Outer Banks’ Rudy Pankow on Playing JJ & Leaving After Season 4 Finale

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As wraps up its fourth season, actor reflected on playing Maybank in the and thanked fans. He highlighted JJ’s loyalty and fearless spirit. With Rudy Pankow leaving the series, fans see his farewell as a major moment in Outer Banks’ development as a series.

Rudy Pankow has bid farewell to his role as JJ Maybank on Netflix’s Outer Banks, thanking fans for their love of the character. “To all the fans that show so much support and love for JJ, I just want to say thank you,” Pankow stated. “It’s been an honor to bring him to life for you guys, and it’s been a joy to play him. And P4L!”

JJ, known for his loyalty and fearless spirit, became a fan favorite. Pankow emphasized the importance of playing such a devoted character. Reflecting on JJ’s journey, he shared, “He lives his life to the utmost fullest, and I don’t think he regrets any part of it.” JJ’s dedication to his friends, and his willingness to protect them at any cost, resonated deeply with many fans. “From the get-go, JJ always showed that he would do anything,” Pankow told Netflix. “He would put his friends before himself.”

Outer Banks co-creators Josh Pate, Jonas Pate, and Shannon Burke discussed their decision to conclude JJ’s story. “JJ’s death was a hard but necessary piece of the story’s architecture,” said Josh Pate. “We plan on honoring that as much as we can because we love the character as much as the fans do.” He added that Rudy’s portrayal captured the show’s core values of friendship and loyalty.

Madelyn Cline, who plays Sarah, noted JJ’s importance to the show’s dynamic, calling him “the heart of Outer Banks.” Pankow shared that leaving Outer Banks was bittersweet, saying, “I want to leave the cast and crew with the biggest thank-you. It’s been such a pleasure to come to work.” In his parting words, Pankow hopes that JJ’s legacy will inspire fans to embrace life fully. “The spirit of JJ is: Take the risk.”