Meet the Familiar Faces of Netflix’s “The Residence” Ensemble: From Iconic Sitcoms to Thrilling Dramas
Shonda Rhimes’ latest Netflix series, “The Residence“, promises a thrilling mix of drama, humor, and suspense set within the White House. With a standout ensemble cast, the series takes viewers inside the iconic residence as a gripping murder mystery unfolds, narrowing down suspects episode by episode. Let’s dive into the key characters and the actors who bring them to life.
Uzo Abduba as Cordelia Cupp
Uzo Aduba, best known for her transformative role as Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren in “Orange Is the New Black”, stars as Cordelia Cupp, a detective with an uncanny eye for detail. In this role, Uzo showcases her range, bringing a fresh twist to the detective genre. Clever, witty, and unstoppable, Cordelia is the world’s top investigator. As a consulting detective for DC’s Metropolitan Police, she finds herself at the White House on the night of the murder.
Randall Park as Edwin Park
Randall Park, celebrated for his comedic timing in “The Office” and “Fresh Off the Boat”, plays Edwin Park, a FBI Special Agent who serves as Cordelia’s frustrated yet humorous partner. Edwin is initially skeptical of her unconventional investigative methods. While Edwin often feels overshadowed by Cordelia’s brilliance, his deadpan humor provides much-needed levity to the high-stakes investigation. The dynamic between these two promises plenty of laughs amid the suspense.
Giancarlo Esposito as A.B. Wynter
Giancarlo Esposito, renowned for his iconic portrayal of Gus Fring in “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul”, takes on the role of A.B. Wynter, the White House Head Usher. His death sparks the complex mystery that unfolds in The Residence. Expect a performance that is both captivating and subtly intense, as Giancarlo’s calm presence contrasts with the chaos around him.
Jason Lee as Tripp Morgan
Jason Lee, beloved for his role as Earl Hickey in “My Name Is Earl”, plays Tripp Morgan, the president’s laid-back brother. Tripp’s carefree attitude and tendency to wander around the White House in a robe offer a stark contrast to the intense atmosphere of the investigation. Jason’s charm and comedic timing make Tripp an instantly likable character, providing both humor and a touch of nostalgia for fans of his earlier work.
Ken Marino as Harry Hollinger
Ken Marino, known for his roles in “Party Down” and “The League”, portrays Harry Hollinger, the president’s closest advisor. While not the primary source of comedy, Ken’s knack for blending humor with sincerity shines through, making Harry an engaging and complex character. His relationship with the president adds emotional depth to the series as they navigate the high-pressure environment of a murder investigation.
Jane Curtin as Nan Cox
Veteran comedian Jane Curtin, famous for “Saturday Night Live”, joins the cast as Nan Cox, the president’s mother-in-law. Nan’s blend of overbearing love and humor provides a relatable and entertaining layer to the family dynamics, as her reactions to the drama unfold are sure to bring both laughs and moments of tension.
Susan Kelechi Watson as Jasmine Haney
Jasmine is a motivated and up-and-coming assistant usher at the White House. Though she’s known for being a diligent worker, she’s determined to rise through the ranks and eventually become the chief usher. Her ambitious nature and impatience make her a key suspect in A.B.’s murder.
Known for her role as Beth Pearson in “This Is Us”, Susan Kelechi Watson brings emotional depth to her portrayal of Jasmine Haney, the White House’s emotional anchor. Watson’s performance in “This Is Us” earned her critical acclaim, including two Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Paul Fitzgerald as President Perry Morgan
Paul Fitzgerald portrays President Perry Morgan, a determined yet obsessive leader striving to manage the chaos in the White House. Fitzgerald is known for playing complex characters in both television and film. His previous work includes a role in the sharp political comedy “Veep”, where he brought a unique perspective to political figures, and starring in the drama series “Dare Me”, where he added depth to a story about competitive cheerleading.
Eliza Coupe as Senator Margery Bay Bix
Eliza Coupe brings her sharp wit and comedic timing to the role of Senator Margery Bay Bix in The Residence. Known for her comedic roles, Coupe is best remembered for her standout performance as Jane in “Happy Endings”, where she was praised for her comedic timing and depth. She also starred in the rom-com “Naked”, showcasing her comedic energy in a time-loop scenario.
Al Franken as Senator Aaron Filkins
Al Franken, a former U.S. Senator and comedian, brings a unique authenticity to his role as Senator Aaron Filkins. Franken’s diverse career in writing, acting, and politics informs his portrayal of a seasoned politician. He was a writer and performer on “Saturday Night Live”, where he contributed to some of the show’s most iconic sketches. Before his acting career, he served as a U.S. Senator from Minnesota, giving him an insider’s understanding of politics.
Molly Griggs as Lily Schumacher
Lilly is the White House social secretary, and she’s quickly becoming a name to remember. The daughter of a wealthy casino magnate, Lilly is a rising socialite and hostess with the mostess. She’s in charge of planning all events at the White House, including the infamous state dinner, which proves to be a disaster.
Molly Griggs has appeared in several notable roles, including her turn as Grace in “Succession”, where she played Roman Roy’s (Kieran Culkin) Season 1 girlfriend. She also starred in “Dr. Death”, showcasing her range in both drama and suspense-filled thrillers.
Tran Killam as St. Pierre
Lilly’s consultant for all things event planning is St. Pierre, an energy healer who is there to cleanse auras and guide her through the intricate world of White House social gatherings. Taran Killam, known for his role on “Saturday Night Live”, portrays St. Pierre. He also starred in the action-packed River Wild and has recently appeared in “High Potential”, showcasing his wide-ranging talents across different genres.
