Carlacia Grant has a way of commanding attention—effortlessly. As she marks her 34th birthday on January 18, it’s clear she’s not just a rising star but a force to be reckoned with. Best known for her breakout role as Cleo in Netflix’s Outer Banks, she brought grit, charm, and swagger to the screen, transforming a great ensemble into something unforgettable.
But Outer Banks is only the beginning. With a portfolio as versatile as it is compelling, Carlacia has proven she can tackle any role with a depth that keeps audiences hooked. At 34, she’s not just on the rise—she’s already arrived.
Carlacia Grant’s Early Life
Carlacia Grant isn’t just another name on the credits—she’s a standout. Born in New Haven, Connecticut, with a stint in sunny Florida, this Outer Banks regular has a story as captivating as her performances. Her journey began at 13, thanks to her grandmother’s nudge and a summer camp production of Treasure Island. Little did they know, that small stage would set the course for big things.
A Florida State University grad (class of 2023, Media and Communication Studies, minor in English), Carlacia pairs talent with brains—a combo that’s hard to ignore. Now a key player in Netflix’s teen mystery phenomenon, she’s proving that her path from small-town stages to global screens was no accident.
Top 7 Shows and Movies of Carlacia Grant
1. Roots
The 2016 miniseries Roots isn’t just a remake of the 1977 classic; it’s a powerful reimagining of Alex Haley’s Roots: The Saga of an American Family. Anchored by the harrowing story of an 18th-century Mandinka man torn from his homeland in the Gambia and enslaved in Virginia, the series also chronicles the lives of his descendants. First airing on May 30, 2016, this $50 million production brought together a stellar ensemble cast, including Carlacia Grant, Malachi Kirby, Forest Whitaker, Anna Paquin, Laurence Fishburne, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Anika Noni Rose, T.I., and South African star Nokuthula Ledwaba.
2. Game of Silence
Game of Silence isn’t your average crime drama. Adapted from the Turkish series Suskunlar, which itself traces back to a chilling true story, it digs deep into the scars of childhood trauma and the ripple effects of injustice. The original tale? In 1997, a group of children in Gaziantep were sentenced to nine years in prison—yes, for stealing a baklava cart. That grim reality set the stage for this gripping adaptation.
The series premiered with a “preview” on April 12, 2016, before settling into its regular Thursday 10:00 PM slot two days later. By June 5, 2016, the final episode aired, as NBC pulled the plug on May 13 after just one season. A short run, yes, but one that left an impression, blending haunting truths with intense drama.
3. Greenleaf
Greenleaf is a juicy mix of scandal, secrets, and Southern charm, starring Keith David, Lynn Whitfield, and Merle Dandridge. Premiering on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) on June 21, 2016, this series dives headfirst into the tangled lives of the Greenleaf family, whose sprawling Memphis megachurch hides as much drama as it delivers sermons.
At the heart of the story are Bishop James Greenleaf (David), the commanding patriarch, and Lady Mae Greenleaf (Whitfield), the steel-willed matriarch. Add in Grace Greenleaf (Dandridge), their estranged daughter who returns home after 20 years, and the stage is set for fireworks—especially as her arrival stirs memories of her sister Faith’s mysterious death.
Beneath their gilded facade lies a mess of adultery, sibling rivalries, and skeletons rattling loudly in their luxurious closets. Still, for all their chaos, the Greenleafs cling to what matters most: family and faith. But the real drama? A host of rivals are ready to snatch their megachurch from under them. As betrayals and alliances shift like a house of cards, this family fights to hold on—not just to their church, but to each other.
4. The Resident
In a medical drama that spanned exactly as long as the residency program (I mean, come on, Fox?), “The Resident” made sure that viewers’ hearts did not stop from 2018 to 2023. Taking place in the Chastain Park Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, the show gave viewers a behind the scenes of all the drama that goes on behind the scenes in the health care industry and made it clear that the worst headaches are not always the patient’s. The series was cancelled after six seasons.
