The Big C Cast List
- M*A*S*H, The West Wing, The Big CAlan Alda, born Alphonso Joseph D'Abruzzo on January 28, 1936, is a celebrated American actor, director, screenwriter, comedian, and author. Born in the Bronx, New York, to a theatrical family, Alda was destined for the stage. His father, Robert Alda, was an actor and singer, and his mother, Joan Browne, was a former showgirl. Alda's early exposure to the performing arts cultivated a deep passion for acting and storytelling, ultimately shaping his illustrious career. Alda is perhaps best known for his role as Hawkeye Pierce in the iconic television series M*A*S*H, which aired from 1972 to 1983. His portrayal of the wise-cracking Army surgeon earned him five Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. Beyond M*A*S*H, Alda has maintained a diverse career spanning both film and television. He has appeared in numerous films, including The Aviator, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award, and Bridge of Spies. Alda's contributions to television include roles in The West Wing, 30 Rock, and The Blacklist. In addition to acting, Alda has made significant contributions behind the camera and beyond the entertainment industry. He directed and wrote many episodes of M*A*S*H and authored several books. His interest in science communication led him to host PBS's Scientific American Frontiers for over a decade. In 2005, Alda helped establish the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University, further demonstrating his commitment to bridging the gap between science and the public. Alda's multifaceted career and enduring influence on the entertainment industry have solidified his legacy as one of America's most beloved actors.
- The Big C, A Touch of Cloth, The Day of the TriffidsBrian Cox, born in Dundee, Scotland on March 3, 1946, is a celebrated figure in the world of acting and entertainment. He carved a niche for himself with his outstanding acting skills, starting his career in theater before extending his reach to television and film. His early life was fraught with challenges, losing his father at an early age and being raised by a single mother, but he never let these hurdles deter his passion for acting. He studied at London's prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and began his career with Birmingham Repertory Theatre, quickly gaining recognition in the UK with roles in productions like King Lear and Titus Andronicus. Cox's breakthrough came in 1986 when he portrayed Hannibal Lecter in the film Manhunter, a role that brought him international acclaim. He then went on to play diverse characters in box-office hits such as Braveheart, The Bourne Identity, and X-Men 2. Despite his flourishing film career, Cox maintained a strong connection with theater, earning an Olivier Award for his performance in Titus Andronicus and a Drama Desk Award for St. Nicholas. In the landscape of television, he gained universal acclaim for portraying Logan Roy, the prickly patriarch of the Roy family, in HBO's Succession. His versatility is a testament to his commitment to his craft, and his ability to immerse himself in a wide variety of roles has set him apart from his contemporaries. In addition to his acting prowess, Brian Cox is also known for his contributions to society. He has been an active supporter of the Scottish Independence Movement and speaks passionately about political issues. He was honored with a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 2002 for his services to drama, further cementing his status as one of the UK's leading actors.
- Sex and the City, The Big C, Warm SpringsCynthia Nixon, best known for her role in the popular television series Sex and the City, is a multifaceted personality with an impressive range of experiences. Born on April 9, 1966, in New York City, Nixon's career spans across acting, activism, and politics. She attended Hunter College High School and later graduated from Barnard College in 1988. Truman Capote's A Mother's Kisses marked her first appearance on Broadway at just fourteen years old. This initiation would pave the way for a successful career in acting, earning her numerous accolades including two Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, and a Tony Award. Nixon's acting career comprises a blend of film, television, and stage performances. Her portrayal of Miranda Hobbes in HBO's Sex and the City garnered immense popularity and acclaim, earning her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2004. However, her prowess was not limited to television. Nixon demonstrated her versatility by playing varied roles in films like Amadeus, A Quiet Passion, and James White. Her exceptional performance in Rabbit Hole on Broadway secured her the prestigious Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play in 2006. Outside her acting career, Nixon also made substantial contributions as an activist and politician. A proponent of LGBTQ+ rights and public education, she used her platform to advocate for these causes. In 2018, Nixon ventured into politics by running for Governor of New York, demonstrating her commitment to bring about change in society. Despite her loss in the Democratic primary, her campaign brought attention to important issues like income inequality and healthcare reform.
