Jonathan Daviss Is Finished Trying to Meet Expectations

      Jonathan Daviss understands the weight of expectations. During his formative years, especially throughout five seasons of Outer Banks (OBX), he has portrayed Pope Heyward, a character who embodies the intelligent, ethical, and cautious friend, constantly managing loyalty, aspiration, and the fear of letting others down. For Daviss, portraying Pope transcended mere acting; it was also about grappling with the same dilemmas that adolescents often face: their aspirations, definitions of success, the balance between ambition, and the choice between education and adventure. As Pope evolved, so too did Daviss, although only one narrative unfolded before countless viewers.

      The connection Daviss felt to Pope was immediate. When Outer Banks started filming, both were around 18 years old, leading Pope's behaviors, feelings, and worries to resonate authentically. As Pope dealt with the pressures of academic expectations and the pursuit of success, Daviss found himself experiencing similar off-screen tensions. "The theme of the expectations placed on many young Black teens, and teens in general, really struck me about Pope in season one," Daviss shared over Zoom from his home in L.A. "There’s immense pressure to succeed, which I have truly experienced."

      Despite the heavier themes, Daviss was attracted to the close-knit friendships among the characters in Outer Banks, alongside the sense of freedom and the journey of self-discovery. "It encapsulated the essence of youth and being part of a tight group," he remarked. "It was about experiencing fights, victories, losses, and unforgettable moments, and how, through it all, those friends transform into family." Each season also opened the door to new adventures and treasures. Who wouldn’t want to be a teenager, setting aside schoolwork to enjoy time with friends while exploring the sun-soaked, enigmatic Outer Banks of North Carolina?

      Like Pope, who felt the weight of using his intelligence wisely and fear of disappointing himself and others, Daviss similarly balanced escapism, duty, and the pursuit of achievement while growing up in Conroe, Texas. "I yearned for freedom and friendship without always hearing, 'You must do this' or 'You need to maintain straight A’s and go to college,'" he reflected. Though his parents didn't impose strict expectations, he felt internal pressure to excel, particularly in his AP classes during high school. As the series progressed, the bond between Daviss and Pope strengthened even further. The emotional connection deepened, intensifying through the relationship audiences developed with Pope over time. For many viewers, the distinction between Daviss and Pope became increasingly blurred—a reality he initially resisted. "As actors, we often fear being pigeonholed because we want to demonstrate our range," he explained. "When I was younger, I thought, 'I can’t be seen as Pope' since I wanted to explore other characters. However, I've come to embrace him because I realize how much he means to people—and to me. [Pope] is a big part of who I am."

      What resonated with both Daviss and OBX fans over Pope's journey wasn't solely the pressure he faced but how he learned to trust his own judgment. Instead of constantly seeking validation before making decisions, overanalyzing every choice, and second-guessing himself, Pope became more decisive, even amidst doubts. This was notably emphasized in season 2 when he chose to help his friends, the Pogues, on their treasure hunt instead of attending a prestigious interview, a choice that jeopardized his scholarship—a significant part of his identity tied to his and his parents' expectations. "[Pope] experiences considerable loss," Daviss remarked. "Understanding that it's acceptable to make mistakes, continue forward, and strive for improvement was a vital thread throughout." Much of Pope's narrative and the overall premise of Outer Banks revolved around resilience and "the concept of the underdog rising up, facing numerous setbacks, and fighting back," Daviss elaborated.

      Developing resilience was something Daviss had to grasp long before Outer Banks debuted in 2020 and catapulted its young cast to fame. Like many actors breaking into Hollywood, he became accustomed to near misses and missed opportunities. There were times he felt drained by the constant pressure to validate his talent. "I remember feeling burnt out," he recounted about his early audition experiences. "I was broke, with barely any money."

      Growing up in Conroe, Daviss lacked industry connections and the chance to attend acting classes. However, he possessed ambition and discipline, creating his own opportunities. "In my small town, there wasn't much to do, so I spent a lot of my time watching movies with my dad," he said. "That sparked my passion for film. In the absence of acting classes, I read poetry and crafted seven-minute monologues for performances and competitions, which helped me develop my public speaking and performance skills."

      His dedication to the arts—and perhaps the escapism it offered—carried Daviss through long