Everybody knows Rudy Pankow—at least everybody in Ketchikan, Alaska. But with rising fame, all this could change. The 22-year-old Alaskan native stars in the Netflix teen drama “Outer Banks,” whose second season premiered Friday, July 30.
The action-packed series became one of the most talked-about shows of summer 2020, with its popularity garnering newfound recognition for Pankow and his costars. And for a small-town boy unaccustomed to the thrills of stardom, sudden celebrity status could lead to a big ego. But Pankow remains grounded and humble despite becoming a teen heartthrob. Seemingly, he cares more about developing his craft than he does his superstar luxuries. He's a dreamer—simply grateful for his big break.
Tings Magazine creative director, Justin Campbell, caught up with Pankow, who’s filming a project in Spain. The young actor answered questions about everything, from his fashion style to the importance of being a role model for the next generation of dreamers.
Justin Campbell: What have you been doing since you wrapped season two of “Outer Banks”?
Rudy Pankow: I shot a movie called “The Crusades.” That was a whirlwind, and that was fun; then a vacation for my lady friend and me. From there, we came back, and something else plopped in my lap, and that’s why I’m in Spain.
JC: What’s it like working on a film or TV set?
Rudy Pankow: I'm just gaining perspective. When you’re in the learning era of your career, you’re taking in as much as you can. I just came from a set [Outer Banks] where I learned so much behind the camera, like where you set the lights—knowing why is super valuable.
JC: Have fans shown up on set?
Rudy Pankow: There were many times where it took me by surprise, where there were a lot of people clapping and taking pictures, and it's like, “You watch the show!” It feels like pressure, to be honest. I feel like I’ll have to entertain these people one day, if not right now. But I’m also thankful—I’m thankful that the show resonated with these people.
JC: Have you had the experience of being able to interact with fans? Or not yet, because people are wearing masks?
Rudy Pankow: It's a mixture of both—the masks do help. I think Los Angeles is one of those places where if people do recognize you, it's "huh," and that's it. Charleston is a different story. Since that's where we film, so many people are thankful that we’re there and shooting. That's where people will ask for a photo. Again, [I’m] thankful. I'm still getting used to it, but COVID-19 has definitely taken a toll on being recognized and being outside often.
JC: Have you had any crazy fan experiences yet?
Rudy Pankow: There hasn't been any crazy, crazy [experiences]. It's just kind of like, how did they get my parents' address? They weren't from the state or town. And my dad asked, "Rudy, can I open this letter?" And I was like, "Yeah, Dad, you can open it." It was just a nice fan.
JC: Have you been back to Alaska? Are you the most famous person to come from your hometown?
Rudy Pankow: I wouldn't say that. When I go to my hometown, some people ask when season two will come out, but other than that, they just know me. My hometown knew me way before any of this. Everyone knows everyone. When I come back, they say, "Great job on the show, Rudy!" And I'm like, "Aw, thank you." It's very cordial. Then we start talking about my mom and dad. It's not much of a fame type of thing—it's recognition. It's fun to go home and [see] people not be too crazy about it. They say, "Great job!" And it feels good.
JC: It's amazing! It's an incredible accomplishment. People dream of breaking out from the small towns they come from.
Rudy Pankow: I hope I'm an example of: If you have a dream, and you’re willing to test your own limits, go chase that dream. That's what I want to be an example of.
JC: You’re getting to experience the fashion side of the business. Have you always been interested in the clothes you wear? What has that side of things been like for you?
Rudy Pankow: I'm still learning fashion—I'm still trying to figure out what brands are so expensive and why they are so expensive. It was never something where I thought I was going to be this fashionista. It’s an industry that I'm learning and figuring out.
JC: For me, fashion is so interesting in film and television because the clothes someone wears become a part of their character choices. Do you feel that when you’re doing red carpets and awards shows, that you’re playing a character of yourself? Or do you feel like that is you?
Rudy Pankow: I have many caring people who said, "Hey, Rudy, what are you comfortable in?" They’re introducing me to brands and what they stand for, and how they define you. I'm figuring it out. I'm not someone who'd want to wear something very colorful. What I'd wear to an event is more on the classic side, rather than [anything] more modern.
JC: I want to hear more about the upcoming season of the show. What have you told us that you haven't told anyone else?
Rudy Pankow: This is going to sound cliché: Accidents happen. The biggest thing is that the plan never works out. There isn't a single plan that goes exactly right.
JC: Do you have a favorite scene that you guys shot for the season?
Rudy Pankow: I really enjoyed the jail cell scene with John B—it was probably one of my favorite scenes to shoot.
JC: Since the show has blown up, have you made any big purchases? What have you treated yourself to?
Rudy Pankow: Vacations, traveling. I've traveled twice just for leisure—COVID-19 safe. I've been very particular about that. I took a trip across the country. I went to Hawaii. They’re pricey, but they’re so rewarding.
JC: Has there been a favorite place that you've visited?
Rudy Pankow: I really, really, really loved Monument Valley. There are so many stories in Monument Valley.
JC: What has been your craziest celeb moment? Have you had one of those moments where you thought, "I can't believe I'm here!"?
Rudy Pankow: The MTV Awards. It was like, holy cow, we’re here with so many other people who create art. It was a moment where we all came together to celebrate a certain amount of achievement.
JC: What are your plans for the rest of the summer? What are you doing next?
Rudy Pankow: Finish this job that I'm currently on, celebrate that season two is out there. Then it's back to training, back to the grind. And writing—I'd love to start writing and put something out there.