5. Apollyon
This ten-chapter spine-chiller, “The Black Awakening,” is the story of our tortured hero who has to deal with an odd form of possession that is not likely to be paid by travel insurance. Local police, who must be overwhelmed with Florida Man stories, are now chasing spiritual pests with the assistance of paranormal detective Sara. Will Hayden get out of the darkness or is he stuck in the Hotel California’s evil twin? Some are comparing it to ‘Criminal Minds’ and ‘The Exorcist’ with a side of ‘TripAdvisor’s worst fear.’ One thing’s certain: this is not the guide that any tourist visiting Miami would find helpful.
6. Bae Night: The Little Black Book
The Bae Night YouTube series has transitioned to a feature film that features Hollywood’s Jaiden Kaine and Carlacia Grant. Bae Night Fashion’s Alexus, also known as Sandra Justice, and Baenight.com’s Tony, also known as Genji Jacques, seem like the epitome of couple goals, but there is more to this relationship than meets the eye.
7. Outer Banks
Outer Banks is not only a TV show; it is also a battle between the haves and have-nots in a beach town where the nicknames of the two groups are the Kooks and the Pogues. The Kooks? They are the rich, the wintering ones as well as the summering ones. The Pogues? They’re the working-class locals living rough at The Cut. John B and his crew of misfit teens are not going to let that get in the way. The group is to solve the mystery of the disappearance of John B’s father—and as you can imagine, they come across a chest which is connected to his disappearance.
But the treasure hunt is not only about gold, it is about survival. As they’re chased by the law and a powerful group of Kooks from Figure Eight, the Pogues have to face it all: Love, betrayal and loyalty. The consequences that come with the choices made cannot be any more extreme. And in November 2024, we are told that the show will reach its conclusion as the series is officially ordered for a fifth and last season.
Conclusion
From a treasure-hunting teen drama to supernatural thrillers, Carlacia Grant has been through Hollywood as the weather in Florida. At 34 she’s not just racking up roles but awards and making her grandmother’s suggestion of summer camp the best advice she ever received. Whether she is dealing with the class struggle of Outer Banks or fighting demons in Apollyon, Grant adds an element that can’t be replicated (or mimicked) – the accent. As she celebrates another trip around the sun, one thing’s clear: this Connecticut native turned Florida grad is just getting started.
FAQs
Q1: What’s the story behind Carlacia Grant’s big break into acting?
A: Picture this: A 13-year-old Carlacia, probably thinking of typical teenage things, is prodded by her grandmother to audition for a summer camp musical of “Treasure Island.” Years later she would be filming Netflix’s Outer Banks while searching for hidden treasure! From that small stage to streaming stardom, grandma was right; she knew it from the beginning.
Q2: Why is Carlacia Grant’s role in Outer Banks significant?
A: When playing Cleo, Grant introduced a new twist to the already sizzling Pogue against Kook rivalry. Her character transitioned from guest star in Season 2 to a main cast member faster than you can say “treasure hunt,” which only shows that the best crew members can join in the middle of the journey. She is the Pogue’s ace in the hole – adding spice and attitude to Outer Banks.
Q3: What’s the most surprising project in Carlacia’s portfolio?
A: In this case, “Apollyon” wins the prize. Unlike most actors who struggle with their co-stars, Grant had to perform with the spirits in this horrifying series. It’s like if TripAdvisor had a “Haunted Miami” category — and she is the most popular tour guide. It’s Criminal Minds mixed with The Exorcist, and Grant proves she can handle both the realistic and the supernatural with ease.
Amit Gupta is a 2015 graduate of RTU in Rajasthan, India. After working over a decade as an additional writer at News article, he decided to start his own news publication. He mainly focuses on entertainment, Movies, Web series articles and editorials. He likes to listen to music and play cricket in his free time. Follow On Facebook.
.