Ashby Gentry: The Real Story Behind the Walter Boy Star
What does a rising Netflix star who loves Star Wars have in common with high-fashion designer Rick Owens and the band Dead & Company? The answer reveals the surprising, multi-layered world of Ashby Gentry, an actor who is quickly proving he’s far more than just another teen heartthrob.
This isn’t just another biography. Forget the recycled, often inaccurate facts and generic profiles. We’re diving deep into verified details from official sources and exclusive interview insights to paint a true picture of the actor behind Alex Walter.
From his acting roots in the Arizona sun to his personal style, his thoughtful approach to his craft, and the real story behind his much-discussed Season 2 “glow up,” get ready to meet the real Ashby Gentry.
Quick Facts: Who Is Ashby Gentry?
| Full Name | Ashby Gentry |
| Date of Birth | July 30, 1999 |
| Age | 26 years old (as of 2025/2026) |
| Birthplace | Phoenix, Arizona, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 1.83 m (approximately 6 feet) |
| Education | Boston University, BFA in Acting |
| Known For | Alex Walter in My Life with the Walter Boys (Netflix, 2023–present) |
| @ashbygentry (830K+ followers) | |
| TikTok | @ashbygentry (895K+ followers, 16.2M likes) |
From Arizona Sun to the Spotlight: The Making of an Actor
Long before he was a Walter boy, Ashby Gentry was a kid growing up in the intense climate of Phoenix, Arizona. It was a unique environment, one he feels gave him a certain directness. He began his journey into the performing arts in high school, a passion that would soon shape his entire future.
His dedication led him from the desert to the East Coast. Gentry enrolled in Boston University’s prestigious College of Fine Arts, where he fully immersed himself in the craft. He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting, a testament to his serious commitment to the profession.
This formal training provided him with a core philosophy that he carries into every role. In an interview with Visual Tales, he shared a key takeaway from his time at BU:
“Before you’re a celebrity you’re an actor, and before you’re an actor you’re an artist and before you’re an artist you’re a human being.”
His acting heroes reflect this depth. He admires transformative performers like Christian Bale and Cate Blanchett. Since moving to New York City, he has also drawn inspiration from the city’s vibrant theater community, a world he openly hopes to enter one day.
Beyond Alex Walter: A Look at Ashby Gentry’s Roles
While millions know him as Alex Walter, Ashby Gentry’s career showcases a growing range. His journey began with smaller projects, like the short film Speechless, where he honed his skills before stepping into bigger productions.
His first significant television role came in 2019 with Nickelodeon’s horror anthology reboot, Are You Afraid of the Dark?. In the “Ghost Island” season, he played Porter, a role that required genuine intensity and fear, proving his ability to handle genres far beyond teen romance.
Of course, his breakout came in 2023 with Netflix’s smash hit, My Life with the Walter Boys. The series, based on Ali Novak’s novel, debuted at number one on Netflix. His portrayal of the sensitive, bookish Alex Walter made him a household name almost overnight. To prepare for the role, he attended the Calgary Stampede, learned horseback riding, roping, and saddling — a commitment to authenticity that fans noticed immediately.
Looking ahead, Gentry is set to appear in the 2025 indie film Mooch, where he plays Joey Simisomo, the son of a nightclub owner. It signals a deliberate move towards more complex, character-driven film roles.
The “Glow Up”: More Than Just a New Smile
Fans of My Life with the Walter Boys noticed a significant change in Season 2. The internet buzzed about Alex Walter’s “glow up.” Much of that conversation centered on his smile. But the real story behind the transformation is more interesting than simple aesthetics.
In a November 2024 interview with Teen Vogue, Ashby Gentry confirmed he began Invisalign treatment in the summer of 2023. He was refreshingly open about the process, even wearing his aligners during press interviews for the show’s first season. He could simply remove them for a scene or a red carpet moment, making the treatment almost invisible to the public.
The decision wasn’t purely cosmetic. Gentry explained it was on his doctor’s recommendation for health reasons. For a working actor, the removable aligners were a practical and ideal solution — no dealing with the look of traditional braces during a critical period in his career.
This personal journey of self-improvement mirrored his character’s arc on screen. Gentry noted that his own boost in confidence helped shape the “new Alex” in Season 2. It was a transformation, both inside and out, that resonated deeply with his audience.
