Drew Starkey has experienced a real-life fairy tale akin to a scene from "High School Musical." The actor, who shot to fame with his role in the hit Netflix series "Outer Banks," recently confided in Dazed Magazine, revealing that he harbors "a bit of Troy Bolton within me," sharing a childhood passion for both basketball and acting. Troy Bolton, portrayed by Zac Efron in the Disney Channel films, balanced his role on the school basketball team, coached by his father, with his burgeoning love for theater.
In Starkey's case, basketball was an integral part of his upbringing, given that his father serves as the head women’s basketball coach at Kent State University. Yet, he ultimately followed his heart's desire for acting, enrolling at Western Carolina University in North Carolina, where he pursued a dual major in English and theater performance. He reminisced, "Basketball was my first love. But then, I had this epiphany: 'Dad, I want to sing and dance. I'm destined to be an actor.'" He further elaborated on the feeling, stating, "There are moments when you find your groove, where it feels as though this is your true calling, something so innate and unconscious. For me, these moments are rare, and the pursuit of them is what makes this journey so enchanting."
Starkey has since become a heartthrob, thanks to his portrayal of Rafe Cameron in "Outer Banks," which recently wrapped up its fourth season. Over the years, he has starred in numerous films, and he is soon to share the screen with Daniel Craig in Luca Guadagnino's adaptation of William Burroughs' novel, "Queer." Prior to the start of filming for "Queer," Starkey shared with The Hollywood Reporter how he immersed himself in Burroughs' world to embody his character, Eugene Allerton. "It was a gradual process, akin to osmosis," he said. "It's rare to have four or five months to prepare for a role. Sometimes, it felt like I was doing nothing, but in reality, I was deeply contemplating it."
He continued, "Eugene only reveals his true self when paired with Lee (Craig), showcasing his authentic form and deepest fears. Thus, the real work truly began on the first day of filming with Craig."
