Mary and George cast: Full list of actors and characters in Sky drama
Julianne Moore and Nicholas Galitzine lead the cast of drama Mary & George, which is now airing on Starz in the US.
While Mary & George is available to stream in full on NOW and is airing its final episodes on Sky Atlantic here in the UK, US viewers are about to embark on the rollercoaster ride of the show for themselves.
Premiering on Starz from today (Friday 5th April), the new series is led by Academy Award winner Julianne Moore and breakout star Nicholas Galitzine, who is set to star in the upcoming talked-about film release of The Idea of You.
Here, Moore and Galitzine star as the formidable Mary and George Villiers, a mother and son duo who would stop at nothing to further their family's name and nobility. While it may sound like a work of fiction, the series delves into very real true story of the Villiers and how Mary thrust George in to the pursuit of King James I, played by Tony Curran.
Their quest was a fruitful one to say the least, as they became the most powerful family in England during the Jacobean era.
But while their path to power may appear seamless, the seven-parter shows how the mother and son's own relationship was pushed to the limits and as per the synopsis: "George must prove to himself that he can be defined by more than just his beauty."
Featuring a cast studded with familiar faces including Nicola Walker (Annika) and Niamh Algar (Malpractice) plus more, read on for everything you need to know about the cast of Mary & George.
Mary & George cast: Full list of actors and characters in Sky drama
The full cast list for Sky's Mary & George is below, but scroll on to find out more about the main characters and where you may have seen the actors before.
- Julianne Moore as Mary Villiers, Countess of Buckingham
- Nicholas Galitzine as George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham
- Tony Curran as King James IV of Scotland and I of England
- Niamh Algar as Sandie Brooks
- Laurie Davidson as Robert Carr, Earl of Somerset
- Sean Gilder as Sir Thomas Compton
- Adrian Rawlings as Sir Edward Coke
- Mark O’Halloran as Sir Francis Bacon
- Samuel Blenkin as Prince Charles
- Pearl Chanda as Frances Howard, Countess of Somerset
- Amelia Gething as Frances Coke, Viscountess Purbeck
- Kate Fleetwood as Cunning Mary
- Mirren Mack as Katherine Manners, Duchess of Buckingham
- Trine Dyrholm as Anne of Denmark, Queen of England and Scotland
- Simon Russell Beale as Sir George Villiers
- Joseph Mawle as Sir Walter Raleigh
- Nicola Walker as Elizabeth Coke, Lady Hatton
- Rina Mahoney as Laura Ashcattle
- Emily Fairn as Jenny
- Jacob McCarthy as Christopher 'Kit' Villiers, Earl of Anglesey
- Tom Victor as John Villiers, Viscount Purbeck
- Alice Grant as Susan Villiers
- Ankur Bahl as Xander the Bookkeeper
- Khalil Gharbia as Jean
- Dimitri Gripari as Vincent
- Angus Wright as Sir David Graham
- Charles Craddock as Cupbearer Lawrence
- David Weiss as the King of Denmark
- Lydia Fleming as Mrs. Anne Turner
- Matt Barkley as Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex
- Henry Felix as Camden Billy
- Simon Bass as Richard Weston
- Michael Ballard as Gervase Helwys
- Julian Harries as James Franklin
- Neil Hammond as Napier
- Dylan Brady as Peter Carr
- Unax Ugalde as Don Diego Sarmiento de Acuña, Count of Gondomar
- Aine McNamara as Maria Anna of Spain, The Spanish Infanta
- Alex Brendemühl as Gaspar de Guzmán y Pimentel, Count-Duke of Olivares
- Robert Lonsdale as John Felton
Julianne Moore plays Mary Villiers, Countess of Buckingham
Who is Mary Villiers? Mary is no-nonsense and doesn't spend time bestowing her children with affection. Rather, she wants them to have the life she never did and sends George to France to become the worldly gentleman she wants him to be – as well as the handsome lover of King James, who she has a feeling will take a shining to her son.
Where have I seen Julianne Moore before? The multi-award-winning actress is well known in Hollywood for film performances in The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Boogie Nights, The Hunger Games films and Kingsman: The Gold Circle. She has most recently starred alongside Natalie Portman and Charles Melton in May December.
Nicholas Galitzine plays George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham
Who is George Villiers? Somewhat naive at the start of the series, George isn't initially prepared for the journey he's about to embark on to win over the king's attention as one of his favourites. His mother very much calls the shots, but soon George likes the power he's afforded, and his relationship with Mary is tested as he's pushed further into the king's spotlight.
Where have I seen Nicholas Galitzine before? Galitzine rose to fame with leading roles in films like High Strung and Handsome Devil, going on to star in standout movies like Purple Hearts, Red, White & Royal Blue and, more recently, in 2023 comedy Bottoms. He is set to star opposite Anne Hathaway in romcom The Idea of You.
Tony Curran plays King James VI of Scotland and I of England
Who is King James? The son of Mary Queen of Scots, James ascended to the Scottish throne (as James VI) at just 13 months old, after his mother was forced to abdicate. He went on to succeed his cousin Elizabeth I as the monarch of England, known as the Union of the Crowns. In the series, he's married to Anne of Denmark, but had close relationships with male courtiers throughout his life, especially George Villiers and Robert Carr.
