Boardwalk Empire Cast List

Reference
Updated March 30, 2024

Boardwalk Empire has successfully captured the hearts and minds of viewers since 2010 with its compelling storytelling and remarkable ensemble. Set in Prohibition-era Atlantic City, this period drama chronicles the life of Nucky Thompson, a politician who transforms into a formidable gangster. This show has garnered popularity due to its vivid characters brought to life by an exceptional cast. A dive into the Boardwalk Empire cast is bound to pique the interest of fans and newcomers alike.

A significant part of Boardwalk Empire's charm stems from its diverse and multifaceted characters. Each member of the Boardwalk Empire cast represents an authentic character - some adored, others loathed - who are captivating and relatable. Their performances have played a role in securing the show's critical acclaim and enduring appeal. This article provides readers with insights into each principal member of the cast of Boardwalk Empire. 

For instance, Steve Buscemi's portrayal of Nucky Thompson has become emblematic of astute political cunning; Michael Shannon’s depiction as Nelson Van Alden has earned him widespread admiration for his skill in evoking empathy amidst disdain; Kelly Macdonald's nuanced performance as Margaret Schroeder showcases her extraordinary ability to convey both vulnerability and strength effortlessly.

The dynamic relationships between well-developed characters within Boardwalk Empire not only drive narratives but also resonate deeply with viewers. Consequently, delving into the lives and careers of every vital figure within the Boardwalk Empire cast serves to heighten our admiration for this exceptional television series. 

  • Aleksa Palladino
    Boardwalk Empire
    Aleksa Palladino (born September 21, 1980) is an American actress and singer, perhaps best known for her lead roles in Manny & Lo, The Adventures of Sebastian Cole, Find Me Guilty, Boardwalk Empire, Wrong Turn 2: Dead End, and Before the Devil Knows You're Dead. She also played a prominent role in the second season of the AMC period drama Halt and Catch Fire.
  • Bobby Cannavale
    Boardwalk Empire, Blue Bloods, Third Watch
    Bobby Cannavale, born on May 3, 1970, in Union City, New Jersey, USA, is an accomplished actor known for his dynamic roles in both the theater and Hollywood. He is of Italian descent from his father's side and Cuban from his mother's, a cultural mix that has deeply influenced his personal and professional life. His journey toward stardom began in the high school theater and continued to blossom when he moved to New York City, trading comfort for ambition. Cannavale's career breakthrough occurred in 1996 when he joined NBC's television series Third Watch, playing the character of Bobby Caffey. However, it was his portrayal of the whimsical and tough-talking character Vince D'Angelo in the popular sitcom Will & Grace that catapulted him to fame. This role earned him the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series and set the stage for a successful acting career. Not limited to the silver screen, Cannavale also left his mark on Broadway with his Tony-nominated performances in Mauritius and The Motherfucker with the Hat, demonstrating his range and versatility as an actor. In addition to his television and theater work, Cannavale has showcased his talent in various notable films. He starred alongside Paul Rudd in Ant-Man and its sequel, displaying his ability to handle comedic and action-packed roles. Moreover, his performance in the critically acclaimed film Blue Jasmine further solidified his position as a top-tier actor. Despite his success, Cannavale remains deeply committed to his craft, consistently seeking out challenging roles that push the boundaries of his skills.
  • Charlie Cox
    Boardwalk Empire, Daredevil, Top Gear Australia
    Charlie Thomas Cox (born 15 December 1982) is an English actor known for his roles as Matt Murdock / Daredevil in Daredevil (2015–2018) and The Defenders (2017), Tristan Thorn in Stardust (2007), Jonathan Hellyer Jones in The Theory of Everything (2014), and Owen Sleater in the second and third seasons of HBO's Boardwalk Empire (2011–2012).
  • Dabney Coleman

