If you’ve watched a TV show in the last decade, you’ve probably seen Keenan Tracey. Seriously. He’s one of those actors who just pops up everywhere. You’re sitting on your couch, watching a thriller or a sci-fi drama, and you go, "Wait, is that the guy from Bates Motel?" Yes. It usually is.
He’s not just a "guy who looks familiar," though. He’s basically the backbone of Canadian-produced prestige TV and a regular fixture in the indie horror scene. His career is a weird, fascinating mix of Disney Channel beginnings, CW-style teen angst, and some genuinely gritty genre work.
Honestly, it’s hard to find a modern genre fan who hasn’t seen at least three Keenan Tracey movies and tv shows without even realizing it. He’s got this specific energy—a mix of "boy next door" and "guy who might be hiding a dark secret"—that casting directors absolutely love.
The Bates Motel Breakthrough and The Genre Jump
Most people first really noticed him as Gunner in Bates Motel. It wasn't the biggest role in the show, but he had this effortless chemistry with Emma (Olivia Cooke) that made him memorable. He played the chill, weed-dealing coworker at the motel, but he brought a level of naturalism to it that stood out against the high-camp Gothic horror of the rest of the series.
After that? The floodgates basically opened.
He jumped straight into The 100, playing Sterling. If you know that show, you know it’s a meat grinder for actors. Nobody is safe. Tracey’s character was part of the original 100 sent to Earth, and while his time was relatively brief, it cemented him as a go-to for "young adult drama with stakes."
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The Syfy and Horror Era
Then came the horror. A lot of it.
- Day of the Dead (2021): He led this series as Cam McDermott. It was a reimagining of George A. Romero's classic, and Keenan had to carry a lot of the emotional weight while zombies were literally tearing the town apart.
- Polaroid (2019): A classic "cursed object" horror flick where he played Devin. It's the kind of movie you find on a Friday night and realize is actually way more fun than it has any right to be.
- Extracurricular (2018): This one is actually pretty dark. It’s about high schoolers who commit murders for fun. Keenan plays Miriam’s brother, and it’s a much grittier look than his earlier Disney-adjacent stuff.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Early Career
A lot of people think he started with the dark stuff. Not even close.
If you grew up with Nickelodeon or Disney in the early 2010s, you might remember Rags (2012). It was a modern-day Cinderella story where he played Andrew, one of the "evil step-brothers." It’s hilarious to watch that now after seeing him face off against zombies. He also had a role in 16 Wishes (2010) with Debby Ryan.
It’s a massive tonal shift. Going from "singing in a Nickelodeon musical" to "being haunted by a possessed camera" isn't an easy transition for most actors. Most get stuck in the teen-idol lane forever. Keenan didn't. He used those early roles to build a foundation, then pivoted hard into darker, more adult material as soon as he could.
He’s also the son of Ian Tracey. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because Ian is a legendary Canadian actor (Intelligence, Da Vinci’s Inquest). Acting is basically the family business.
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The 2024-2025 Surge: From Missing Persons to Small Town Murders
Lately, he’s been everywhere in the "procedural" world. You’ve probably seen him in:
- Murder in a Small Town (2024): He appeared as Shane Sloan.
- Wild Cards (2024): A quick but sharp guest spot as Derek Jones.
- Alert: Missing Persons Unit: He played Teddy Williams in a 2023 arc.
He’s also got two big projects that have been buzzing lately: The Bearded Girl (2025) and Girl in the Attic (2025). In The Bearded Girl, he plays a character named Blaze, which is a pretty big departure from the clean-cut roles of his past.
It’s interesting. He’s 34 now. He’s moved from "the kid" to "the young professional," and his roles are reflecting that. He isn't playing the high school student anymore; he’s playing the guy with a mortgage and a complicated past.
Why He Still Matters in 2026
The reason Keenan Tracey movies and tv shows keep ranking high on streaming platforms is simple: he’s reliable.
In an era where every actor is trying to be a "brand," Keenan feels like a working actor. He shows up, he does the work, and he makes the scene better. Whether it's a Hallmark-style movie like The Christmas Contest or a gritty cult thriller like Devil in Ohio (where he played Noah), he finds the humanity in the script.
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There’s a nuance to his acting that’s easy to overlook. He doesn't chew the scenery. He plays it quiet. That’s why he’s survived the transition from "teen star" to "character actor" so successfully.
What to Watch First
If you’re new to his filmography, don’t start with the bit parts.
Go for Day of the Dead if you want to see him lead a show. It’s campy, it’s gory, and he’s the anchor. If you want something more psychological, find The Returned (the American version). He plays Ben Lowry, and it’s one of his most underrated performances—very moody and atmospheric.
If you’re just in the mood for something fun and slightly dated? 16 Wishes. It’s a time capsule.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're trying to keep up with his career, here is the best way to do it without getting lost in the IMDB weeds:
- Check the Canadian Procedurals: If a new show is filming in Vancouver, there is a 50% chance Keenan will be in an episode. Keep an eye on networks like CW, Global, and CTV.
- Follow the Indie Horror Circuit: He clearly has a love for the genre. Watch for his name in the credits of upcoming horror anthologies or Blumhouse-style productions.
- Don't Skip the TV Movies: He still does the occasional Lifetime or Hallmark project. They aren't just fluff; they’re often where he gets to play the lead romantic role, which is a nice break from the "guy getting chased by monsters" trope.
The best thing about being a fan of an actor like Keenan Tracey is that there is always something new. He’s one of the hardest-working guys in the industry. He isn't waiting for a Marvel call; he’s busy making good TV.