If you’ve spent any time on Netflix lately, you probably know Ashby Gentry as the guy who made being the "reliable" brother actually look cool. He plays Alex Walter. You know, the sensitive, book-loving, horse-riding teenager in My Life with the Walter Boys who somehow got caught in the middle of the most stressful love triangle on streaming.
But here’s the thing.
Most people think Ashby just showed up out of nowhere when that show dropped in late 2023. He didn't. He’s been around, grinding through theater school and smaller roles before he became a household name for Gen Z. Now that we're into 2026, his filmography is starting to look a lot more varied than just "teen heartthrob."
The "Walter Boys" Phenomenon and Season 2
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. My Life with the Walter Boys is basically the reason we’re even talking about him. When Season 1 ended, everyone was losing their minds over Jackie (Nikki Rodriguez) leaving town after that secret kiss with Cole.
Then came Season 2 in August 2025.
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It changed everything. Ashby actually spoke to People about his character’s "glow-up" in the second season. Honestly, it sounded kinda stressful for him. The showrunner told him he was going to have a physical transformation, and Ashby admitted he felt some pressure because the script basically hinged on Alex being "hotter." He grew his hair out, got into serious shape, and leaned into a more confident version of Alex.
But the plot? Total chaos.
By the end of Season 2, Alex overhears Jackie confessing her love for Cole. It was a massive cliffhanger that left fans screaming. Ashby even mentioned in interviews that he’s officially "Team Cole" now because of how much Alex changed—or maybe just because he respects the drama. With Season 3 already greenlit and likely coming later in 2026, the "Walter Boys" era of his career isn't slowing down.
Before the Ranch: Early Roles and Horror
Before he was living on a fictional ranch in Colorado, Ashby was doing the guest star circuit. If you’re a fan of Nickelodeon’s Are You Afraid of the Dark?, you might recognize him. He played a character named Porter in the Ghost Island season (2022). It was a small part, but it showed he could handle more than just romance.
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He’s a classically trained actor, too. He went to the Boston University College of Fine Arts. That’s not just a fun fact; it explains why he’s able to play Alex with so much more depth than your typical CW-style lead. He’s not just hitting marks; he’s thinking about the subtext.
His very first credit was actually a short film called Speechless back in 2018. It’s hard to find now, but it’s where he got his SAG card.
Moving Into Movies: What’s Next?
So, what about movies? For a while, there weren't many. But that changed recently.
Ashby stars in an independent film called Mooch. He plays Joey Simisomo, the son of an Italian nightclub owner (played by Scott Cohen). This is a huge departure from the "nice guy" Alex Walter. Joey has secrets, skeletons, and a bit of a darker edge. It’s the kind of role that actors take when they want to prove they can do more than just wear a cowboy hat and look pensive.
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Ashby Gentry’s Career Credits (The Highlights)
- My Life with the Walter Boys (2023–Present): The role of Alex Walter. This is his bread and butter.
- Mooch (2025/2026): His big jump into feature films playing Joey Simisomo.
- Are You Afraid of the Dark? (2022): Played Porter in the Ghost Island arc.
- Speechless (2018): His debut short film.
Why He’s Not Just a One-Hit Wonder
It’s easy for young actors to get stuck in the "Netflix Teen" box. You do one hit show, and suddenly you’re 30 years old still playing a high schooler. Ashby seems pretty aware of this trap.
He’s been very vocal about how much he enjoys the "introspective" journeys of characters. He doesn't just want to be the guy on the poster; he wants to do the work. During the press tour for Season 2, he talked about how he spent his summer researching "glow-up" culture and how it affects self-esteem. He’s thinking about the "why" behind the scenes, which is why he’s likely to have a career that outlasts the Walter ranch.
What You Should Watch First
If you're new to the Ashby Gentry fan club, start with Season 1 of Walter Boys. It’s cozy, it’s dramatic, and it’s the best introduction to his screen presence. But keep an eye out for Mooch. That’s going to be the project that decides if he’s a future Oscar contender or just another face on a streaming thumbnail.
Honestly, the guy has range. He’s gone from a "ragamuffin" younger brother to a polished lead and now into indie dramas.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to stay updated on his upcoming projects, follow the production news for My Life with the Walter Boys Season 3. Filming usually takes place in Calgary, and casting calls for background extras often leak plot details early. Also, look for Mooch on the festival circuit—it's the best way to see his "Joey" performance before it hits wide streaming.