Madison Bailey: Biography, Age, Sexuality & Outer Banks

Fans of Netflix’s Outer Banks know her as Kiara Carrera, the fierce and loyal friend at the heart of the Pogues, but Madison Bailey brings more than a surfboard to the screen — she’s been open about her bisexuality, her struggle with borderline personality disorder, and her journey from a small North Carolina town to Hollywood. Here’s what we know about the 27-year-old actress and what remains unconfirmed.

Born: January 29, 1999 · Instagram Followers: 8 million · TikTok Followers: 10.5 million · Known for: Outer Banks (Netflix)

Six facts that define Madison Bailey’s public profile:

Who is Madison Bailey?

How old is Madison Bailey?

Madison Lilly Bailey was born on January 29, 1999, according to Wikipedia (community-edited encyclopedia), making her 27 years old. She grew up in Kernersville, North Carolina, the youngest of seven siblings, and was adopted as a child (ELLE profile).

Where was Madison Bailey born?

She was born in Kernersville, North Carolina — the same region where Outer Banks is set, though the show was actually filmed in Charleston, South Carolina (ELLE behind-the-scenes report).

The implication: Bailey’s biography is well-documented on Wikipedia and in prestige outlets, but some details — like her exact adoption story and ethnicity claims — rely on lower-authority sources and should be treated as unconfirmed.

Is Maddie L. Bailey LGBTQ?

Who is Madison Bailey in a relationship with?

Bailey reportedly confirmed a relationship with UNC-Charlotte basketball player Mariah Linney in a follow-up TikTok in 2020 (ELLE timeline). Since then, she has not publicly named a current partner.

Who is Madison Bailey’s ex?

Rumors have linked her to Outer Banks co-star Antonia Gentry, but neither party has confirmed a relationship (People magazine notes the speculation is unverified).

Are Madison Bailey and Antonia Gentry queer in real life?

Bailey publicly identifies as pansexual — meaning she is attracted to people regardless of gender (ELLE definition). Gentry has not publicly discussed her sexuality, and on-screen chemistry does not indicate real-life orientation.

Why this matters: Bailey’s openness about her sexuality adds visibility for pansexual representation in mainstream media, but the lack of confirmed details about her current partner and past relationships leaves room for speculation.

Does Madison Bailey have a disability?

Bailey has spoken publicly about living with borderline personality disorder. According to ET (Entertainment Tonight, via ELLE), she was diagnosed at age 17, while Wikipedia (community-edited encyclopedia) places the diagnosis at around age 18. The exact date is inconsistent, but the self-disclosure is not in dispute.

The catch: Without an official medical statement, the exact nature and severity of her diagnosis remain self-reported. Still, her advocacy has made her a de facto spokesperson for mental health awareness among Gen Z.

What movies and TV shows has Madison Bailey been in?

Madison Bailey’s Outer Banks role

Bailey plays Kiara Carrera, a core member of the Pogues, on Netflix’s Outer Banks, which premiered in 2020 (Netflix series page). The show is set in North Carolina’s Outer Banks region and has run for four seasons.

Madison Bailey’s Black Lightning guest appearance

She appeared as Wendy Hernandez on Black Lightning starting in 2018 (IMDb, the film and television database). Other credits include Creepshow, Mr. Mercedes, and Constantine (Wikipedia biography). Up next is the slasher film Time Cut, expected in 2025 (Autostraddle, a queer women’s media outlet).

The trade-off: Bailey’s filmography is still short, but the Outer Banks platform gives her career a long runway. Diversifying into horror (Time Cut) suggests she’s avoiding typecasting.

Does Madison Bailey have a child?

Does Madison Bailey have siblings?

Bailey is the youngest of seven siblings and was adopted by her parents (Wikipedia biography). She has not named her siblings or parents publicly.

Who are Madison Bailey’s parents?

No public information is available about her adoptive parents’ names or occupations. Bailey has chosen to keep that part of her life private (Teen Vogue profile).

There is no evidence that Bailey has a child. She has never announced a pregnancy or parenthood. For a young star balancing a rising career and personal life, that silence is itself a boundary.

For young actors navigating fame and identity, Bailey’s example offers a blueprint: openness can build a loyal fanbase, but it also invites scrutiny. The challenge ahead for her is balancing public vulnerability with the privacy needed for long-term wellbeing.

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