Kylie Minogue as Herself
Kylie Minogue plays herself, making a memorable cameo at the White House during the state dinner. The Australian pop sensation performs at the event and requests just one thing in return: a night’s sleep in the iconic Lincoln Bedroom. Known worldwide for her musical talents, Minogue has earned numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards and Brit Awards.
Spencer Garrett as Wally Glick
Spencer Garrett plays Wally Glick, the director of the FBI, a tough, sharp-elbowed bureaucrat who isn’t too pleased about Cordelia’s involvement in the investigation. Wally doesn’t trust her, and his hard-nosed, no-nonsense approach to his work stands in stark contrast to the chaos around him. Garrett’s experience spans a variety of genres, from drama to thriller. He’s appeared in films like “Bombshell” and “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood”.
Andrew Friedman as Irv Samuelson
Andrew Friedman plays Irv Samuelson, the director of the National Park Police, a role that sees him standing firm in the face of belittling from both Harry and Director Glick. While Irv is proud of his position, he often finds himself caught in the tension between the higher-ups. Friedman brings his long-standing career to the role, having appeared in episodes of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” as Uncle Jack since 2005, and in “GLOW” as TV executive Glen Klitnick. His strong comedic background gives Irv a touch of humor, even in the midst of bureaucratic pressure, making his performance both memorable and endearing.
Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Larry Dokes
As the drama unfolds, we also meet a few other notable characters. Isiah Whitlock Jr. plays Larry Dokes, the Chief of Police at the Metropolitan Police Department. Known for his affable, loyal personality, Larry commands respect in the White House, and everyone trusts him to get things done.
There is one key reason why someone as accomplished as Cordelia works for the MPD — it’s all because of Larry Dokes. Whitlock Jr. brings decades of experience to the role, having worked in Hollywood for over 30 years. He’s also known for his award-winning role in “Da 5 Bloods” and his acclaimed performance in “The Wire”,and “Your Honor”.
Brett Tucker as David Rylance
Brett Tucker portrays David Rylance, the dashing and charming Australian foreign minister. Rylance is a savvy political operator, skilled in negotiations and always looking out for Australia’s interests. He has an unexpected connection to A.B. and another key White House figure — a connection that ties into the larger mystery surrounding A.B.’s death. Tucker has built a reputation for his role as the voice of Singed in the animated series Arcane, and his past work includes appearances in “Atypical” and “AJ and the Queen”, where he demonstrated his range in both animated and live-action roles.
Julian McMahon as Prime Minister Stephen Roos
Prime Minister Stephen Roos of Australia, played by Julian McMahon, is a young, swashbuckling leader with a relaxed and playful demeanor, serving as a sharp contrast to President Morgan. McMahon, whose father, Sir William McMahon, was once prime minister of Australia, brings an added layer of authenticity to his portrayal. He’s known for his Golden Globe-nominated role as Dr. Christian Troy in “Nip/Tuck” and has also appeared on “Charmed” and “FBI: Most Wanted”, making him a seasoned actor with a knack for both drama and charisma.
Dan Perrault as Colin Trask
Dan Perrault portrays Colin Trask, the head of the Secret Service’s presidential detail. Colin is a big pop culture fan and can’t help but get starstruck by the many celebrities attending the state dinner. While his enthusiasm for celebrity guests may cause some distractions, his role remains vital to the White House’s security. Perrault is well-known as the co-creator of the mockumentary “American Vandal”, a series that captured both comedic brilliance and a sharp social commentary. His experience in creating and portraying offbeat characters adds an intriguing dynamic to his role as Colin.
Edwina Findley as Shelia Cannon
Sheila is an energetic White House butler whose lively personality clashed with the new president’s more rigid style. Her frequent confrontations with A.B. raise the question: Did their tensions lead to violence? Previously, Edwina Findley starred in “If Loving You Is Wrong”, “Rogue Agent”, and “Middle of Nowhere”.
Bronson Pinchot as Didier Gotthard
A Swiss-trained pastry chef, Didier is a perfectionist who left a prestigious career behind for D.C.’s heat. His exacting skills might have been used for a more sinister purpose. Bronson Pinchot is best known for his roles in “Perfect Strangers”, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F”, and “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina”.
Mary Wiseman as Marvella
Marvella is an inventive White House chef with a fiery temperament and a love for unique ingredients. Could her sharp knives have played a role in A.B.’s fate? Mary Wiseman previously starred in “Star Trek: Discovery” as Sylvia Tilly.
Mel Rodriguez as Bruce Geller
Once friendly, Bruce has become more withdrawn under the Morgans’ reign. One person still brings him joy—how far will he go to keep them close? Mel Rodriguez previously co-starred in “The Last Man on Earth”, “Carol & The End of the World”, and “The Last Thing He Wanted”.
Julieth Restrepo as Elsyie Chayle
Elsyie is a beloved housekeeper, but hidden secrets could put her at odds with A.B. What will she do to protect her family? Julieth Restrepo is known for her roles in “Griselda” and “Penalty Kick”.
Al Mitchell as Rollie Bridgewater
Rollie is the meticulous head butler who’s always at the top of his game. His role becomes crucial as tensions rise in the White House. Al Mitchell has appeared in “Stranger Things”, “Outer Banks”, and “Ozark”.
Barrett Foa as Elliot Morgan
Elliot Morgan, the first gentleman, struggles to fit into his role at the White House, causing tension with A.B. Barrett Foa is best known for his role in “NCIS: Los Angeles”.
“The Residence” is shaping up to be a must-watch series, thanks to its intriguing plot, standout performances, and Shonda Rhimes’ signature storytelling. Whether you’re a fan of murder mysteries or just love a good character-driven drama, this show promises to deliver. “The Residence” is streaming now on Netflix.
More On:TV