Greenville’s Nate Bynum Returns to Acting Roots with a Role in “Outer Banks”
Imagine stepping away from your hometown for over four decades and then returning to snag a role in one of Netflix’s hottest shows. That’s exactly what Nate Bynum has done! This 65-year-old actor, who captured our hearts as the menacing groundskeeper Demp in the teen drama “Outer Banks,” is back in his home state of South Carolina, and he’s loving every minute of it.
A Long-Awaited Homecoming
Nate began his acting journey way back in the day, first appearing in police training videos for South Carolina ETV. Who would have thought that a few videos and decades of hard work would eventually lead him to Charleston, where he interacts with the striking landscapes and the lively cast in “Outer Banks”? “It was my first on-camera experience,” Nate shared, laughing at how it all began. “And now, after 40 years, I’m back!”
The storyline of “Outer Banks” follows a group of working-class teens searching for lost treasure. The show has taken the streaming world by storm, with season four attracting over 23 million views in just the first two weeks of its release. Talk about a hit!
The Power of Family Support
Nate’s journey wouldn’t have been possible without the love and encouragement from his grandparents. Growing up near Roosevelt Village in Columbia, he had a humble beginning—his grandfather worked as a laborer and his grandmother cleaned houses. Despite their modest backgrounds, they inspired Nate to chase his dreams. “They wanted more for me,” he said, remembering their unwavering support. They encouraged him to explore the arts, paving the way to experiences they could only dream of.
From Dreams to Reality
After graduating from Columbia High School in 1977, Nate received acting scholarships and dabbled in stage performances, walking away with the title of best actor. Yet, the glamorous world of Broadway proved to be more challenging than he envisioned, leading him to a different path—teaching. Nate took his passion for the stage into the classroom first, becoming an acting professor at the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, then at Mississippi State University and finally settling at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Notably, he became the first Black professor in the theater department and even launched their camera acting program.
Despite his success in academics, Nate never stopped pursuing his own acting dreams. He carved a niche for himself in movies and television, featuring in hits like “The Rainmaker,” “Crash,” and “Iron Man 3.” When “Outer Banks” came knocking, his students at UNLV couldn’t contain their excitement. The campus buzzed with anticipation as Nate prepared for his big return.
Channeling Demp
Taking on the role of Demp was a unique challenge for Nate, who had never seen the show before. He described his character as “mysterious and ominous,” adding, “It was totally different for me, and I loved it.” Demp’s gruff demeanor and gravelly voice required some special preparation. Nate researched an eye condition he wanted to portray, practicing his portrayal in the mirror to perfect the character’s look. “Each second counts,” he reflected on the brief but impactful scenes he filmed. “They need more from him than he needs from them.”
Feeling at Home in Charleston
Filming brought Nate back to his roots, and he visited Columbia a couple of times during the production process, rekindling connections to his past. “After being away for so long, it felt surreal to be shooting in South Carolina again,” he said, cherishing the memories that flooded back.
Today, as Nate looks forward to retiring from teaching and pursuing acting full-time next year, he can’t help but feel grateful for the past 40 years of hard work leading him to this moment. The Pogues may be treasure hunters, but for Nate Bynum, he already feels like he’s struck gold.
