Madison Bailey

Madison Lilly Bailey is an American actress and model, best known for her starring role as Kiara Carrera in the Netflix teen drama series Outer Banks. Since the show premiered in 2020, she has become a recognizable face on the streaming platform, gaining a devoted following for her portrayal of the loyal and adventurous “Pogue.”

Bailey’s work on Outer Banks has made her one of the more prominent young actresses on Netflix, with the show consistently ranking among the platform’s most-watched series. Beyond acting, she is active on social media, where she shares glimpses of her life and advocates for causes she cares about, including mental health awareness and inclusivity.

Her fans appreciate her authenticity and her willingness to speak openly about personal topics, which has helped her build a strong connection with audiences. As of 2026, Bailey continues to appear in Outer Banks and remains a rising figure in the entertainment industry. [edit]

Madison Lilly Bailey was born on January 29, 1999, in Kernersville, North Carolina. She was adopted as a child and grew up in a large family with six siblings, five of whom were also adopted through foster care. She has described her upbringing as close-knit, though it came with challenges, including the loss of her adoptive mother in 2018.

Bailey attended East Forsyth High School in Kernersville. During her teenage years, she developed an interest in acting and began pursuing it seriously. Her first on-screen role came in 2015 when she appeared in an episode of the supernatural drama Constantine. That early experience set her on a path toward a professional acting career.

Before landing her breakout role, Bailey took on smaller parts in television, including appearances in Black Lightning (2018) and Creepshow (2019). These roles helped her build a resume and gain confidence in front of the camera, eventually leading to her audition for Outer Banks. [edit]

Bailey’s breakthrough came in 2020 when she was cast as Kiara Carrera in Netflix’s Outer Banks. The series, a coming-of-age drama about a group of teenagers searching for treasure, became an instant hit, and Bailey’s performance was praised for bringing depth and warmth to her character. The show’s success catapulted her into the spotlight, and she has remained a central part of the cast through multiple seasons.

Since Outer Banks, Bailey has continued to work in the industry, though she has kept a relatively focused profile. She has expressed interest in exploring diverse roles and has used her platform to support causes such as mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ representation. In addition to acting, she has ventured into modeling, signing with agencies and appearing in fashion campaigns.

As of 2026, Bailey remains actively involved in Outer Banks, with the show’s fifth season in development. She has also hinted at other projects in the pipeline, though details remain under wraps. Her career trajectory suggests a steady rise, with a strong fan base and critical recognition for her work on the series. [edit]

Bailey is known for her down-to-earth and relatable persona, which she projects through her social media presence. She often shares candid posts about her life, including behind-the-scenes moments from Outer Banks and personal reflections on mental health. Her openness about being bisexual has made her a role model for many young fans, and she uses her platform to advocate for inclusivity and acceptance.

Her style is casual and beachy, reflecting her North Carolina roots, and she often wears laid-back outfits that resonate with her audience. Fans appreciate her authenticity, and she has cultivated a loyal following by being approachable and genuine in her interactions. [edit]

Madison Bailey commands a significant global presence as the actress who portrays Kiara Carrera in the Netflix teen drama series Outer Banks. Her career trajectory has elevated her from a North Carolina native to a recognizable figure on major streaming platforms, though she does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings for the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list according to iFANN evaluations. The absence of a specific numeric rank reflects her status as an EVALUATED_UNRANKED entity within the current dataset, meaning her fame is substantial but has not yet crossed the threshold required for a listed position in the global hierarchy. While the fanbase associated with her work lacks a formal, unique name distinct from the collective identity of the show's cast, the community remains deeply engaged under the banner of the Pogues. This group demonstrated its organizational strength during the Pogue-centric cultural moments surrounding the series finale, including the Pogues For Life: A Fan Farewell Event held in Los Angeles in August 2026. Such gatherings highlight a dedicated audience that actively participates in franchise milestones rather than focusing solely on individual stardom. Bailey’s public mythology is further defined by her personal narrative, including her long-term relationship with Mariah Linney which began via TikTok in 2020 and remains a frequent subject of discussion among followers. Additionally, viral social media content regarding her professional dynamics with co-star Rudy Pankow has contributed to the lore surrounding her time on set. Recent appearances at final season red carpet events and exclusive interviews for the Journeys Turn It Up campaign have cemented her standing as an authentic voice within the industry. Her influence extends through brand partnerships in fashion and lifestyle, leveraging a social media following that spans millions of users across various platforms.[edit]

Madison Bailey plays the ukulele in her spare time, a skill she has occasionally shared with her online audience. One of her sisters has served as her stunt double on Outer Banks, creating a family affair within the production environment. She is of Mauritian and Italian descent, with some sources also noting African ancestry. Before pursuing acting, Bailey considered a career in sports, having played basketball and soccer during her high school years. She bears a tattoo of the word breathe on her wrist, serving as a personal reminder to stay grounded. A notable story often retold by fans involves her long-term romantic relationship with former basketball player Mariah Linney, which originated on TikTok in 2020 and became a central topic of media coverage and fan speculation. Another piece of folklore surrounding her tenure on the show concerns rumors of a romantic involvement between co-star Rudy Pankow and his own stunt double, a narrative that gained traction through viral social media posts. These stories form the backdrop of her public image, blending her professional achievements with the personal details that fans find compelling.[edit]

Bailey was adopted as a child and grew up in Kernersville, North Carolina, with six siblings, five of whom were also adopted through foster care. She has spoken warmly about her adoptive parents, though her mother passed away in 2018. Her family remains an important part of her life, and she often shares photos with them on social media.

Bailey is not married and has no children. She has a close relationship with her siblings, and one of her sisters has worked as her stunt double on Outer Banks, a fact that highlights the family’s support for her career. [edit]

Bailey is closely associated with her Outer Banks co-stars, particularly Chase Stokes, who plays John B, and the rest of the main cast. She has also been linked romantically to basketball player Mariah Linney, though they split in 2025. Her professional circle includes the show’s creators and the Netflix team. [edit]

Bailey has been open about her sexuality, identifying as bisexual. She began dating basketball player Mariah Linney in 2020, and the couple frequently shared their relationship on social media. They announced their split in 2025, after about five years together. As of 2026, Bailey is reportedly single, though she has not publicly commented on her current dating life. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Madison Bailey's net worth at $2 Million as of 2026. Her primary income source remains her starring role as Kiara Carrera in the Netflix series Outer Banks, where she reportedly earns a per-episode salary ranging from $20,000 to $40,000, although exact figures remain undisclosed. The commercial success of the show has facilitated increased opportunities for brand endorsements and modeling contracts. Bailey has effectively utilized her social media presence, which includes over 5 million Instagram followers, to secure partnerships with companies in the fashion and lifestyle sectors. These sponsorship deals contribute significantly to her overall financial portfolio. While she has appeared in various films and television projects outside of Outer Banks, these ventures have been less prominent than her work on the streaming hit. Her net worth has shown steady growth since the series premiere, mirroring her rising profile in the entertainment industry. Although she is not classified among the highest-earning actresses globally, her financial trajectory remains positive with expectations of further expansion as the series concludes and she undertakes new roles.[edit]