You’ve seen the blonde hair, the salt-crusted tan, and that "Kook princess" attitude that somehow makes you root for her anyway. If you’ve spent any time on Netflix in the last few years, you’ve definitely asked yourself who plays Sarah Cameron in the hit series Outer Banks.
The answer is Madelyn Cline.
But knowing her name is just the surface. Honestly, her rise to fame is way more chaotic than the treasure hunts on the show. Before she was the "Queen of the Pogue" life, she was just a girl from South Carolina who decided to risk everything on a one-way trip to Los Angeles.
The Breakout Star: Madelyn Cline Explained (Simply)
Madelyn Cline didn't just walk onto a film set and become a household name overnight. She was born and raised in Goose Creek, South Carolina—which, ironically, isn't that far from where Outer Banks actually films.
She’s basically the hometown hero.
Growing up as an only child to an estate agent and an engineer, her childhood was pretty normal. Well, normal if you count spending your summers in New York City doing commercial print work for brands like T-Mobile and Sunny D.
Madelyn actually started modeling at age 10. She even appeared in a Chuck E. Cheese commercial for a pizza maker oven.
Talk about a glow-up.
Dropping Out to Level Up
When people talk about who plays Sarah Cameron, they often miss the "struggle" era. Madelyn briefly enrolled at Coastal Carolina University. She didn't stay long. Six weeks, to be exact.
She realized the traditional path wasn't for her.
She packed her car and drove to Los Angeles in three days. She even managed to lose her wallet in the Grand Canyon along the way. Classic. For a few years, it was a grind. She lived in a North Hollywood apartment that eventually got infested with bedbugs. She even worked at a self-tape studio, watching other actors audition for roles she wanted.
Then, the Outer Banks audition happened.
Why Sarah Cameron Matters in 2026
By now, in early 2026, we’ve seen the full arc of the show. Sarah Cameron isn't just the "rich girl" anymore. She’s become the emotional glue of the group. Madelyn’s portrayal is why the character works—she brings this weird mix of vulnerability and "I'll jump off a boat if I have to" energy.
It’s about finding a voice.
Madelyn has often said that Sarah’s journey of finding her own identity mirrors her own life. Growing up in a conservative pocket of South Carolina, she felt like her narrative was already written: get a degree, get married, settle down.
She chose the Pogue life instead.
Beyond the Marsh: Madelyn's Other Big Hits
If you only know her as Sarah, you're missing out. Madelyn has been busy carving out a career that will outlast the Netflix teen drama cycle.
- Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022): She played Whiskey. She held her own against Daniel Craig and Kate Hudson. That’s when the industry realized she wasn't just a "teen star."
- I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025): Last year, she starred in the massive slasher reboot as Danica Richards. It was a huge hit on Netflix and proved she could carry a horror franchise.
- Day Drinker (2026): Keep an eye out for this one. She’s starring alongside Johnny Depp and Penélope Cruz.
She also had tiny roles in Stranger Things (as Tina) and The Originals (as Taylor) before she got famous. Most people don't even realize it's her when they rewatch those older shows.
The Real-Life Drama Fans Obsess Over
We have to talk about it. Part of why everyone knows who plays Sarah Cameron is because of her real-life relationship with co-star Chase Stokes (who plays John B).
They started dating in 2020.
Fans went absolutely feral. The chemistry was real because, well, it was actually happening. They split in late 2021 but have remained incredibly professional on set. Honestly, it’s impressive. They’ve had to film multiple seasons of a romantic show while being exes.
Since then, Madelyn’s dating life has been a tabloid favorite. She was linked to Pete Davidson for a while in 2024 and was more recently seen with Prince Constantine-Alexios of Greece.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following Madelyn Cline’s career, here is how to stay ahead of the curve:
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- Watch the Early Stuff: Go back to Stranger Things Season 2. Look for the girl with the blue eye shadow at the Halloween party. That's her.
- The Final Season: Outer Banks is heading into its fifth and final season. Expect Sarah Cameron to have a massive send-off as the show wraps up its legacy.
- Follow the Fashion: She’s a brand ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger. Her red carpet looks are consistently some of the best in the "young Hollywood" circle.
- Check her Filmography: Don't miss Boy Erased (2018). It’s a small role, but it shows her range early on.
Madelyn Cline is more than just a face on a poster. She's a South Carolina girl who turned a bedbug-infested apartment into a seat at the table with Johnny Depp. Whether she's Sarah Cameron or a new character, she's staying on our screens for a long time.