The Ultimate 2025 Update: Where Are The Top 8 Actors From 'Nashville' Now?

The world of country music drama on 'Nashville' captivated millions, making superstars out of its talented cast of actors and musicians. Even years after the final episode aired, fan curiosity about the lives and careers of the stars who played Rayna Jaymes, Juliette Barnes, Deacon Claybourne, and the rest of the Music City crew remains incredibly high. This definitive guide, updated for late 2024 and 2025, reveals the freshest career moves, major music releases, and exciting new television and film roles for the core ensemble. You may be surprised to see which actor is starring in a 2025 Netflix thriller and who just dropped their debut album.

The cast of the beloved series has continued to blend their acting and singing talents, with several major players releasing new music, starring in high-profile streaming projects, and even returning to their soap opera roots. From a major debut album release in September 2024 to an uncertain fate on a long-running medical drama, here is the latest on the actors who brought the heart and drama of Nashville, Tennessee, to life.

The Main Ensemble: New Roles and Major Music Releases (2024-2025)

The core cast of the *Nashville* series has successfully transitioned into diverse roles across television, film, and the music industry, solidifying their status as true multi-hyphenates.

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Connie Britton (Rayna Jaymes)

As the legendary queen of country, Rayna Jaymes, Connie Britton's departure from *Nashville* in Season 5 was one of the show's biggest shocks. Since then, her career has soared with high-profile television projects.

• Latest TV Projects: Britton is gearing up for a major year in 2025 with two highly-anticipated streaming roles. She is set to star in the HBO Max comedy-drama series, *The Family McMullen*, and will also appear in the Netflix political thriller, *Zero Day*, alongside Robert De Niro.
• Comedy Lead: She was also recently announced to lead the new Hulu comedy series, *Phony*, further demonstrating her range across genres.
• Topical Authority: Britton remains a powerhouse in prestige television, following her acclaimed roles in *Dirty John* and the first season of *The White Lotus*.

Hayden Panettiere (Juliette Barnes)

Hayden Panettiere, who played the troubled but talented superstar Juliette Barnes, has made a significant return to the silver screen after taking a break from acting.

• Film Comeback: Panettiere reprised her iconic role as Kirby Reed in the *Scream* horror franchise with 2023’s *Scream VI*.
• Upcoming Film Roles: Her return continues with several new film projects, including the thriller *Amber Alert* (2024) and the upcoming film *A Breed Apart* (2025). She is also attached to the highly anticipated *Scream 7* (2026).
• Personal Life: Panettiere has also been open about her personal journey, including addressing her past struggles and the tragic loss of her younger brother in 2023.

Charles Esten (Deacon Claybourne)

Charles Esten, the actor and musician who played Rayna's soulmate and longtime collaborator Deacon Claybourne, has maintained a thriving dual career in music and acting.

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• Debut Album: Esten kicked off 2024 by releasing his independent debut album, *Love Ain't Pretty*, on January 26. The album release was followed by a series of tour dates.
• Major TV Role: He continues to star as Ward Cameron, the wealthy and menacing father figure, in the popular Netflix teen drama series *Outer Banks*.
• Music Career: Esten is a consistent performer, often joining his former *Nashville* castmates for reunion shows like the "Nashville: The Encore Tour," which keeps the spirit of the show alive for fans.

The Next Generation: Music, Medical Dramas, and Movie Thrillers

The younger generation of the *Nashville* cast has also been making waves, with some focusing heavily on their musical roots and others finding long-term success on other major network shows.

Chris Carmack (Will Lexington)

Chris Carmack, who portrayed the complex country star Will Lexington, has found a long-term home on one of television's most iconic medical dramas.

• Current TV Role: Since 2018, Carmack has been a main cast member on ABC's *Grey's Anatomy*, playing Dr. Atticus "Link" Lincoln.
• 2025 Cliffhanger: As of the 2024-2025 season (Season 21), his character's fate was left uncertain following a major cliffhanger involving an operating room explosion, keeping fans on the edge of their seats during the hiatus.
• Musical Roots: Carmack, like many of his *Nashville* co-stars, continues to perform and release his own music, often collaborating with his wife, Erin Slaver, who was also a musician on the country music drama.

Sam Palladio (Gunnar Scott)

The British actor and musician who played Gunnar Scott has been one of the most active cast members in the music scene in 2024 and 2025.

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• Debut Album Release: Sam Palladio announced the release of his debut album, *The Perfect Summer's Day, Before We Lost The Light*, which dropped on September 13, 2024.
• New Music Video: To promote the album, he released the video for his new single, "Bullet For Your Love," in March 2025, showcasing his evolution as a singer-songwriter.
• Acting Roles: Palladio is also recognized for his role in the Netflix Christmas trilogy, *The Princess Switch*, alongside Vanessa Hudgens.

Clare Bowen (Scarlett O'Connor)

Clare Bowen, known for her role as the poetic and sensitive Scarlett O'Connor, has focused heavily on her career as a touring musician and singer-songwriter.

• Music and Touring: Bowen is consistently on the road, performing her original music and often joining her former castmates for reunion events, including the "Nashville: The Encore Tour" in 2026.
• Acting Update: She appeared in the 2024 film *My Old Ass*, starring opposite Aubrey Plaza.
• Collaborations: She frequently tours with Jonathan Jackson, bringing their on-screen musical chemistry to live audiences with their "Songs and Stories from Music City" shows.

Jonathan Jackson (Avery Barkley)

Jonathan Jackson, who played the talented musician Avery Barkley, has maintained a dedicated career in both music and acting, often bridging the gap between his two worlds.

• Music Focus: Jackson is the lead singer of the rock band Jonathan Jackson + Enation. The band is actively touring in 2025.
• Solo Album: He is also set to release his first solo album, *Under The Skies of Babylon Volume One*, in October 2025, showcasing his musical versatility beyond the country genre.
• Acting Roots: Before and after *Nashville*, Jackson was well-known for his long-running, five-time Daytime Emmy-winning role as Lucky Spencer on the soap opera *General Hospital*.

The Enduring Legacy of the Country Music Drama

The success of *Nashville* was deeply rooted in the authentic musical talent of its cast, a fact that continues to define their careers today. The show served as a major launching pad, not just for acting, but for legitimate singer-songwriter careers. The fact that the cast continues to reunite for live performances, like the "Nashville: The Encore Tour," speaks to the enduring bond between the actors and their appreciation for the *country music drama* that changed their lives.

From Connie Britton's powerful return to prestige TV and Hayden Panettiere's exciting film slate to the prolific musical output of Charles Esten and Sam Palladio in 2024 and 2025, the stars of *Nashville* are proving that their talents extend far beyond Music City. Their career paths offer a fascinating look at the evolution of television stars in the streaming era, where a dual career as an actor and musician is increasingly common and celebrated.