- Hannibal, The Big C, The New Adventures of Robin HoodHugh Dancy, a British actor of commendable talent and surprising versatility, is celebrated for his impressive body of work spanning across film, television, and theater. Born in Stoke-on-Trent, England, Dancy attended Winchester College and then Oxford University, where he studied English Literature. His fascination with the world of acting was ignited during his time at Oxford, leading him to commence his professional acting career. Dancy's early career comprises an array of noteworthy roles. Among his first notable performances was his portrayal of David Copperfield in the BBC's adaptation of Charles Dickens's novel. He later ventured into Hollywood, starring in films such as Ella Enchanted and King Arthur. His ability to immerse himself in diverse characters demonstrated his acting mettle and established him as a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. Beyond his cinematic achievements, Dancy's role as Will Graham in the critically acclaimed television series Hannibal earned him widespread recognition. His nuanced performance won him accolades and affirmed his status as a formidable actor in the television landscape. Additionally, Dancy's stage prowess shouldn't be overlooked; his performances in Broadway productions like Venus in Fur and Journey's End further showcase his range as an actor. Hugh Dancy's diverse and accomplished career reflects his dedication to his craft, a testament to his standing as one of the most esteemed actors of his generation.
- The Wire, Luther, The Big CIdris Elba, a versatile and charismatic figure in the entertainment industry, is widely recognized for his acting prowess, but also boasts an impressive resume as a producer, musician, and DJ. Born on September 6, 1972, in Hackney, London, Elba was raised in East Ham and began his acting journey at the National Youth Music Theatre, thanks to a grant from the Prince's Trust. His early career included various roles in British television series, but it was his breakout role as Stringer Bell in the critically acclaimed HBO series The Wire that propelled him to international fame. Elba's performance in The Wire showcased his ability to portray complex characters with depth and nuance, which led to an array of diverse roles across film and television. He mesmerized audiences with his performances in Luther, for which he received multiple award nominations, and Beasts of No Nation, earning a SAG Award for the latter. His portrayal of Nelson Mandela in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom further cemented his reputation as a powerhouse actor. Despite his success in dramatic roles, Elba has also shown his versatility with memorable performances in blockbuster franchises such as Thor and Fast & Furious. In addition to his acting career, Elba has made significant contributions to the music industry. A man of many talents, he started his music career as a DJ under the moniker DJ Big Driis, producing and performing in various genres, including hip hop, soul, and reggae. His musical prowess extends to singing and rapping, often contributing vocals to his own tracks. Elba's passion for music and acting intersected when he created, produced, and starred in the comedy series In The Long Run, which drew inspiration from his own experiences growing up in a multicultural London neighborhood. Idris Elba's remarkable journey from a young aspiring actor in East London to an internationally recognized multi-talented entertainer serves as an inspirational trajectory for young actors.
- The Big C, Manhattan, It's All RelativeJohn Benjamin Hickey (born June 25, 1963) is an American actor with a career in stage, film and television. He won the 2011 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play for his performance as Felix Turner in The Normal Heart.
- John Adams, The Big C, Tales of the CityLaura Linney is an eminent American actress and singer, known for a career that spans both stage and screen alike. Born on February 5, 1964, in New York City, Linney's inherent love for acting was cultivated at an early age. Her parents, Miriam Anderson Ann Perse (a nurse) and Romulus Zachariah Linney IV (a playwright and professor), undoubtedly played an instrumental role in shaping her artistic inclinations. Linney graduated from Brown University in 1986 with a degree in Theatre before further refining her craft at the Juilliard School. Notable for her blend of sophistication and versatility, Linney has established herself as one of the most diverse performers of her generation. She made her film debut in the early 1990s, but it was her performance in the Truman Show in 1998 that truly catapulted her into Hollywood stardom. Following this upsurge in recognition, Linney continued to build an impressive resume, starring in critically acclaimed films such as 'You Can Count on Me', 'Kinsey', and 'The Savages'. Her exceptional performances have earned her multiple nominations and awards, including four Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and an Academy Award. Linney's prowess is not confined solely to the big screen, as she has also managed to carve out a successful career in television and theater. She has been part of memorable TV dramas like 'The Big C' and 'Ozark', earning her significant critical acclaim. Onstage, she has exhibited an equally compelling range of talent, earning Tony nominations for her roles in Broadway productions like 'The Crucible', 'Sight Unseen', and 'Time Stands Still'. In a profession marked by constant change, Laura Linney continues to be a paragon of consistency and excellence.
