JJ’s death shook Outer Banks, so here’s what the cast said about Rudy Pankow leaving the show

JJ Maybank’s death was easily one of the biggest shocks in Outer Banks, so here’s what the cast has actually said about Rudy Pankow leaving the Netflix show.

Rudy Pankow’s character was killed by his biological father, Chandler Groff, in the season four finale after JJ gave up the Blue Crown to save Kiara. And that was the end of his time as one of the Pogues.

There was loads of speculation afterwards about why JJ was killed off, whether Pankow actually wanted to leave, and whether there had been tension between him and Madison Bailey. But the cast have actually said quite a lot about it.

Rudy Pankow knew JJ’s story was ending

via Netflix

Speaking to Tudum after the season four finale, Rudy Pankow explained what JJ’s final decision meant to him. He said, “For JJ, he has to judge every moment in his life, if it’s worth it.”

He also said JJ’s death “really does set up the future of OBX with the question, what is worth it?”

In his goodbye message to the cast and crew, Pankow said, “I want to leave the cast and crew with the biggest thank-you. It’s been such a pleasure to come to work.”

He added, “It’s a start of a lifetime. I’m going to miss it. Thank you for so many fun memories I’ll have the rest of my life.”

Pankow also later shared a message to JJ himself, writing, “JJ Maybank, you have changed my life forever. I love you forever. P4L, buddy.”

Chase Stokes was emotional about Rudy leaving

via Netflix

Chase Stokes, who plays John B, has spoken about what JJ and John B’s friendship meant to him. They also lived together when Outer Banks first started filming in South Carolina.

Stokes said, “I’m forever grateful for the experience that I’ve had with Rudy. It’s a relationship that I’ll hold close to my heart forever.”

Stokes has continued to speak warmly about Pankow since JJ’s death.

Madison Bailey’s goodbye was probably the hardest to watch

via Netflix

Madison Bailey, who plays Kiara, was visibly emotional when Netflix released a cast farewell video for Pankow in November 2024. Speaking directly to Pankow, Bailey said, “We all read the character on the page and we know what you brought to it. You brought so much lightness and comedy to the show that we desperately needed.”

Bailey then broke down while talking about what Pankow had brought to JJ. “I’m so proud of you and I’m so grateful that I got to work with you.”

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Madelyn Cline called JJ ‘the heart’ of Outer Banks

via Netflix

Madelyn Cline, who plays Sarah Cameron, also paid tribute to Pankow in the farewell video. She said, “You made him so deeply human and lovable.”

Cline also described Pankow as “an incredibly emotional and intuitive person.”

Before the season four finale, Cline described JJ himself as “the heart of Outer Banks, in my opinion.”

Jonathan Daviss called JJ ‘Pogue incarnate’

via Netflix

Jonathan Daviss, who plays Pope, also spoke about what JJ represented to the Pogues. He called JJ, “Pogue incarnate.”

Daviss added, “JJ is the personification of Pogue life. He’s the guy who is always willing to sacrifice himself for his friends.”

He also told PEOPLE that on set while filming season five, he was “sometimes” looking around for Pankow. He said, “That character is so important to the dynamic, so with him gone, it is kind of like, oh, there’s just space that [would be] filled by JJ.”

Daviss added, “So there was an adjustment, but I think that also is the point. That’s what the characters are going through. They’re adjusting to not having him around. So all that just kind of works its way into the performances.”

Carlacia Grant and Austin North have also spoken out about it

Carlacia Grant, who plays Cleo, also spoke about JJ’s importance to the group. She said, “That’s something his character has always represented.”

Grant also described JJ as someone who “would do anything for his friends.”

Then Austin North, who plays Topper, told Us Weekly that he didn’t watch the season four finale until the day it premiered. And his reaction was that “it was emotional. It was very emotional.”

North also called JJ “such an iconic part of the show.”

And when asked about Pankow’s departure, he described it as “the biggest surprise.”

Outer Banks season five is available on Netflix now. For all the latest Netflix news and drops, like The Holy Church of Netflix on Facebook.