Where You've Seen The Cast Of The White Lotus Season 2 Before
When "The White Lotus" debuted in 2021, the six-episode anthology series quickly became a success. A stellar cast, scathing satire of humanity's self-absorption, and compelling storylines helped the show to shine in its originality and Season 1 won 10 Primetime Emmy Awards from its 20 nominations. Created by writer and director Mike White, "The White Lotus" leaps over standard genre formats. As noted in a Variety review of the first season, the show is "a fascinating trick of light that bends its interlocking stories with the kind of impressive dexterity we've come to expect from White."
The fictional (and breathtakingly beautiful) White Lotus resort on Maui serves as the mask for the dysfunction of the wealthy, seemingly perfect Season 1 characters. "The White Lotus" Season 2 raises the stakes even higher. Set at a resort nestled among the sweeping vistas of Sicily, Season 2 heightens both drama and levity while adding a hint of foreboding horror. According to Deadline, Episode 5 of Season 2 scored the show its highest same-day audience ever, with 2.3 million viewers tuning in. The Season 1 finale held the show's previous high of 1.9 million people watching in real-time.
Bigger and bolder than the first season, "The White Lotus" Season 2 comes with a larger mysterious body count as multiple storylines weave and effortlessly overlap. The ensemble cast includes a plethora of recognizable character actors. Here's where you may have seen these talented performers before.
Theo James as Cameron
In the opening moments of "The White Lotus" Season 2, we're introduced to a group of excited Americans, including Cameron Sullivan (Theo James). The rich, charismatic, and arrogant Cameron is joined on his exclusive Italian holiday by his wife, Daphne (Meghann Fahy), his old college roommate, Ethan, and Ethan's wife, Harper (Aubrey Plaza). Cameron quickly reveals cracks behind his charming demeanor through passive condescension toward Ethan and by cheating on Daphne days into their vacation.
The malevolent Cameron provides a sharp contrast from Theo James' most well-known role as the heroic Four in the "Divergent" film franchise. James also portrayed protagonist and doomed time traveler Henry DeTamble in the HBO Max series, "The Time Traveler's Wife." In a review of "The Time Traveler's Wife," The Hollywood Reporter called James "dashing and a little sardonic" –- qualities found in many heroes of film and television. However, "The White Lotus" allows James to explore the depths of a more morally ambiguous character than many of his previous roles allowed.
In his own mind, Cameron isn't an antagonist, and he still loves his wife. Nonetheless, he comes from a mindset of self-entitlement that allows him to rationalize his questionable choices. James chatted with Collider about Cameron, "In his arrogance and his place of privilege, he thinks that money allows certain people to do what they want to do, which is obviously a completely toxic place to think from," the actor said.
Will Sharpe as Ethan
In "The White Lotus" Season 2, British actor Will Sharpe portrays newly wealthy American start-up genius Ethan Spiller. Ethan is easily influenced by his old friend, Cameron, and seemingly wants to impress him. However, unlike Cameron, Ethan remains faithful to his wife, Harper, and values his marriage. Unfortunately, the couple fails to address the cracks in their relationship which then threaten to become chasms.
Sharpe deftly infuses his role with the nuances of a man who must discern how to confront his own flaws while remaining a good human. He covets the easy world of privilege to which Cameron belongs. Sharpe sat down with Vulture to discuss Ethan's perspective on his marital issues. "What starts to bubble through is that he's also worried they're not as good as they tell themselves they are. When she [Harper] confronts him with that, he's not ready," he stated.
Before his leading role in "The White Lotus," Sharpe voiced Elias in the Netflix adult cartoon drama "The House." Although the actor has built a solid resume on British shows like "Flowers" and "Defending the Guilty," he began his career as a writer and director. Sharpe was a writer on the long-running British pop music game show, "Never Mind the Buzzcocks." The actor also wrote and co-directed the independent feature drama "Black Pond." According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film garnered stellar reviews from critics and audiences alike.
