Netflix just dropped Leanne, a warm, witty comedy that feels like a hug wrapped in sharp one-liners. Created by Leanne Morgan, Chuck Lorre, and Susan McMartin, the series follows a small-town woman whose world is flipped upside down after her husband of many years walks out. But what really brings Leanne to life is its cast, a mix of familiar sitcom favorites and rising comedic voices who know exactly how to land a punchline and pull a heartstring. If some faces look familiar, that is no coincidence.

The cast of Leanne comes with rich screen credentials. A closer look at them follows next.

Leanne Morgan as herself

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Leanne Morgan plays a fictionalized version of herself in Leanne. Known for her distinctive country charm and relatable humor, Morgan steps into the scripted entertainment world for the first time as a lead via this Netflix offering, as she portrays a grandmother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her husband of 33 years leaves her.

Born in Adams, Tennessee, Morgan gained widespread popularity on social media before becoming famous through Netflix’s alternative breakout series, Leanne Morgan: I Am Every Woman. That success followed her earlier 2018 special, So Yummy. The comedian also has credits in titles like You’re Cordially Invited as Gwyneth and Sun Moon as Maida. 

Curious who dares to break Leanne’s heart? The name is just below, and he might want to duck.

Ryan Stiles as Bill

Ryan Stiles plays Bill, Leanne’s aforementioned husband, whose affair sets the series in motion. Despite his infidelity, Bill tries to make amends; however, his efforts invite more trouble than triumph, including getting punched smack in the face for his guts by his estranged wife.

A veteran of the genre, Stiles is best known for his roles in The Drew Carey Show, where he played Lewis, and for his enduring appearances on Whose Line Is It Anyway? His other small screen work includes Hot Shots! and voicing Mr. Moustachio in Astro Boy. Born in Seattle, Stiles has been a staple in comedy circles since the 1980s.

Graham Rogers as Tyler

Graham Rogers portrays Tyler, Leanne’s darling son, who is navigating the chaos of fatherhood and dealing with an overbearing wife. Tyler is described as Leanne’s pride and joy, and Rogers brings the perfect balance of charm and vulnerability to the role. Coming from Pennsylvania, Rogers gained recognition playing Caleb Haas in the ABC thriller Quantico. He also starred in shows like Ray Donovan, The Kominsky Method, and Atypical. With a background in both drama and comedy, the role of Tyler almost appears as though it were written exclusively for Rogers.

Hannah Pilkes as Josie

Hannah Pilkes steps into the role of Josie, Leanne’s rebellious daughter, who is still figuring things out. Described as a work in progress, Josie brings both heart and unpredictability to her family. Born in Philadelphia, Pilkes began her career in 2004 and had her breakthrough in 2017 with Sorry Not Sorry. She also boasts indie short film experience courtesy of Kiwi and A Square Is a Rectangle. Her film work includes The Woodsman and 31 Candles.

Leanne also has a sister who steps in during her toughest moments, with fierce loyalty and even fiercer comebacks.

Kristen Johnston as Carol

Kristen Johnston takes on the role of Carol, Leanne’s fun-loving and unfiltered sister, who doubles as her best friend and closest confidant. A Washington, D.C. native, Johnston rose to fame as Sally Solomon in the acclaimed 1996 sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun, a role that earned her not one but two Emmy Awards.

Known for her comedic range, she also lent her talent to films like Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me as Ivana Humpalot, Music and Lyrics as Rhonda, and The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas as Wilma Slaghoople. She has also had notable television roles in shows like The Righteous Gemstones and Mom.

Celia Weston as Mama Margaret

Celia Weston portrays Leanne and Carol’s strong-willed mother and the matriarch of their family. Weston brings with her decades of experience, with a career spanning both film and television, much like her Leanne colleagues. She is widely recognized for her roles in movies like Dead Man Walking, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Hulk, The VillageKnight and Day, and Woody Allen’s Celebrity. 

The Independent Spirit Award nominee’s involvement with the Netflix show adds a layer of generational wisdom and comedic timing to the family ensemble.

Blake Clark as Daddy John

Blake Clark portrays Daddy John, Leanne’s old-school father who, despite his outdated views on gender, is a loyal husband to his wife. Clark has been a familiar face in several Adam Sandler films, including The Waterboy, Little Nicky, and 50 First Dates. The 79-year-old Georgia native’s gravelly voice and Southern persona made him a go-to figure to play rugged country men for decades. In Leanne, he brings the same authenticity and humor.

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Together, this eclectic mix of seasoned and rising comedic talents gives Leanne its heartbeat, making it more than just another sitcom in  Netflix’s trove of comparable ventures. Leanne, with their contributions, is by all means a celebration of resilience, family, and Southern flair.

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Have you seen any of Leanne’s cast members outside the Netflix show? Let us know in the comments.

By admin