Rudy Pankow Recalls Pre-Fame Job at Cheesecake Factory Before Outer Banks

The actor starred as JJ Maybank in the first four seasons of the treasure-hunting Netflix drama

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:19pm

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Before landing his breakout role on the Netflix series Outer Banks, actor Rudy Pankow worked as a dishwasher and busser at a Cheesecake Factory restaurant in Los Angeles. Pankow opened up about his pre-fame service industry job in an interview, revealing he was hesitant to become a server due to the added responsibility.

Why it matters

Pankow's story provides a glimpse into the humble beginnings of many actors before they achieve fame, highlighting the importance of perseverance and being open to various job opportunities while pursuing one's passion.

The details

Pankow, who starred as JJ Maybank in the first four seasons of the Netflix series Outer Banks, revealed that before his big break, he was working at a Cheesecake Factory in Los Angeles. He started in the dish room, then was promoted to a busser, but avoided becoming a server because he felt it would be "too much responsibility." Despite not feeling close to his big break at the time, Pankow said the job helped him feel a sense of intentionality in his everyday life and allowed him to learn and grow as an actor.

  • In 2020, the first season of Outer Banks debuted on Netflix.
  • Pankow starred as JJ Maybank for the first four seasons of the show, before exiting in 2024.
  • Pankow's new film, Reminders of Him, debuted on March 13, 2026.

The players

Rudy Pankow

An actor who starred as JJ Maybank in the first four seasons of the Netflix series Outer Banks.

Cheesecake Factory

A popular American restaurant chain where Pankow worked as a dishwasher and busser before his big break.

Outer Banks

A Netflix treasure-hunting drama series that launched Pankow's career.

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What they’re saying

“I signed myself up for the dish room. I was back there for about six or seven months. Then they promoted me to busser.”

— Rudy Pankow, Actor

“They were like, 'What do you want to be?' And I was like, 'Busser?' And they were like, 'Uh, okay! This kid's weird.'”

— Rudy Pankow, Actor

“I did feel like I was learning ... I really did feel like I was a sponge, taking in things to do, things not to do.”

— Rudy Pankow, Actor

What’s next

Pankow's new film, Reminders of Him, debuted on March 13, 2026, marking another milestone in his acting career.

The takeaway

Pankow's story serves as a reminder that even successful actors often have humble beginnings, working in the service industry or taking on small roles before landing their big break. His perseverance and willingness to learn from his experiences, even in a job he didn't initially love, ultimately paid off in his rise to fame.