    Dabney Coleman

    Boardwalk Empire, Recess, Buffalo Bill
    Dabney Wharton Coleman (born January 3, 1932) is an American actor. Coleman's best known films include The Towering Inferno (1974), 9 to 5 (1980), On Golden Pond (1981), Tootsie (1982), WarGames (1983), Cloak & Dagger (1984), The Beverly Hillbillies (1993), You've Got Mail (1998), Recess: School's Out (2001), Moonlight Mile (2002), and Rules Don't Apply (2016).Coleman's television roles include the title character in Buffalo Bill (1983–1984), Burton Fallin in The Guardian (2001–2004), the voice of Principal Peter Prickly in Recess (1997–2001), and Louis "The Commodore" Kaestner in Boardwalk Empire (2010–2011). He has won one Primetime Emmy Award from six nominations and one Golden Globe Award from three nominations.
  • Gretchen Mol
    Boardwalk Empire, Life on Mars, Girls Club
    Gretchen Mol (born November 8, 1972) is an American actress and former model. She is known for her role as Gillian Darmody in the HBO series Boardwalk Empire. She also appeared in the films Rounders (1998), Celebrity (1998), The Thirteenth Floor (1999), The Notorious Bettie Page (2005), in which she played the title character, 3:10 to Yuma (2007) and Manchester by the Sea (2016).
  • Jack Huston
    Boardwalk Empire, Miss Austen Regrets
    Jack Alexander Huston (born 7 December 1982) is an English actor. He appeared as Richard Harrow in the HBO television drama series Boardwalk Empire. He also had a supporting role in the 2013 film American Hustle, and played the eponymous Ben-Hur in the 2016 historical drama.
  • Kelly Macdonald
    Boardwalk Empire, State of Play
    Kelly Macdonald (born 23 February 1976) is a Scottish actress best known for her roles in Trainspotting (1996), Gosford Park (2001), Intermission (2003), Nanny McPhee (2005), Boardwalk Empire (2010–2014), Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011), Brave (2012), and the Black Mirror episode, Hated in the Nation (2016). For the 2005 TV film The Girl in the Cafe, she was nominated for a Golden Globe and won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie. In 2003, she appeared in the acclaimed BBC miniseries State of Play as journalist Della Smith. For her role in the 2007 film No Country for Old Men, she was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. She went on to star for five seasons in the HBO series Boardwalk Empire (2010–2014) as Margaret Thompson, for which she received a 2011 Emmy Award nomination.
  • Kevin Carolan

