Who is Carol Sutton in Outer Banks?

At the end of Outer Banks season 2 episode 6 “My Druthers,” an in memoriam honoring Carol Sutton is placed in the credits.

Typically dedications to those who have passed over the course of a show or film run are reserved for those close to the creators, cast, and crew. Either because they’re family, friends, employees who have worked closely on a project, or have had a hand in shaping what the piece of media has come to be.

Sutton’s inclusion is a respectful nod to her time working on Outer Banks as well as the role she played in season 2.

Her memoriam comes at the end of the sole episode we see her in which reveals a family secret her character has kept for decades.

Spoilers ahead for Outer Banks season 2

Carol Sutton stars in Outer Banks season 2

Pope’s season long journey is about his family’s history. As artifacts from the past bring him closer and closer to a hidden truth, it becomes apparent he’ll need to see his great grandmother to learn about his family’s ties to Denmark Tanny.

To do this, Pope visits an assisted living community where his meemaw lives, and that is how Carol Sutton is introduced to the Outer Banks audience. We learn, as Pope does, that through her line he is a direct descendant of Tanny whose rich and tragic history has led to more than one treasure hunt.

Sutton embodies the place our elders hold in our communities. They’re the keepers of our history, the ones who choose what history shall be passed on to the next generation, and what’s better left in the past.

Her role on Outer Banks is one of the last times the actress brought her talent to the screen. Sutton died on December 10, 2020. She had a long and storied career having made her debut in 1974 in the TV movie The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.

Sutton tread the boards of the theater and starred on both the big and small screen over the course of her 46 years as an actress. Her career was honored in her hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana where she received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.

An outpouring of love came in the wake of Sutton’s passing. The mayor of New Orleans, LaToya Cantrell, had the following to say about the actress’ life:

"Carol Sutton was practically the queen of New Orleans theatre, having graced the stages across the city for decades. We will always remember her commanding stage presence, her richly portrayed characters and the warm heart she shared with her fellow cast."

Had Sutton not contracted Covid-19, she would have likely continued to act. However, she passed due to complications from the virus. She was 76 years old.