Aubrey Plaza as Harper
Aubrey Plaza is definitely one of the most recognizable faces in "The White Lotus" Season 2. The actress portrays Harper Spiller, an employment attorney who doesn't love the ostentatious vacation she's taking with her husband, Ethan, and his frenemies, Cameron and Daphne. Harper isn't impressed with Cameron's performative life or his trappings of wealth, and she projects her own insecurities into disdain for others who mask theirs well. Plaza brings her comedic talents to her role, but she isn't the jokey presence some fans of her past performances may expect. The Hollywood Reporter called Plaza one of the "standouts" among the phenomenal Season 2 cast, and The A.V. Club declared Plaza's performance proof of "why she's one of the most fascinating performers around."
Fans might remember Plaza from many of the performances on her lengthy resume. However, her comedic turn as April Ludgate on the sitcom "Parks and Recreation" launched her widespread recognition. Per IMDb, Plaza appeared in 124 episodes of the Amy Poehler-led series. Plaza's deadpan delivery style has served the actress well in both light comedy and heavy, dramatic storylines. She has appeared on television shows like "Criminal Minds" and "Legion," while amassing a number of film credits too.
Plaza often stars in quirky independent movies that blend dark comedy and drama. She lent her dry delivery to roles in the dark comedy "Life After Beth" and the dark comedy-drama "Ingrid Goes West" among many other memorable films.
Meghann Fahy as Daphne
As Daphne in "The White Lotus" Season 2, Meghann Fahy conveys depth and emotion beneath the surface of a trophy wife veneer. Daphne is aware of her husband's infidelities, and she understands the tension between her trip mates, Ethan and Harper. Fahy portrays Daphne with fleshed-out layers — there's an intelligence beneath Daphne's blissful ignorance. Harper's Bazaar declared Fahy the "breakout star" of Season 2 of "The White Lotus" and said, "Her warmth feels genuine, a trait I recognize from the roles she plays. It's how she brings grace and humanity to characters who could easily slide into two-dimensional caricatures."
Fahy made her onscreen debut as Devyn in a 2009 episode of "Gossip Girl" and steadily built an impressive acting resume with guest appearances on network series. Fahy had short episodic arcs on shows like "Chicago Fire" and "Blue Bloods." The actress has four independent feature films under her belt, including the political thriller, "Miss Sloane," which co-starred Jessica Chastain and "The White Lotus" Season 1 alum Jake Lacy.
Before her powerful turn as Daphne, Fahy starred as Sutton Brady on the Freeform comedy-drama "The Bold Type," appearing in over 50 episodes of the streaming series. A Vanity Fair review of "The Bold Type" stated, "You might think you're too jaded to fall for a series like this. But in reality, it's tough to make it through an episode ... without finding yourself strangely and startlingly invested in the series and its charming cast."
Haley Lu Richardson as Portia
In "The White Lotus" Season 2, we meet Portia (Haley Lu Richardson), the beleaguered assistant of Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge). When Tanya's new husband, Greg (Jon Gries), complains about Portia's presence on their vacation, Tanya tells her twenty-something assistant to stay close but hidden. Portia's journey throughout the season provides one of the largest character arcs on the show. She first falls for fellow American traveler Albie (Adam DiMarco) and then the shady Jack (Leo Woodall), but in the process manages to find her voice. The timid, insecure girl of the first few episodes transforms into a woman who knows what she wants.
Haley Lu Richardson, who portrays Portia, debuted in the 2012 Christmas disaster television movie, "Christmas Twister," and she's consistently acted in both television and film roles since. The actress is probably most recognizable from her role in the coming-of-age feature "The Edge of Seventeen." In the film, Richardson plays the selfish and vain Krista, the mercurial best friend of protagonist Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld). According to Rotten Tomatoes, the movie garnered acclaim from both critics and audiences.
Richardson told The A.V. Club that she wrote a fantasy letter to manifest her part in "The White Lotus." The actress said, "One of the things I literally wrote was, 'I'm so thankful that I got to work with Mike White, and it was such a beautiful experience...' A couple months later, I got the audition, and then I got the job!"