    Kevin Carolan

    Kevin Carolan (born May 22, 1968; Bronx, NY) is an American actor and comedian. During his career, he has had roles on television, stage, and film.
  • Mark Wahlberg's story is a riveting tale of transformation, from a troubled youth to an accomplished actor and producer. Born on June 5, 1971, in Boston, Massachusetts, he was the youngest of nine children in a working-class family. His early life was marked by numerous run-ins with the law, spurred by substance abuse and a lack of direction. Despite these challenging beginnings, Wahlberg managed to turn his life around, channeling his energy into a passion for music and acting that would ultimately catapult him to stardom. Wahlberg's first taste of fame came in the music industry, where he initially performed as Marky Mark, the frontman of the hip-hop group Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. Their debut album Music for the People was a commercial success, featuring the hit single "Good Vibrations". However, it was in Hollywood where Wahlberg truly found his calling. His breakout role in Boogie Nights established him as a serious actor capable of delivering powerful performances. He has since starred in a string of successful films including The Departed, for which he received an Academy Award nomination, and Transformers: Age of Extinction, which remains one of the highest-grossing films of his career. In addition to his acting prowess, Wahlberg has also proven himself as a skilled producer. He co-founded the production company Closest to the Hole Productions, which has been responsible for several successful television series and movies, including the critically acclaimed Boardwalk Empire and Entourage. Wahlberg's journey, from his humble beginnings to his current status as one of Hollywood's most sought-after talents, is a testament to his resilience, determination, and undeniable talent.
  • Michael K. Williams
    The Wire, Boardwalk Empire, The Philanthropist
    Michael Kenneth Williams (November 22, 1966 – September 6, 2021) was an American actor. He played Omar Little on the HBO drama series The Wire and Albert "Chalky" White on the HBO series Boardwalk Empire. He was also acclaimed for his role as Jack Gee, husband of Bessie Smith, in the HBO telefilm biopic Bessie. He acted in supporting roles in a number of films and television series, including The Road, Inherent Vice, The Night Of, Gone Baby Gone, 12 Years a Slave, When We Rise, When They See Us, and Hap and Leonard. Williams received five Primetime Emmy Award nominations: three for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie, one for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (pending), and one for Outstanding Informational Series or Special.
  • Michael Pitt
    Boardwalk Empire, Dellaventura
    Michael Carmen Pitt (born April 10, 1981) is an American actor, model and musician. Pitt is known in film for his roles in Murder by Numbers (2002), Bernardo Bertolucci's The Dreamers (2003), Gus Van Sant's Last Days (2005), Michael Haneke's Funny Games (2007) and M. Night Shyamalan's The Village (2004), and in television for his roles as Henry Parker in the teen drama Dawson's Creek, Jimmy Darmody in the HBO series Boardwalk Empire and Mason Verger in the NBC series Hannibal. He has also appeared in the films Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001), Bully (2001), Silk (2007), Seven Psychopaths (2012), I Origins (2014), and Ghost in the Shell (2017).
  • Michael Shannon
    Boardwalk Empire, Rock Follies, Anything More Would Be Greedy
    Michael Shannon, a towering figure in the world of acting, began his illustrious career on stage and rapidly made his mark on both small and big screens. Born in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1974, he ventured into the acting world at an early age, making his film debut in Groundhog Day in 1993. However, it was his association with Chicago's A Red Orchid Theatre, where he served as a founding member, that honed his skills and made him a notable name in the industry. Shannon's breakout role came in the critically acclaimed drama Revolutionary Road in 2008. Under the expert direction of Sam Mendes, Shannon played John Givings, a mentally troubled man whose raw honesty shook the lives of a seemingly perfect couple, played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. His performance was so compelling that it earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. This was not his only brush with the prestigious awards; he was nominated once again in this category for his gripping performance as a determined detective in Nocturnal Animals (2016). Despite his success in mainstream cinema, Shannon never strayed from his roots in theater. He garnered rave reviews for his work in Tracy Letts's Bug and Killer Joe. His portrayal of the troubled protagonist in Long Day's Journey Into Night on Broadway earned him a Tony Award nomination.
  • Patrick Kennedy
    Bleak House
