Greenville’s Own Nate Bynum Returns to South Carolina for ‘Outer Banks’
It’s a beautiful day in Greenville as the sun shines bright, hitting a cozy high of 52°F. Perfect weather to talk about a true local star making waves on the small screen after quite the journey. Yes, we are talking about none other than Nate Bynum, the talented actor known for his role as the mysterious groundskeeper Demp in the hit Netflix series, ‘Outer Banks.’
A Long Journey Home
Can you believe it? It’s been over 40 years since Nate Bynum last set foot in his home state as an actor. His career kicked off right here in South Carolina, where he appeared in police training videos for South Carolina ETV. But life took him on a world tour, and it wasn’t until recently that he returned home to film a major role in a show that everyone’s buzzing about.
Playing Demp, one of the recurring characters in Season 4 of ‘Outer Banks’, Bynum is not just back in South Carolina; he’s diving into an amazing part that’s definitely different from what many might expect from him. “He was totally different for me, and I loved it,” Bynum said, clearly relishing this opportunity to bring something new to the screen.
What’s the Show About?
For those who may not know, ‘Outer Banks’ is a teen drama about a group of working-class kids from the Outer Banks who are on an adventurous treasure hunt. It has skyrocketed to fame, racking up over 23 million views in less than two weeks after the launch of its latest season. It’s no surprise that this show has topped Netflix’s charts, further putting South Carolina on the map for film and TV production, especially as the state works to boost its film industry.
From Small Beginnings to Big Dreams
Born and raised in Columbia, Bynum’s beginnings were humble. He wasn’t in a family steeped in the arts. In fact, his grandfather was a laborer, and his grandmother worked cleaning houses. But they dreamed big for their grandson. “They wanted more for me,” he shared, and that encouragement stayed with him throughout his life, leading him into the world of performance.
Despite initially excelling in sports, Bynum was always drawn to the arts. From being a star in high school plays to grabbing scholarships for acting, his journey was shaped by dedicated teachers who opened his eyes to the broader realms of creativity.
A Shift in Goals
After making his mark with training videos, Nate had aspirations of hitting Broadway but soon realized the stiff competition ahead. So, he cleverly transformed his path by becoming an educator instead. Teaching at various institutions, including the University of Nevada in Las Vegas, he made a significant impact, serving as the first Black professor in the theater department and even founding a camera acting program.
Never Forgotten, Always Acting
But here’s the twist: Bynum never stopped acting. From films like ‘Crash’ to hit TV shows like ‘How to Get Away with Murder’, he’s stayed busy, all while balancing his teaching career! And then came the call for ‘Outer Banks’. What a fun surprise for both him and his students!
Adapting to a New Role
When stepping into the shoes of Demp, Bynum had to get into character quickly. With only a handful of scenes to make an impact, every second counted. His character, who welcomes the young Pogues to an eerie island mansion, embodies menace and mystery, making him a fantastic addition to the storyline.
“They need more from him than he needs from them,” Bynum reflected, highlighting the fascinating dynamic in the characters’ relationships.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Bynum gears up for more acting roles, he’s also prepping for retirement from teaching. It’s thrilling to see someone who has come so far finally return home, not just to Greenville, but to the craft that first captured his heart. As he continues to make waves, we can’t help but cheer him on, rooting for Nate Bynum, our Greenville gem!