Where have I seen Tony Curran before? The Scottish actor has had numerous standout roles over the years, including in Thor: The Dark World, Doctor Who, Daredevil and Your Honor. More recently, he has starred in BBC's Mayflies opposite Martin Compston, and is set to star in Outlander prequel Blood of My Blood.
Niamh Algar plays Sandie Brooks
Who is Sandie Brooks? Sandie works in a brothel where Mary and Sir David meet to discuss their plans. It's through these meetings that Sandie and Mary start to form a romantic relationship and Sandie becomes the social climber's closest confindante.
Where have I seen Niamh Algar before? Algar is no stranger to TV dramas, having led the cast of Deceit and Malpractice, as well as being known for her roles in The Virtues, Suspect and Culprits. She has also starred in films like The Wonder and Censor.
Laurie Davidson plays Robert Carr, 1st Earl of Somerset
Who is Robert Carr? The 1st Earl of Somerset, Carr is the main favourite of the king's until George weaves his way into the crown's inner circle. Obviously, Robert isn't best pleased, and is George's main antagonist.
Where have I seen Laurie Davidson before? Known for his leading part as William Shakespeare in the TV series Will, Davidson is also known for his roles as Mr Mistoffelees in Cats and as Ingilmundr in The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die. He has also starred in Masters of the Air and The Sandman.
Pearl Chanda as Frances Howard, Countess of Somerset
Who is Francess, Countess of Somerset? Hailing from the powerful Howard family, Frances is the illustrious wife of Robert Carr but is his equal in scheming and soon becomes a major enemy for Mary and George.
Where have I seen Pearl Chanda before? Chanda has appeared in Arthur & George, See How They Run, Motherland, I May Destroy You, and War of the Worlds.
Trine Dyrholm plays Anne of Denmark, Queen of England and Scotland
Who is Queen Anne? Queen Anne is the wife of King James and has his best interests at heart – even if that does mean ensuring that her husband's lovers are vetted by her.
Where have I seen Trine Dyrholm before? The Danish actress has starred in numerous Danish productions over the years, including Queen of Hearts, A Royal Affair, Love is All You Need and The Commune.
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Angus Wright plays Sir David Graham
Who is Sir David Graham? Working for the king and queen, Sir David knows everything there is to know about what goes on behind closed doors in this royal family. He acts as the go-between for Mary, to ensure her son gets seen by the king as Sir David starts to doubt Robert Carr's place in society.
Where have I seen Angus Wright before? Wright has starred in a variety of roles in theatre, film and TV, with most recent performances in Dreaming Whilst Black, Bank of Dave and The Capture. Other notable roles include The Courier, Rogue One and The Crown.
Nicola Walker plays Elizabeth Coke, Lady Hatton
Who is Elizabeth Hatton? The matriarch of another noble family, Elizabeth is quick with her words and insults directed towards Mary. She is one of the families that have been accepted into the King's inner circle, so is slightly suspicious of Mary.
Where have I seen Nicola Walker before? TV fans will undoubtedly recognise Walker for roles ranging from The Split to Unforgotten, as well as Last Tango in Halifax and Spooks. Most recently, she starred opposite Sean Bean in Marriage and is the series lead in Annika.
Adrian Rawlins plays Sir Edward Coke
Who is Sir Edward Coke? A barrister, judge and politician, Sir Edward is married to Lady Hatton, and because of his high standing in society and place on the king's Privy Council, he is part of the upper echelons of society.
Where have I seen Adrian Rawlins before? Rawlins is known for his roles in the Harry Potter films as James Potter, but has also starred in numerous TV shows including Chernobyl, Grace, Andor and The Sixth Commandment.
Tom Victor plays John Villiers, 1st Viscount Purbeck
Who is John Villiers? John eventually comes to be known as the 1st Viscount Purbeck but is George's older brother, the eldest son of Sir George Villiers and Mary Beaumont. John suffers from an unspecified mental illness and is prone to violence.
Where have I seen Tom Victor before? Aside from Mary & George, Victor has most recently starred in Channel 4's TV film Consent.
Amelia Gething plays Frances Coke, Viscountess Purbeck
Who is Frances Coke? Frances is the daughter of Sir Edward Coke and Lady Hatton, who dutifully follows her mother's orders. But her mother disapproves of the idea of a marriage between her daughter and John.
Where have I seen Amelia Gething before? Gething started her career as a content creator, writing and starring in the BBC series The Amelia Gething Complex. She has also starred in Emily, The Spanish Princess and has been a voice actor in the game Hogwarts Legacy.
Mark O'Halloran plays Sir Francis Bacon
Who is Sir Francis Bacon? An enigmatic figure in the king's close circle at first, Sir Francis is a notable figure in British history - but in the series, he is the Lord High Chancellor, who starts to become more aware of the king's personal affairs and has a contentious relationship with Mary despite a liking for George.
Where have I seen Mark O'Halloran before? O'Halloran is an Irish scriptwriter and actor known for his roles in The Virtues and Adam & Paul. He has also starred in Devils and Brassic.