F. Murray Abraham as Bert Di Grasso
Much like its predecessor, "The White Lotus" Season 2 highlights the dysfunctions, lies, and imperfect beauty of family relationships. Throughout the show, the love of a flawed family shines through the trio of Di Grasso men. F. Murray Abraham portrays patriarch Bert Di Grasso with fleshed-out nuance and the aplomb only an actor of his pedigree can muster. Bert is the pervy, aging father of Dominic (Michael Imperioli) and grandfather of Albie. Although he displays signs of dementia, Bert takes his old age in stride, repurposes his own flawed past as idyllic, and hits on any young woman who crosses his path.
"The White Lotus" is far from Abraham's first foray into television, and he also stars as C.W. Longbottom on the Apple TV+ comedy series "Mythic Quest." However, Abraham is best known for his storied film work. The actor first graced the silver screen in the 1971 comedy, "They Might Be Giants" and has amassed 130 acting credits over five decades. He portrayed famed Italian composer Antonio Salieri in the biopic "Amadeus"– a transformative part that earned him a 1985 Academy Award for best actor in a leading role.
Abraham's 21st-century films allowed him to further explore the depths of quirky characters. The actor co-starred in Wes Anderson's "The Grand Budapest Hotel" as Mr. Moustafa and as Bud Grossman in the Coen Brothers' brilliant black comedy, "Inside Llewyn Davis."
Adam DiMarco as Albie Di Grasso
Perpetual nice guy Albie Di Grasso (Adam DiMarco) experiences the rough seas of romance on "The White Lotus" Season 2. Albie accompanies his wealthy father, Dominic, and grandfather, Bert, on a trip to Sicily where Bert hopes to retrace his mother's Sicilian roots. Albie — who longs to prove he's cut from a different cloth than his philandering dad and grandpa — looks for love among the White Lotus guests. Unfortunately, his earnest, kind nature makes him an easy mark for romantic interests who want to use him.
DiMarco spoke to GQ about his connection with Albie and his decision to portray him. "There were a lot of similarities between us and obviously the show's f***ing amazing. It's very rare that you get a chance to do a second season of something that's already been established — and established as great. The biggest no-brainer of my life."
The actor has quietly built his acting resume in mostly supporting roles, but his characters exude likable authenticity. DiMarco starred as werewolf Randall Carpio on the short-lived Netflix series "The Order," a character who shares Albie's earnestness and cheerful nature. He also played the dorky Todd on the sci-fi series, "The Magicians" –- a Brakebills University magician desperate to find acceptance among the cool kids.
Tom Hollander as Quentin
When we first meet Quentin (Tom Hollander) in "The White Lotus" Season 2, he seems like a true friend to Tanya. He and "the gays" — Quentin's group of homosexual friends who live in Palermo –- immediately befriend the melancholic heiress. Quentin brings joy to Tanya's life that she hasn't experienced in some time. Alas, all is not what it seems and the gays may not have the best intentions for their new friend.
Hollander sat down with The Wrap to discuss Quentin's interest in Tanya. "Quentin is trying to give her the confidence to not be limited by her unsatisfactory marriage or unfulfilling marriage," the British character actor explained. "He's compassionately misleading her, I suppose."
Hollander began his career as a stage actor in the early 1980s before making his film debut in the searing Irish drama, "Some Mother's Son." The actor brings a quirky calm to his film roles -– many of which hold traces of Quentin. Hollander played Kings George, Nicholas II, and Wilhelm II in the spy film "The King's Man" starring Ralph Fiennes. Among other significant credits, Hollander appeared in the apocalyptic thriller "Bird Box" as the villain, Gary.
Sabrina Impacciatore as Valentina
Always the consummate host, Sicilian hotel manager Valentina (Sabrina Impacciatore) spends most of "The White Lotus" Season 2 as a background character. Valentina puts the needs of her guests above her own and suppresses her desires. Italian actress Sabrina Impacciatore delivers most of her lines in Italian, but her sparse English is full of humor. By season's end, Impacciatore effortlessly delivers Valentina's beautiful awakening as her character finally discovers joy in her lesbian sexuality.
The Daily Beast calls Valentina the "unsung hero" of Season 2. While her storyline isn't as front and center as those of the White Lotus guests, Valentina develops naturally and Impacciatore has impeccable comedic timing. In a profile of the actress and her character, NBC News proclaimed that Impacciatore "steals the show." The news outlet spoke with the actress about her thoughts on the series, and she shared, "It's exactly the kind of cinema that I long for. It's deep and intelligent, but it's funny. It contains different genres. It doesn't look like anything else."
