“The Residence” is now streaming on Netflix, and there are a whole lot of suspects. But that’s what happens when someone gets murdered during a major White House event.
Shonda Rhimes’ new series centers on the murder of the White House Chief Usher A.B. Wynter, who is killed during an event that brings literal hundreds of people to the presidential residence. Don’t worry, you don’t need to keep track of all 157 suspects throughout the series. But you do need to know quite a few of them.
To make your life easier, we have rounded up the key players below.
Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba)
Cordelia Cupp is a famed detective and avid birder called in to consult on the case for the Metropolitan Police Department. She is played by Uzo Aduba, who shot to fame with “Orange is the New Black.”
Edwin Park (Randall Park)
Edwin Park is a federal agent assigned to work alongside Detective Cupp on the night of the state dinner, but is initially skeptical of her investigative style. He’s played by Marvel and “Fresh Off the Boat” alum Randall Park.
A.B. Wynter (Giancarlo Esposito)
A.B. Wynter is the White House chief usher, and sadly the murder victim at the heart of the story. He’s played by Giancarlo Esposito, known for his time on “Better Call Saul,” “The Gentlemen,” “The Mandalorian” and more.
Aaron Filkins (Al Franken)
Aaron Filkins is the senior senator from Washington State, who leads the questioning in court of everything that happened, and he’s played by a real former senator. Al Franken, also known for his time writing on “Saturday Night Live” plays the character.
Irv Samuelson (Andrew Friedman)
Irv Samuelson is the director of the National Park Police, and he’s played by Andrew Friedman. The actor is best known for roles on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” “GLOW” and “Better Call Saul.”
Stephen Roos (Julian McMahon)
Stephen Roos is the prime minister of Australia, and he’s played by Julian McMahon. Most recently, McMahon stars in “FBI: Most Wanted,” but you may also recognize him as Dr. Doom from 20th Century Fox’s “Fantastic Four” films, or from his time on “Nip/Tuck” and “Charmed.”
Sheila Cannon (Edwina Findley)
Sheila Cannon is one of the White House butlers, and she’s played by Edwina Findley, who most recently starred in Prime Video’s “The Power.” Findley has also starred in “If Loving You Is Wrong” and episodes of “Fear the Walking Dead,” “Veep” and more.
Lilly Schumacher (Molly Griggs)
Lilly Schumacher is President Morgan’s social secretary, in charge of setting up the guest list of the whole event. She’s played by Molly Griggs, who you may know from “Dr. Death,” “Prodigal Son” or “Servant.”
Tripp Morgan (Jason Lee)
Tripp Morgan is the president’s younger brother and a bit of a screw-up. He’s played by “My Name Is Earl” star Jason Lee.
Harry Hollinger (Ken Marino)
Harry Hollinger is the president’s oldest friend, closest advisor and most trusted confidant, but also quick to dismiss A.B.’s death as a suicide. He’s played by Ken Marino, who starred in “The Other Two,” “Party Down” and more.
Rollie Bridgewater (Al Mitchell)
Rollie Bridgewater is the White House’s head butler/maître d’. He’s played by Al Mitchell, who’s appeared in “Stranger Things,” “The Righteous Gemstones,” “Swamp Thing” and more.
Colin Trask (Dan Perrault)
Colin Trask is the head of the presidential detail for the Secret Service, sworn to protect the president. He’s played by Dan Perrault, best known as a writer for “Players,” “American Vandal” and the film “Strays,” in which he also acted.
Didier Gotthard (Bronson Pinchot)
Didier Gotthard is the White House executive pastry chef, played by Bronson Pinchot. You will certainly recognize him as Serge from the “Beverly Hills Cop” franchise, or perhaps as the principal from “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.”
Jasmine Haney (Susan Kelechi Watson)
Jasmine Haney is a White House assistant usher, hoping for a promotion in the ranks. She’s played by Susan Kelechi Watson, best known for playing Beth Pearson on NBC’s hit series “This Is Us.”
Larry Dokes (Isiah Whitlock Jr.)
Larry Dokes is the chief of the Metropolitan Police Department. He’s played by Isiah Whitlock Jr., who has starred in “Da 5 Bloods,” “Your Honor,” “The Good Cop” and more.
Marvella (Mary Wiseman)
Marvella is the White House executive chef, in charge of the meal eaten at the state dinner. She’s played by Mary Wiseman, best known for her role of Sylvia Tilly on “Star Trek: Discovery.”
Wally Glick (Spencer Garrett)
Wally Glick is the director of the FBI in this world. He’s played by Spencer Garrett, who’s had roles in “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood,” “Yes Man,” “Air Force One” and many more. You may have recently seen him in HBO’s “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.”
Kylie Minogue (Herself)
Yes, that’s really pop star Kylie Minogue singing at the fake White House, because she’s playing herself in this series.
Nan Cox (Jane Curtin)
Nan Cox is the president’s mother-in-law, who happens to find A.B.’s body. She’s played by the legendary “Saturday Night Live” alumna Jane Curtin.
Senator Margery Bay Bix (Eliza Coupe)
Senator Margery Bay Bix is a junior senator from Colorado, and she’s pretty incredulous at the testimonies she’s hearing. She’s played by Eliza Coupe, who you will know from “Happy Endings,” “Future Man” and more.
President Perry Morgan (Paul Fitzgerald)
In this fictional universe, the country is run by President Perry Morgan, played by Paul Fitzgerald, who most recently starred in “Power Book III: Raising Kanan.” He’s also appeared in episodes of “Younger,” “GLOW,” “Veep” and more.
St. Pierre (Taran Killam)
St. Pierre is what’s known as an energy medium. Naturally, you need a funny guy for a funny job like that, and “The Residence” got “SNL” alum Taran Killam. More recently, you will have seen him in ABC’s “High Potential.”
Elsyie Chayle (Julieth Restrepo)
Elsyie Chayle is the White House housekeeper, played by Julieth Restrepo. You might recognize the Colombian actress from the Sofia Vergara-led series “Griselda.”
Bruce Geller (Mel Rodriguez)
Bruce Geller is the White House engineer, and he’s played by “Last Man on Earth” star Mel Rodriguez. You might also recognize Rodriguez from “The Afterparty,” “CSI: Vegas” and more.
David Rylance (Brett Tucker)
David Rylance is the Australian foreign minister, and he’s played by Brett Tucker. You might know his voice from Netflix’s “Arcane,” and recognize his face from “Station 19,” “Dynasty” or “The Big Leap.”
Emily Mackil (Rebecca Field)
Emily Mackil is the White House gardener, played by Rebecca Field. Most recently, she starred in “All Rise,” but you may have also spotted her in episodes of “Hacks,” “Chicago Med” or “9-1-1 Lone Star.”
