
A Nicole Kidman and David E. Kelley collaboration is enough reason to try a show. After all, the prestige TV duo has already brought us the captivating shows Big Little Lies (opens in new tab) and The Undoing. (opens in new tab) Lucky for us, Hulu's Nine Perfect Strangers (opens in new tab), premiering August 18, has also stacked its cast with a number of beloved actors, including Melissa McCarthy, Regina Hall, and Luke Evans. Nine Perfect Strangers takes its viewers to Tranquillum House, an all-inclusive wellness retreat run by Russian guru Masha (Kidman). Masha has handpicked nine people who all need to heal from inner demons, but as the retreat goes on, the guests realize that Masha's unorthodox methods may mean using those inner demons against them. The ensemble drama has a large cast to keep track of, so here's a rundown on who's who in Nine Perfect Strangers.
Nicole Kidman as Masha Dmitrichenko
Wellness guru Masha runs Tranquillum House, an uber-expensive, secluded retreat in Northern California. A former CEO who quit after a near-death experience, Masha handpicks Tranquillum's guests and uses unorthodox methods to make them better people. Kidman has become the prestige-TV queen in recent years, thanks to her collaborations with David E. Kelley (Big Little Lies, The Undoing). The Australian actress is also, of course, a movie star, known for her roles in Moulin Rouge and Cold Mountain.
Tiffany Boone as Delilah
One of Masha's attendants, Delilah has a mysterious past that led to her working at Tranquillum House. Though she believes that Masha is amazing, Delilah has reservations about her methods, not to mention how close Masha is to Delilah's boyfriend, Yao. Boone had a star turn last year, playing the younger version of Kerry Washington's character, Mia, in Little Fires Everywhere. The Baltimore native has also appeared in the series The Chi, Hunters, and The Following.
Manny Jacinto as Yao
Tranquillum House attendant Yao has an intense connection to Masha. Besides being her right hand at the retreat, Yao was the paramedic who treated Masha on the night she "died." Now he has to balance his devotion to Masha with his relationship with Delilah. Jacinto's breakthrough role was playing gentle idiot Jason Mendoza in the NBC comedy The Good Place. Since then his career blown up, including being cast in the Top Gun remake.
Melissa McCarthy as Frances Welty
Romance novelist Frances Welty has had a rough year. She has a bad back, her publishers want to end her contract, and she's been scammed by a man she met online. She arrives at Tranquillum House nursing a lot of wounds, but she's hesitant about giving in to the experience. Melissa McCarthy is a comedy icon, who received an Oscar nomination for her performance in Bridesmaids. Lately she's shown that she's excellent at dramatic acting as well, receiving a second nomination for the film Can You Ever Forgive Me? McCarthy's also set to play Ursula in the live-action The Little Mermaid remake.
Bobby Cannavale as Tony Hogburn
Tony is a former football star who has become addicted to painkillers after a severe injury. Though he came to Tranquillum House willingly, he's stubborn and antagonistic towards Masha and all of the wellness methods she uses. He also has a lot to work through, if Masha can get through to him. New Jersey-born Cannavale has won Emmy awards for his roles in Will and Grace, Nurse Jackie, and Boardwalk Empire. Besides appearing in more than a few of your favorite shows, he's also been in a relationship with Bridesmaids actress Rose Byrne for eight years.
Michael Shannon as Napoleon Marconi
Napoleon is the head of the Marconi family, who have come to Tranquillum House to heal from the death of their son and brother, Zach. A high school teacher, Napoleon is very positive, more than a little goofy, and tries to look on the bright side of things. Shannon mostly works in film and has been nominated for two Oscars, for his roles in Revolutionary Road and Nocturnal Animals. Most recently he played Walt Thromby in the murder mystery film Knives Out.
Asher Keddie as Heather Marconi
Wife of Napoleon and mother to Zoe, Heather Marconi is still reeling for the death of her son Zach. She's extremely protective of her daughter, Zoe, and she's at odds with Masha and her unorthodox methods from the first session. Born in Melbourne, Keddie was dubbed the "Golden Girl of Australian Televison" in 2014. She has recently appeared in the Netflix mini-series Stateless alongside Cate Blanchett.
Grace Van Patten (opens in new tab) as Zoe Marconi
Twenty-year-old Zoe came to Tranquillum House with her parents to heal from the death of her twin brother, Zach, three years prior. The retreat is a rough time for the whole family, as it takes place during what would be Zach's 21st birthday. New York-native Van Patten got her start with small roles in HBO series The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire. Recently she appeared in the indie film Good Posture and the Netflix series Maniac.
Regina Hall as Carmel
Carmel is a mother of four who recently divorced from her husband. Her sweet and agreeable nature is often interrupted by violent outbursts, hinting that there may be more to her past that she's revealing. Hall got her start in comedic acting in the Scary Movie franchise and The Best Man, and she's recently earned raves for her dramatic performances in the films Support the Girls and The Hate U Give. She currently stars in the Showtime dark comedy Black Monday.
Luke Evans as Lars
Lars is a mysterious guest who tries to sneak contraband, from sugary treats to a phone and Apple watch, into Tranquillum House. He has also recently broke up with his partner, though he's reluctant about Masha's methods. Best known among Disney kids (and adults) for playing Gaston in the live-action Beauty and the Beast, Evans has also appeared in the Fast and Furious franchise and The Hobbit franchise. He'll also play Gaston in an upcoming Disney+ series.
Samara Weaving as Jessica
Jessica is a social media influencer who hopes the retreat with help repair a rift in her marriage. She also has some baggage to work out regarding her self-esteem and image. Australian actor Weaving got her start on the star-vehicle soap opera Home and Away (other alums include Chris Hemsworth and Naomi Watts). She has starred in the excellent horror film Ready or Not (high key recommend); and has also appeared in the films Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri and Snake Eyes.
Melvin Gregg as Ben
Jessica's husband Ben shows up at the retreat in his beloved Lamborghini. But he's also a little aimless, and wonders what comes next for people who actually achieve wellness (honestly, same). Gregg became famous on the video platform Vine (RIP), where his comedy videos got him 7 million followers in three years. He's appeared in the series UnREAL, American Vandal, and Snowfall.
Quinci LeGardye is a Contributing Culture Editor who covers TV, movies, Korean entertainment, books, and pop culture. When she isn’t writing or checking Twitter, she’s probably watching the latest K-drama or giving a concert performance in her car.
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