Impacciatore is a new face to Hollywood. However, she's enjoyed over two decades as a comedienne and actress in Italy. Her credits include co-starring in "There's No Place Like Home," an Italian comedy-drama from director Gabriele Muccino, who has previously helmed Hollywood dramas like "The Pursuit of Happyness" and "Seven Pounds."
Leo Woodall as Jack
In "The White Lotus" Season 2, Leo Woodall plays Jack, a fun, silly, partying ex-pat Brit — or is he? Jack first pops up to take a dip in the resort's pool as Portia looks on, and he soon makes a romantic play for Tanya's depressed assistant. The two hook up and travel together to Paloma before Portia discovers Jack's duplicitous nature.
Woodall infuses his performance with likeability, which makes the revelations of Jack's malevolent character harder to digest. Jack's fate appears vague at best, and as Den of Geek pointed out, "The revelation that Jack isn't part of the wealthy elite all on his own is a little scary for viewers who remember that the lower class never has a good fate in this show."
A relative newcomer to the screen, Woodall is just as convincing as Leo as the more seasoned cast members are in their roles. In 2019, the actor debuted in his first feature-length film when he portrayed Rodgers in the Apple TV+ army drama "Cherry" starring Tom Holland, although critics panned the movie on Rotten Tomatoes. Woodall also played the brooding royal vampire Adrian Ivashkov in a two-episode arc on the Peacock adaptation fantasy series, "Vampire Academy."
Michael Imperioli as Dominic Di Grasso
Michael Imperioli stars in "The White Lotus" Season 2 as womanizing Hollywood producer Dominic Di Grasso. Dominic's marriage is in shambles, his daughter won't talk to him, and his son, Albie, has begrudgingly accompanied him on vacation. Dominic cheated on his wife throughout their marriage, yet he blames his father, Bert, for many of his flaws. Dominic lacks true self-awareness, but Imperioli fleshes out his character's humanity which allows the audience to feel some sympathy for him.
Most fans will recognize Imperioli from his legacy of work on "The Sopranos." Imperioli played Christopher Moltisanti, the young, brash mob captain who works for his uncle, Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), from Season 1 of the hit series until the character meets his demise in Season 6.
After he departed from "The Sopranos," Imperioli continued to work regularly in film and television. Notably, the actor played NYPD detective Sellitto in the singular season of the NBC crime drama, "Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for the Bone Collector." Imperioli also portrayed Angelo Dundee in actress Regina King's directorial debut "One Night in Miami..." That film, which is centered on a fictionalized night shared by Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir) and Cassius Clay (Eli Goree), features Imperioli as boxing trainer Dundee. In 2021, "One Night in Miami..." earned three Academy Award nominations.
Jennifer Coolidge as Tanya McQuoid
Spanning both seasons of "The White Lotus," the story arc of Tanya McQuoid (Jennifer Coolidge) is heartbreakingly tragic. Season 2 picks up after Tanya's Hawaiian romance with Greg Hunt, and the couple is now married. Although the details are slow to unfold, it becomes apparent that Tanya is Greg's mark in a long con. Tanya's oblivious nature and vast wealth have left her isolated — ultimately, she just wants to be loved.
Coolidge spoke to Variety about the traits she shares with her character. "I'm saying Mike stole that from me, Jennifer Coolidge, and made it a Tanya thing — her obliviousness," she said. In lesser hands, Tanya could've come off as a pitiable creature. However, Coolidge doesn't just play Tanya for laughs, and this adds layers to her character.
Coolidge's comedic genius has graced screens since the 1990s, and the actress is best known for her portrayal of Stifler's mom in the "American Pie" franchise. Among many other successful comedy roles, the actress co-starred in the Christopher Guest mockumentaries "Best in Show" and "A Mighty Wind." While "The White Lotus" stands as somewhat of a departure for Coolidge, the Emmy she won for her portrayal of Tanya proves she has the acting chops to master drama as well as comedy.