The Undoing Cast & Character Guide: Where You Recognize The Actors From

The Undoing features two big movie stars, so how do you know them and the supporting cast? The crime-themed miniseries was created by TV icon David E. Kelley, and centers on a murder mystery involving a wealthy New York family. Directed by Susanne Bier, The Undoing originally aired from October 25th to November 29th 2020 on HBO.

In The Undoing, Grace Fraser learns that her husband Jonathan, a doctor, has been accused of murder. On top of that, Jonathan admits to having an affair with the victim, Elena Alves, a woman that Grace had met on occasion in her social circles. Part of the HBO series plays out like a procedural, as Jonathan hires a powerful lawyer and attempts to explain his innocence. Meanwhile, Grace looks after her son Henry at home, and eventually uncovers crucial information about the focal murder. The Undoing consists of six hour-long episodes and was written by the aforementioned Kelley.

The Undoing main cast is anchored by two acclaimed performers who are mostly known for their movie careers. The supporting cast similarly includes notable names from the big screen, and the character Elena Alves is portrayed by an up-and-coming Italian actress, one who gives a commanding performance in the HBO series. Here’s a complete cast and character guide for The Undoing.

Nicole Kidman As Grace Fraser

Australian actress Nicole Kidman stars as Grace Fraser, a psychiatrist whose husband has been accused of murdering a woman he had an affair with.

Kidman received Academy Award nominations for her performances in Moulin Rouge!, Rabbit Hole, and Lion. She won a Best Actress Oscar for The Hours, and recently starred as Celeste Wright in Big Little Lies.

Hugh Grant As Jonathan Fraser

English actor Hugh Grant co-stars as Jonathan Fraser, a renowned doctor who is accused of murdering the mother of a patient, Elena Alves. In an early twist, Grace learns that Jonathan had an affair with Elena.

In pop culture, Grant is best known for starring in ’90s romantic comedies such as Notting Hill and Bridget Jones’s Diary. He’s a five-time Golden Globe-nominee who won for his performance in Four Weddings and a Funeral. In recent years, Grant portrayed Phoenix Buchanan in Paddington 2 and Fletcher in The Gentleman.

Noah Jupe As Henry Fraser

British actor Noah Jupe portrays Henry Fraser, the adolescent son of Grace and Jonathan. He’s initially skeptical of his father’s claims but seems happy to have the family together during the legal process.

Jupe portrayed Marcus Abbott in A Quiet Place and Peter Miles in Ford v Ferrari. He also appeared as Doxy in Holmes & Watson and 12-year-old Otis in Honey Boy.

Edgar Ramírez As Joe Mendoza

Venezuelan actor Edgar Ramírez portrays Joe Mendoza, a detective who investigates Elena’s murder. He consistently pressures Grace while trying to understand the dynamics of her family.

Ramírez is best known for portraying the title character in Carlos and Gianni Versace in American Crime Story. He recently starred in the Netflix films Wasp Network and The Last Days of American Crime.

Donald Sutherland As Franklin Reinhardt

Canadian actor Donald Sutherland co-stars as Franklin Reinhardt, the wealthy father of Grace who believes that Jonathan is guilty.

Sutherland portrayed Hawkeye Pierce in MASH and President Snow in The Hunger Games movie franchise. In recent years, Sutherland appeared as J. Paul Getty in Trust and Thomas Pruitt in Ad Astra. He’s the father of actor Kiefer Sutherland.

Lily Rabe As Sylvia Steineitz

American actress Lily Rabe portrays Sylvia Steinitz, a friend and colleague of Grace who provides emotional support during the legal process.

Rabe starred as the title character in Miss Stevens and has appeared in several seasons of American Horror Story. She recently portrayed Sharon Price in Finding Steve McQueen and Joanne Monroe in Fractured.

Noma Dumezweni As Haley Fitzgerald

British actress Noma Dumezweni portrays Haley Fitzgerald, Jonathan’s lawyer.

Dumezweni portrayed Miss Penny Farthing in Mary Poppins Returns and Mrs. Lee in The Kid Who Would Be King. She also appeared as Edith Sikelo in The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind and Gillian in Normal People.

Matilda De Angelis As Elena Alves

Italian actress Matilda De Angelis rounds out the main cast as Elena Alves, the central murder victim who had an affair with Jonathan.

De Angelis starred as Giulia in Italian Race and Matilde in Youtopia. In 2020, she starred as Maria in Divine.

The Undoing Supporting Cast

Ismael Cruz Cordova as Fernando Alves: Elena’s husband. Ismael Cruz Cordova portrayed Rafael Torres in Berlin Station and David Rizzio in Mary Queen of Scots. He also appeared as Qin in The Mandalorian season 1.

Edan Alexander as Miguel Alves: Elena and Fernando’s son. Edan Alexander portrayed Louis in Two and a Half Men. He has also appeared in Kevin Can Wait and Succession.

Michael Devine as Detective Paul O’Rourke: Mendoza’s colleague. Michael Devine portrayed James ‘Tech” Padgett in Limitless and Sal in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Madeline Faye Santoriello as Sylvia’s Daughter: Madeline Faye Santoriello recently made her movie debut in The King of Staten Island. The Undoing marks her TV debut.

Jeremy Shamos as Robert Connaver: Jeremy Shamos portrayed Ralph in Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) and Bob Dalavan in The Big Sick.

Sofie Gråbøl as Catherine Stamper: Sofie Gråbøl has appeared in The House That Jack Built and Gentleman Jack.

Douglas Hodge as Robert Adelman: Douglas Hodge portrayed Alfred Pennyworth in Joker and Rolo Haynes in Black Mirror “Black Museum.” He also appeared as Douglas in Catastrophe and currently has a role in Lost in Space.

Fala Chen as Jolene McCall: Fala Chen portrayed Eugene Sum in Will Power and Qin Xiang in Sound of the Desert. She’ll soon appear as Leiko Wu in Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

Tarik Davis as Michael Hoffman: Tarik Davis portrayed Tarik in Brooklynification and Charlie’s Friend in Friends from College.

Maria Dizzia as Diane Porter: Maria Dizzia portrayed Katie in Martha Marcy May Marlene and Marina in While We’re Young.

Clint Jung as Judge Martin Shepley: Clint Jung portrayed Michael Chen in Mayans M.C. and General Ryuu Masuda in The Man in the High Castle.

Evgueni and Sacha Galperine composed the score for The Undoing on HBO.

About The Author

Q.V. Hough
(1892 Articles Published)

Q.V. Hough is a senior writer at Screen Rant. He’s also the founding editor at Vague Visages, and has contributed to RogerEbert.com and Fandor.

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