    Patrick Kennedy (born 26 August 1977) is an English actor and director. He studied English Literature and Language at St John's College, Oxford and then attended LAMDA. Kennedy's first screen role was in Peter Greenaway's The Tulse Luper Suitcases, followed by the role of Julian Bell in the BBC's Cambridge Spies. Kennedy's first lead role was playing Richard Carstone in the BBC adaptation of Charles Dickens' Bleak House, and he followed this with roles in Joe Wright's Atonement, Steven Spielberg's Munich, Richard Linklater's Me and Orson Welles, and Michael Hoffman's The Last Station. Kennedy recurred on the television series Boardwalk Empire in 2012, earning a nomination for Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series, and played the role of McKechnie in Parade's End, directed by Susanna White, written by Tom Stoppard. Kennedy's recent television roles have included Neil in Peep Show (Season 8), the lead role in ITV's Murder on the Home Front, a lead opposite Brendan Gleeson in the HBO pilot The Money, Sampson in ITV's Downton Abbey, Jock Colville with Michael Gambon in Churchill's Secret, directed by Charles Sturridge, and recurring roles in Hulu's The First, and Mrs Wilson for the BBC. Kennedy’s more recent film roles include Lieutenant Waverly in Steven Spielberg's War Horse, Roger Donaldson's November Man, Bill Condon's Mr Holmes (with Ian McKellen), Babak Najafi's London Has Fallen, and Lt. Col. Guy L'Estrange in Mike Leigh's Peterloo. Kennedy's stage roles include Lysander in A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Bristol Old Vic (directed by David Farr); George Holly in Michael Grandage's production of Suddenly Last Summer with Diana Rigg and Victoria Hamilton in the West End; the lead role of Jonathan in Everything is Illuminated at The Hampstead Theatre; Camille in Therese Raquin, at the National Theatre, directed by Marianne Elliott; Tom in The Glass Menagerie, for Shared Experience; Oliver in Polly Stenham's No Quarter, directed by Jeremy Herrin at the Royal Court; Don Caspar in Anna Ziegler's Photograph 51, with Nicole Kidman, directed by Michael Grandage at the Noel Coward Theatre. In 2017 Kennedy took the lead roles in Harold Pinter's The Lover and The Collection, directed by Michael Kahn for the Shakespeare Theatre Company, Lansburgh Theatre, Washington D.C. Kennedy has worked on several films with the British artist Nathaniel Mellors, playing the recurring Neanderthal character Voggen Williams in The Sophisticated Neanderthal Interview, Neanderthal Container, and the pub lecher, Uncle Tommy, in the Ourhouse series In 2018 Kennedy wrote and directed the short film The Human Voice, starring Rosamund Pike, adapted from the Jean Cocteau play La Voix Humaine. Kennedy portrayed astronaut Michael Collins in the documentary of the Apollo 11 mission, '8 Days: To the Moon and Back', shown on BBC2 on July 10 2019.
  • Paz de la Huerta
    Boardwalk Empire
    Paz de la Huerta, full name MarĂ­a de la Paz Elizabeth SofĂ­a Adriana de la Huerta, is an American actress and model of Spanish descent. Born on September 3, 1984, in New York City to a father renowned for his work as an authority on Spanish culture and a mother who was an authority on women's rights and third-world development, de la Huerta grew up surrounded by creativity, intellect, and social activism. Enamored with the world of performing arts from a young age, de la Huerta made her film debut at just fourteen in the comedy-drama The Object of My Affection. She then went on to portray diverse characters in both independent films and big-budget productions, gaining prominence for her roles in A Walk to Remember and Nurse 3D. De la Huerta's acting prowess earned her a place in the critically acclaimed HBO series Boardwalk Empire where she played Lucy Danziger, a performance that solidified her status as a powerful and versatile performer. In addition to her acting career, de la Huerta has made significant strides in the world of fashion. An unconventional beauty, she has modeled for various esteemed publications such as Vanity Fair and Vogue. Her distinctive style, often described as fearless and eccentric, has made her a favorite among fashion photographers. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, de la Huerta has consistently conveyed resilience, talent, and individuality, making her a unique figure in the realms of both film and fashion.
  • Stephen Graham
    Boardwalk Empire, Parade's End, Empire
    Stephen Graham (born 3 August 1973) is an English actor. He is known for his role as Andrew "Combo" Gascoigne in This Is England (2006) and its television sequels, This Is England '86 (2010), This Is England '88 (2011), and This Is England '90 (2015), as well as his roles as Tommy in Snatch (2000) and Scrum in the Pirates of the Caribbean films. On television, he starred in the fifth series of Line of Duty on BBC One and as Al Capone in Boardwalk Empire on HBO.
  • Steve Buscemi
    The Sopranos, Boardwalk Empire, Portlandia
