellow actress Odessa A’zion. The speculation began in earnest after the pair worked together on Hulu’s 2022 “Hellraiser” reboot, where they portrayed love interests Riley and Trevor. Their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, but it’s their off-screen interactions that have kept fans convinced there’s more to their relationship than meets the eye.
Since 2021, Drew and Odessa have been spotted together at numerous events, from red carpet appearances to casual outings. They’ve walked red carpets arm-in-arm, posed together at the “Outer Banks” event Poguelandia in early 2023, and frequently appear in each other’s social media posts. One of the most notable moments that fueled romance speculation was Odessa’s birthday tribute to Drew in November 2022, where she shared several photos of them together with the playful caption: “Happy Birthday, Joseph. Keep eating that pb n j once a day, it’s really good for ur bones.”
The rumors gained additional momentum in early 2025 when the pair were photographed together at a W Magazine Party at Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont and later spotted at the Vanity Fair Oscars Afterparty in March. However, despite years of speculation and countless fan theories, neither Drew nor Odessa has ever officially confirmed their relationship status, leaving fans to continue guessing about the true nature of their connection.
Past Relationships and Dating History
Before the Odessa A’zion speculation dominated headlines, Drew Starkey was reportedly linked to actress Claire Van der Linden. Van der Linden, known for her roles in “Knives and Skin” (2019) and “Empire,” allegedly dated Drew after they met while working on the short film “The Radical Notion of Gene Mutation” in 2014. However, like many aspects of Drew’s personal life, this relationship was never officially confirmed by either party.
The actor’s dating history remains relatively sparse in terms of confirmed relationships, which speaks to his commitment to maintaining privacy around his personal life. Unlike many celebrities who are frequently photographed with different partners or openly discuss their romantic lives in interviews, Drew has consistently chosen to keep these details away from public scrutiny.
The Mystery Behind Drew’s Private Nature
Drew Starkey’s approach to privacy is notably different from many of his contemporaries in Hollywood. He maintains a minimal social media presence and rarely shares personal details about his life outside of work. This deliberate choice to keep his private life separate from his public persona has created an air of mystery that only adds to his appeal among fans.
The actor’s commitment to privacy extends beyond just romantic relationships. He rarely posts personal content on social media platforms, instead focusing primarily on professional projects and work-related content. This approach has made every look into his personal life, whether through paparazzi photos or rare social media posts, feel more significant and newsworthy to his fanbase.
Fan Speculation and Social Media Theories
The lack of official confirmation about Drew’s relationship status has led to extensive fan speculation across various social media platforms. TikTok, in particular, has become a hub for fan theories and relationship analysis, with users creating compilation videos of Drew and Odessa’s interactions and analyzing their body language and social media activity.
Reddit discussions have also provided interesting insights, with some users claiming insider knowledge about Drew’s personal life. One Reddit user claimed to have worked on “Outer Banks” Season 3 and mentioned seeing Odessa visit the set with their shared Pomeranian, suggesting a long-term relationship. However, as with most internet speculation, these claims should be taken with considerable skepticism.
The fan community has developed several theories about Drew and Odessa’s relationship, ranging from them being “platonic soulmates” to having an open relationship or simply being close friends. The ambiguity surrounding their relationship status has only intensified fan interest and speculation.
Professional Impact and Future Projects
Drew’s rising star power has naturally led to increased interest in his personal life, but he’s managed to keep the focus primarily on his professional achievements. His role in “Queer” alongside Daniel Craig has been particularly significant, marking his transition from television to major film projects. The actor has described working with Craig as “insane” and admitted to being starstruck when they first met.
His continued success in “Outer Banks,” where he plays the complex antagonist Rafe Cameron, has solidified his position as one of television’s most compelling young actors. The show’s massive popularity has undoubtedly contributed to the intense interest in his personal life, as fans become invested in the actors behind their favorite characters.
The Mystery Continues
As of 2025, Drew Starkey’s relationship status remains officially unconfirmed. While rumors about his connection with Odessa A’zion continue to circulate, neither party has provided definitive answers about their relationship. The actor’s commitment to privacy means that fans may never get the confirmation they’re seeking about his romantic life.
What’s clear is that Drew Starkey has successfully maintained a level of privacy that’s increasingly rare in Hollywood, allowing his professional work to speak for itself while keeping personal matters out of the spotlight. Whether he’s single or in a relationship, Drew continues to focus on his craft and growing career, leaving fans to appreciate his talent while respecting his choice to keep his love life private.
