Greenville’s Own Nate Bynum Turns Heads as Demp in “Outer Banks”
Grab your popcorn, folks! There’s some exciting news rolling in from Greenville. After a 40-year hiatus, local actor Nate Bynum is back in South Carolina with a role that has everyone talking. That’s right! The talented thespian has snagged a recurring gig on the ever-popular Netflix series Outer Banks, where he plays the brooding groundskeeper, Demp.
A Journey Back Home
Bynum’s journey to this point is nothing short of remarkable. He first dipped his toes into acting in police training videos for South Carolina ETV, way back in the day, but life had other plans for the 65-year-old. After years of exploring the acting world and teaching at various universities—including a significant tenure at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas—he’s finally returned to his roots in South Carolina for this exciting new chapter.
“He was totally different for me, and I loved it,” says Bynum about his character Demp. “I relished the opportunity.” Demp’s role is essential in the show that follows a group of working-class teens on their treasure-hunting antics. It recently took Netflix by storm during its fourth season, racking up over 23 million views in just two weeks!
From Football to Film
Growing up in Columbia with his grandparents, Bynum didn’t immediately see a future in the arts. His grandfather worked hard as a laborer, while his grandmother took care of the home. However, they instilled a passion for the arts in him, always encouraging him to chase his dreams. “They wanted more for me,” Bynum reflected. “They saw a way out that I didn’t even think about.”
While he was initially a defensive back on the varsity football team, Bynum’s love for performing arts started in elementary school and blossomed in high school where he won the title of best actor. After graduating high school in 1977, he earned scholarships to various colleges, directing his focus toward acting.
A Career Spanning Decades
Bynum began his acting career with police training videos, eventually vying for a spot on Broadway. However, realizing the stiff competition in showbiz, he opted for a more stable route—teaching. He has appeared in hit movies and TV series like The Rainmaker, Iron Man 3, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Plus, he hasn’t shied away from commercials either, taking roles for well-known brands like FedEx.
Welcome to “Outer Banks”
When the opportunity for Outer Banks came knocking, the excitement was palpable. Even his students were buzzing about it, leading to stories in campus newspapers. Bynum explains that he had never seen the show before taking the role of Demp. But he took the challenge head-on. With a gravelly voice, limp, and a semi-closed eye, he created a character that exudes mystery and intensity.
His character Demp has a brief, yet crucial, interaction with the teenage leads in a spooky island mansion, welcoming them with a not-so-friendly demeanor. “They’re coming to Demp’s world,” Bynum explained, “He knows that island better than they do, and they need something from him.” It’s all about building that intriguing tension!
Impressed by Young Talent
Bynum has been pleasantly surprised by the professionalism of his younger co-stars, noting the stark contrast between their on-camera maturity and their youthful off-camera personas. “When it’s time to do the work, they’re ready. But once the camera is off, you can see their ages,” he jokes.
What’s more thrilling is that Bynum’s role as Demp grew from a one-episode gig into a six-episode run. He’s gearing up for his next big step—retiring from teaching to focus on acting full-time! Just think, after decades away from the place he called home, he’s back, and it feels like a dream come true.
Home Is Where the Heart Is
That’s right! The first time filming in South Carolina in over 40 years felt surreal for Bynum. He managed to squeeze in visits to his beloved Columbia, which he still calls home. With Demp now in the spotlight, we can’t help but be excited to see what this talented Greenville native will tackle next!