Sean Gilder plays Sir Thomas Compton
Who is Sir Thomas Compton? Sir Thomas is the husband of Mary, and in the series, we see how it's an advantageous arrangement for both sides after the death of Mary's husband.
Where have I seen Sean Gilder before? Gilder is known for his roles in Gangs of New York and King Arthur, as well as TV roles in The Gold, Sherwood, Shadow and Bone and Slow Horses.
Jacob McCarthy plays Christopher "Kit" Villiers, 1st Earl of Anglesey
Who is Kit Villiers? Known as Kit to everyone, Christopher is one of the Villiers siblings who benefit greatly from older brother George's ascension in society.
Where have I seen Jacob McCarthy before? McCarthy is known for his roles in SAS Rogue Heroes and AP Bio, as well as The Drummer and the Keeper and The Last Summer.
Alice Grant plays Susan Villiers, Countess of Denbigh
Who is Susan Villiers? Susan is the youngest child of Sir George and Mary, often wanting praise and affection from her mother but getting nothing in return. She isn't one for the limelight like other members of her family and is a bit of a wallflower.
Where have I seen Alice Grant before? Mary & George is Grant's first on-screen role.
Mirren Mack plays Katherine Manners, Duchess of Buckingham
Who is Katherine Manners? A rich aristocrat who is targeted by Mary Villiers to become the bridge of George. Katherine goes on to become the Duchess of Buckingham and has four children with him.
Where have I seen Mirren Mack before? Mack is best known for her roles in the BBC drama The Nest, Sex Education, and the Netflix miniseries The Witcher: Blood Origin.
Samuel Blenkin plays Prince Charles
Who is Charles? Quiet and observant in the series, Charles is the second son of King James, and became heir apparent after the death of his older brother, inheriting a raft of titles in the process. Eventually, Charles became King Charles I of England and Scotland.
Where have I seen Samuel Blenkin before? Blenkin is perhaps best known for his recent appearance in Black Mirror's Loch Henry episode, as well as his roles in The Witcher: Blood Origin, The Sandman and Atlanta.
Joseph Mawle plays Sir Walter Raleigh
Who is Sir Walter Raleigh? A legendary explorer and military icon, Sir Walter Raleigh had a troubled relationship with King James and previously was held in the Tower of London for sedition. Now Sir Walter returns to England and becomes a point of diplomatic tension between his King and the Spanish monarchy.
Where have I seen Joseph Mawle before? Mawle is best known for numerous roles including Game of Thrones, Ripper Street, The Passion, Troy: Fall of a City, and portraying Adar in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 1.
Unax Ugalde plays Don Diego Sarmiento de Acuña, Count of Gondomar
Who is the Count of Gondomar? A key Spanish diplomat in England and a close friend of King James whom he affectionately refers to as "Diego".
Where have I seen Unax Ugalde before? A Spanish-Basque actor who has been nominated for a Goya award, Ugalde is best known for his roles in Spanish cinema and other films such as Goya's Ghosts, Che: Part 1, There Be Dragons, and Dracula.
Alex Brendemühl as Gaspar de Guzmán y Pimentel, Count-Duke of Olivares
Who is Olivares? The favourite and closest advisor of King Philip IV of Spain enters into a game of diplomatic cat-and-mouse with George.
Where have I seen Alex Brendemühl before? A Spanish-German actor, Brendemühl is best known for portraying Nazi war criminal Josef Mengele in The German Doctor.
Aine McNamara plays Maria Anna of Spain, The Spanish Infanta
Who is The Spanish Infanta? The daughter of King Philip III of Spain and Margaret of Austria, the sister of King Philip IV of Spain, and a potential marriage prospect for Prince Charles.
Where have I seen Aine McNamara before? This is McNamara's first major role.
Robert Lonsdale plays John Felton
Who is John Felton? A disaffected lieutenant in the British army who confronts George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham in an inn in Portsmouth.
Where have I seen Robert Lonsdale before? Lonsdale is an actor on stage and screen and is best known for his role as Connor in Michaela Coel's Chewing Gum and as Rick in the Channel 4 comedy-drama Chivalry.
Read More:
- Mary & George true story: Was King James really gay?
- Mary & George review: Julianne Moore is on electric form in this overlooked historical tale
- Nicholas Galitzine opens up on “exciting” representation in Mary & George
- Mary & George goes to places that Bridgerton wouldn’t dare
- Julianne Moore and Nicholas Galitzine tease tragedy in Mary & George
Mary & George is available to stream on NOW and will air on Starz in the US from Friday 5th April. Find Sky deals here. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on.
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Authors
Morgan Cormack is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering everything drama-related on TV and streaming. She previously worked at Stylist as an Entertainment Writer. Alongside her past work in content marketing and as a freelancer, she possesses a BA in English Literature.
Lewis Knight is the Trends Editor for Radio Times, covering trending titles from TV, Film and more. He previously worked at The Mirror in TV, Film, and Showbiz coverage alongside work on SEO. Alongside his past work in advertising, he possesses a BSc in Psychology and an MA in Film Studies.
