Greenville Actor Nate Bynum Makes Triumphant Return to South Carolina in “Outer Banks” Season Four

Greenville’s Own Nate Bynum Returns to South Carolina in “Outer Banks”

In a wonderful twist of fate, the charming city of Greenville is enjoying a spotlight moment thanks to the ever-talented Nate Bynum. After decades of traversing stages and sets around the globe, the actor has made a triumphant return to his roots, taking on a thrilling role in season four of the hit Netflix series, “Outer Banks.”

From Police Training Videos to TV Stardom

Believe it or not, Bynum’s journey began a staggering 40 years ago with police training videos for South Carolina’s ETV. Who would have guessed back then that this would be the launchpad for a successful acting career that would lead him right back to his home state? Now 65, Bynum is stepping back into the limelight as Demp, a menacing groundskeeper entrenched in the storyline of working class teens searching for hidden treasures on the gorgeous Outer Banks.

“Outer Banks” Takes the World by Storm

“Outer Banks” isn’t just any show; it’s become a bona fide sensation, often topping Netflix’s charts. The fourth season alone racked up an astounding 23 million views in just two weeks. As the series continues to capture the hearts of audiences, Bynum’s role brings a refreshing twist that is particularly exciting for fans of the show.

From Humble Beginnings to Hollywood

Bynum’s upbringing was steeped in a world far from the arts. Raised by his hardworking grandparents in the Roosevelt Village neighborhood of Columbia, there were no artistic paths in sight. His grandfather labored while his grandmother kept houses clean. Yet, they had big dreams for Bynum. “They wanted more for me,” he fondly recalls. Thanks to their encouragement, Bynum discovered his passion for the arts, starting with books and art galleries during his school years.

Theatre Educator Turned Actor

After graduating from Columbia High School in 1977, Bynum received scholarships to multiple colleges, ultimately shaping his career as an acting professor. His passion for education saw him teach at several universities, while concurrently acting in an array of popular films and TV shows including “Iron Man 3,” “How to Get Away with Murder,” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” His hard work paid off, earning him accolades – including being the first Black professor in the theater department at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

A Challenge Worth Embracing

When it comes to his character Demp, Bynum faced a unique challenge. He had never watched “Outer Banks” before, but he threw himself into research and character development. “I wanted to really understand my character,” said Bynum, who developed Demp’s distinctive gravelly voice and persona with a limp. Appearing in six episodes, Bynum created an unforgettable atmosphere as Demp welcomed the teen characters to his eerie, island mansion.

Acting Alongside Younger Stars

Despite being surrounded by a much younger cast, Bynum found himself enjoying their enthusiasm and professionalism. “When it’s time to do the work, they’re ready,” he noted. “But once the camera is off, you can see their ages.” The seasoned actor embraced the experience, especially since his role expanded from a singular appearance to a lasting presence within the storyline.

Homeward Bound

As Bynum wrapped filming, he could not help but feel a surge of nostalgia. Returning to South Carolina after 40 years sparked a wave of emotion as he visited Columbia—not just a filming location, but his cherished home. The future looks bright for Nate Bynum as he plans to transition into full-time acting once he retires from teaching next year.

The story of Nate Bynum is not just a testament to hard work and determination, but also showcases the beauty of coming full circle and the magic that happens when home is where the heart is. With “Outer Banks” continuing to keep viewers glued to their screens, there’s no doubt Bynum has made a splash that will be remembered for years to come!