The horror anthology show THEM stars an excellent ensemble in its first season, including many recognizable actors. The story follows the Emorys, a Black family moving from North Carolina to an all-white neighborhood in Compton, California in the 1950s. However, their new home is full of threats, both from the racism of their white neighbors and the lurking presence in their house.
The cast includes several veteran actors alongside relative newcomers portraying the younger Emorys and the people involved in their lives. Although THEM is not related to Jordan Peele’s Us and takes a very different narrative direction, they do have a cast member in common.
The supporting cast even features well-known names in brief roles. Anika Noni Rose, best known for voicing Tiana in The Princess and the Frog, appears as Ella Mae, and Star Trek actor Tim Russ plays the school custodian, but they are far from the only familiar faces in the show.
Deborah Ayorinde as Livia “Lucky” Emory
Deborah Ayorinde stars as Lucky Emory, the mother of the family relocating to Compton. Lucky, a former teacher now focused on raising her two daughters, is haunted by events that took place in North Carolina as well as the presence in her house. Ayorinde previously played Candace on Luke Cage and Becca Hays on True Detective, and she also appeared as Simone in Girls Trip and Rachel Ross in Harriet.
Ashley Thomas as Henry Emory
Ashley Thomas co-stars as Henry Emory, the father of the family, World War II veteran, and the first Black engineer hired at his new company. Thomas, a British actor, has appeared as Isaac Carter in 24: Legacy, Jermaine in Top Boy, Calvin Hart in The Night Of, and Alonzo Carter in the short-lived Salvation.
Shahadi Wright Joseph as Ruby Emory
Shahadi Wright Joseph plays eldest daughter Ruby Emory, a teenager heading to a white high school after the family’s move to Compton. She is best known as Zora Wilson in Jordan Peele’s Us, and she also voiced the young Nala in 2019’s The Lion King.
Melody Hurd as Gracie Emory
Melody Hurd plays Gracie Emory, the younger daughter just starting to attending kindergarten and the first to be haunted by the malevolent forces in the house. Hurd is a newcomer, but played Janice in Trick and is set to appear in the upcoming movie Fatherhood.
Alison Pill as Betty Wendell
Alison Pill plays Betty Wendell, a resident of the Emorys’ new neighborhood. She is determined to keep the neighborhood segregated and drive the Emorys away by any means necessary. Pill is known for other roles such as Kim Pine in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Teacher in Snowpiercer, Maggie Jordan in The Newsroom, Ivy Mayfair-Richards in American Horror Story, and Dr. Agnes Jurati in Star Trek: Picard.
Supporting Cast & Characters
Liam McIntyre as Clarke Wendell: Betty Wendell’s husband. McIntyre took over the titular role of Spartacus when the previous actor departed due to illness.
Derek Phillips as Sgt. Bull Wheatley: A police officer often called in to handle the intensifying situations at the Emory and Wendell households. He is known for playing Billy Riggins on Friday Night Lights.
Paula Jai Parker as Hazel: Henry Emory’s cousin who lives in the nearby Black community in Watts. Parker previously appeared as Lexus in Hustle & Flow, Felicia in Phone Booth, and Stephanie Sanders in A House Divided.
Christopher Heyerdahl as The Black Hat Man: The apparition haunting Lucky Emory. Heyerdahl is best known for playing The Swede in Hell on Wheels.
Jeremiah Birkett as Tap Dance Man: A minstrel show performer haunting Henry Emory. He has played Lee Garner on Lucifer and Principal Hayes on Euphoria among many other guest star roles.
Ryan Kwanten as George Bell: The milkman who becomes involved with Betty Wendell. The Australian actor is best known for playing Jason Stackhouse on True Blood.
Sophie Guest as Doris: Ruby Emory’s friend at her new school. She has appeared in small roles in Jack Reacher and The Fault in Our Stars.
THEM released April 9, 2021 on Amazon Prime.