Ashby vs. Alex: A Tale of Two Personalities
It’s easy to merge an actor with their most famous role. But Ashby Gentry and Alex Walter are distinctly different people. One is a thoughtful artist living in New York City; the other is a romantic, small-town boy from Colorado. This comparison breaks down the key differences.
| Feature | Ashby Gentry (The Actor) | Alex Walter (The Character) |
|---|---|---|
| Style | High-fashion enthusiast (loves Rick Owens) | Bookish, comfortable, ranch-hand attire |
| Hobbies | Attending concerts (Dead & Company), theater | Rodeo, gaming, reading fantasy novels |
| Personality | Direct, unconventional, philosophical | Sweet, reliable, romantic, easily hurt |
| Worldview | Inspired by New York theater, French Revolution | Centered on the Colorado ranch and family drama |
| Dream Project | Leading a Neil Gaiman adaptation on stage | Winning the girl and keeping his family together |
The ‘Anne with an E’ Connection: What’s the Real Story?
If you’ve searched for Ashby Gentry online, you’ve likely encountered his name linked to the beloved Canadian series Anne with an E. This connection has puzzled and excited fans in equal measure. So, what’s the real story?
The theory originated entirely with fans. Sharp-eyed viewers, particularly in the Brazilian fan community, noticed a striking physical resemblance between Ashby and the character Lucas from the show. This sparked widespread speculation and hope for a potential crossover or casting announcement.
The excitement grew when fans discovered that Amybeth McNulty, the star of Anne with an E, follows Ashby on Instagram. While it’s a genuinely fun connection, it’s important to be clear: there has been no official announcement of Ashby Gentry joining the world of Green Gables. For now, it remains a popular, entirely fan-driven theory — though one that speaks to his ability to capture the imagination of audiences worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 1. What is Ashby Gentry’s nationality?
- Ashby Gentry is American. He was born on July 30, 1999, in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. This is a verified fact confirmed by his official IMDb profile. Some websites incorrectly list him as Canadian, which is inaccurate.
- 2. Did Ashby Gentry get his teeth fixed?
- Yes. Ashby confirmed in a November 2024 interview with Teen Vogue that he started Invisalign treatment in the summer of 2023. It was recommended by his doctor for health reasons, not purely for cosmetic purposes. He wore the aligners throughout the Season 1 press tour, removing them only when needed for work.
- 3. How tall is Ashby Gentry?
- Ashby Gentry’s height is 1.83 meters, which is approximately 6 feet tall. This figure is sourced directly from his official IMDb profile and Google’s Knowledge Panel, making it the most reliable available measurement.
- 4. Is Ashby Gentry in a relationship?
- As of early 2026, Ashby Gentry has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationship. He keeps his personal life very private and has not made any announcements on his social media channels regarding a girlfriend or partner.
- 5. What are Ashby Gentry’s major roles?
- His breakthrough role is Alex Walter in the Netflix series My Life with the Walter Boys, which premiered in December 2023 and returned for Season 2 in September 2025. He also played Porter in the 2019 horror series Are You Afraid of the Dark? and is set to appear in the 2025 indie film Mooch.
- 6. How did Ashby Gentry glow up?
- Ashby’s visible transformation between Season 1 and Season 2 of My Life with the Walter Boys was the result of his real-life Invisalign journey, which boosted his confidence, combined with the natural maturation of a young actor growing into his career. He has described Season 2’s Alex as “practically a new person,” a sentiment that reflects his own personal growth.
- 7. Is Ashby Gentry connected to ‘Anne with an E’?
- There is no confirmed professional connection. The link is entirely fan-driven, based on a perceived physical resemblance to a character from the show and the fact that its star, Amybeth McNulty, follows Ashby on Instagram. No casting has been announced.
Conclusion
Ashby Gentry is more than just the sensitive boy from the Walter ranch. He is a dedicated actor with a clear philosophy, a unique personal style, and a thoughtful perspective on his rapidly growing fame. His journey is one of craft over celebrity, substance over surface-level stardom.
From his formal training at Boston University to his diverse interests in high fashion, live music, and Neil Gaiman novels, he is building a career with intention and depth. As he continues to take on new and challenging roles in both film and, hopefully soon, on stage, one thing is clear: Ashby Gentry is an artist to watch, and his story is just beginning.
Last modified: February 25, 2026
