Who is Rudy Pankow Dating? Meet The Outer Banks Actor’s Girlfriend

Rudy Pankow, known for his role as JJ Maybank on Netflix’s Outer Banks, has been in a relationship with Elaine Siemek since at least November 2020.

The couple first crossed paths while working on the popular series, where Siemek is an assistant to showrunner Jonas Pate, and Pankow stars as one of the central characters.

Siemek, a professional film photographer, occasionally shares behind-the-scenes photos of the Outer Banks cast on her social media.

Despite keeping their romance relatively private, Pankow and Siemek have shared sweet moments on social media, including birthday shout-outs and photos from their travels.

In November 2023, Pankow celebrated Siemek’s 28th birthday with a heartfelt Instagram post, saying,

“Wherever we head out to, it always feels like home with you. Here’s to another year in the bag! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABE!! I love you.”

How They Met

The two met through their work on Outer Banks. While Pankow plays the loveable yet rebellious JJ Maybank, Siemek works behind the scenes.

She also attends Outer Banks events, like the Poguelandia fan experience, further fueling the connection between the cast and fans.

Professional Life and Personal Interests

Elaine Siemek isn’t just involved in the entertainment industry behind the camera; she is also a talented film photographer.

She uses a variety of cameras, including SLR and TLR models, to capture environmental portraits. Her work, often showcased on her personal Instagram, highlights her artistic side.

Public Defenses and Challenges

Pankow has spoken out against online harassment Siemek faced from fans, including false accusations.

In 2021, he shared on Instagram about the abuse Siemek had been enduring and defended her against baseless claims.

Three years later, Pankow reiterated his feelings on the matter, explaining that no one should have to go through such public scrutiny.

Travel and Shared Adventures

The couple enjoys traveling together. They have explored places like Italy, Mexico, and French Polynesia.

Siemek often shares glimpses of their adventures, with photos of beautiful landscapes and the two of them enjoying nature.

Previous Controversy

There have been moments where fans have accused Siemek of selling photos of Pankow to fan accounts.

She addressed these rumors publicly in 2021, clarifying that she never sold exclusive photos and urging followers to stop spreading false narratives about her.

Shared Creative Work

Pankow and Siemek even collaborated on a short film together. In 2020, they both appeared in Virgo, a five-minute film directed by Alyssa Toledo.

Despite the occasional fan-driven drama, the couple maintains a strong relationship and a shared passion for creativity and adventure, balancing their professional commitments with their personal lives.