    Steve Buscemi, born on December 13, 1957 in Brooklyn, New York, is a distinctive figure in the American film industry. With his unique features and compelling performances, Buscemi has etched a significant place for himself in Hollywood. Before embarking on his acting career, Buscemi worked as a firefighter in New York City, an experience that later led him to volunteer at Ground Zero after the September 11 attacks. Buscemi's acting career began in the mid-1980s with minor roles in films like Parting Glances and Slaves of New York. However, it was his collaboration with the Coen Brothers that brought him into the limelight. He delivered unforgettable performances in their films such as Miller's Crossing, Barton Fink, and Fargo, the latter earning him significant critical acclaim. Buscemi's ability to infuse characters with a blend of eccentricity and vulnerability quickly made him a sought-after character actor. In addition to his acting career, Buscemi has also established himself as a talented director. His directorial debut came in 1996 with the film Trees Lounge, in which he also starred. He went on to direct several episodes of the hit series The Sopranos, earning an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series. Regardless of the role he's playing, whether in front of the camera or behind it, Steve Buscemi consistently brings an intriguing blend of intensity and sensitivity that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
  • Vincent Piazza
    Boardwalk Empire
    Vincent Piazza (born May 25, 1976) is an American film, television and stage actor. He is best known for his portrayal of gangster Lucky Luciano in the HBO television series Boardwalk Empire. He has also played Earl Hefner in the comedy-drama Rocket Science (2007) and singer Tommy DeVito in Clint Eastwood's film adaptation of Jersey Boys (2014).
  • Greg Antonacci
    Makin' It, Busting Loose
    Gregory Gerald "Greg" Antonacci is an American television actor, director, producer and writer.
  • Shea Whigham
    Boardwalk Empire, Agent Carter
    Franklin Shea Whigham Jr. (born January 5, 1969) is an American actor. He portrayed Elias "Eli" Thompson in the HBO drama series Boardwalk Empire, and also had supporting roles in Kong: Skull Island, Death Note and True Detective. He appeared as Agent Michael Stasiak in Fast & Furious and Fast & Furious 6.
  • Anthony Laciura
    Boardwalk Empire
    Anthony Laciura (born September 27, 1951) is an American operatic tenor, noted for his abilities as a comprimario, and actor. Born in New Orleans, he studied voice there with Charles Paddock, also the teacher of Ticho Parly.
  • Michael Stuhlbarg
    Boardwalk Empire
    Michael Stuhlbarg (; born July 5, 1968) is an American actor. He rose to prominence as troubled university professor Larry Gopnik in the 2009 dark comedy film A Serious Man, directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. Stuhlbarg has appeared in numerous films and television series portraying real life figures, such as George Yeaman in Lincoln (2012), Lew Wasserman in Hitchcock (2012), Andy Hertzfeld in Steve Jobs (2015), Edward G. Robinson in Trumbo (2015), Abe Rosenthal in The Post (2017), and Arnold Rothstein in HBO's Boardwalk Empire (2010–2013). Other notable supporting roles include Men in Black 3 (2012), Blue Jasmine (2013), Arrival (2016), and Doctor Strange (2016), as well as the third season of the anthology television series Fargo (2017). In 2017, Stuhlbarg appeared in the critically acclaimed productions Call Me by Your Name, The Shape of Water, and The Post, all three of which were nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.
  • Skai Jackson
    Jessie, Bubble Guppies
    Skai Jackson (born April 8, 2002) is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Zuri Ross in the Disney Channel sitcom Jessie.
  • Anatol Yusef

    Anatol Yusef

    Anatol Yusef is a British stage, film and television actor. He is best known for his work in Last Orders, at The Royal Shakespeare Company and for his portrayal of Meyer Lansky in the television series Boardwalk Empire.
  • Paul Sparks
    Boardwalk Empire
    Paul Sparks is an American actor. He is known for playing Mickey Doyle on the HBO series Boardwalk Empire. He also appeared in Afterschool as Detective Eclisse. He played Carver in Mud. Sparks was born and raised in Oklahoma. He attended high school in Marlow. He is the son of a football coach and a teacher. Sparks studied at Oklahoma State University and then completed his degree at New York University, earning a BFA in Acting in 1995.
  • Chris Caldovino

    Chris Caldovino

    Chris Caldovino is an actor.
  • Meg Chambers Steedle

    Meg Chambers Steedle

    Meg Chambers Steedle is an American actress. She had a major supporting role in season 3 of the HBO series Boardwalk Empire, playing Billie Kent. She has worked extensively in theater, before appearing in the series, in productions including Barefoot in the Park and The Heir Apparent. As of February 2015, Chambers Steedle is a recurring character on NBC's "The Mysteries of Laura", portraying Detective Francesca "Frankie" Pulaski.