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars, The Big C, Liberty's KidsBorn in Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, Liam Neeson is a renowned actor who has made an indelible mark in the world of cinema. His journey to stardom began with his performance in a school play at the age of 11, which ignited a passion for acting that would shape his future. After graduating from Queen's University Belfast with a degree in Physics and Computer Science, Neeson worked a variety of jobs before joining the Lyric Players' Theatre in Belfast, where he honed his craft for several years. Neeson's breakthrough came in 1993 with his poignant portrayal of Oskar Schindler in Steven Spielberg's critically acclaimed film Schindler's List. This performance garnered him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and catapulted him into the international spotlight. Throughout his career, Neeson has demonstrated a remarkable range of acting skills, from dramatic roles in films like Michael Collins and Kinsey to action-packed performances in the Taken franchise and The Grey. Off-screen, Neeson is equally compelling. He is known for his philanthropic endeavors, including his work as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. His resilience, talent, and dedication make him not only a respected figure in the entertainment industry but also a source of inspiration for many.
- Bored to Death, The Big C, HuffOliver Platt is a distinguished actor known for his compelling performances in film, television, and stage productions. Born on January 12, 1960, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, his early life was spent traversing the globe due to his father's diplomatic career. Gaining exposure to diverse cultures and practices, Oliver developed a keen interest in performing arts. He graduated from Tufts University in 1982 where he cultivated his acting skills and began his journey into professional acting. Platt delved into the entertainment world initially with theater performances, leading him to his Broadway debut in 1989 with the play, A Walk in the Woods. His prowess soon translated into film and television, reflecting in his versatile roles. Notably, his performance in Bulworth (1998) garnered significant praise, followed by his impactful portrayal in The West Wing (2001-2005), earning him an Emmy nomination. Additionally, his notable works include Huff (2004-2006) for which he received a Golden Globe Award, and Chicago Med (2015-2018), demonstrating his ability to adapt to various genres and characters. Despite being in the spotlight, Platt has managed to keep a low-profile personal life. Married to Camilla Campbell since 1992, they share three children. A strong advocate for mental health, he uses his platform to raise awareness about the issue, inspired by his role in Huff.
- The Big CPhyllis Jeanne Somerville (born December 12, 1943) is an American stage, film and television actress known for her work in The Big C, Little Children, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
- Veep, The Big C, My BoysReid Scott (born Reid Scott Weiner; November 19, 1977) is an American actor. He is best known for his starring role as Brendan "Brando" Dorff in the TBS comedy series My Boys (2006–2010) and Deputy Director of Communications Dan Egan in the HBO comedy series Veep (2012–2019). Scott also appeared in the romantic comedy film Home Again (2017), the superhero film Venom (2018), and the comedy-drama film Late Night (2019).
- Empire, The Big CGabourey Sidibe ( GAB-ə-ray SID-i-bay; born May 6, 1983) is an American actress. Sidibe made her acting debut in the 2009 film Precious, a role that earned her the Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead, in addition to nominations for the Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Actress. Her other film roles include Tower Heist (2011), White Bird in a Blizzard (2014), and Grimsby (2016). From 2010 to 2013, she was a main cast member of the Showtime series The Big C. Sidibe co-starred on the television series American Horror Story: Coven (2013–2014) as Queenie and American Horror Story: Freak Show (2014–2015) as Regina Ross, and later reprised her role as Queenie in American Horror Story: Hotel (2015–2016) and American Horror Story: Apocalypse (2018). Since 2015, she stars in the Fox musical drama series Empire as Becky Williams.
- The Big CSimon Kassianides is an English actor, film director, producer and screenwriter.
- The Big CLouis Gabriel Basso III (born December 11, 1994) is an American actor, known for his roles in the Showtime series The Big C, the 2011 science fiction film Super 8, and the 2013 comedy-drama The Kings of Summer.
