Complete Guide to Peacock’s Cast and Characters

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Laid!

Overview of Laid

Peacock’s dark comedy series, Laid, features an ensemble of talented comedians and actors, including Oscar-nominee Stephanie Hsu. The narrative revolves around Ruby Yao, a 33-year-old woman facing a bizarre crisis: her ex-boyfriends are mysteriously dying. As she grapples with this unsettling revelation, Ruby, accompanied by her best friend AJ and her ex Richie, embarks on a comical quest to uncover the reasons behind the unusual deaths of her past lovers. Alongside this mystery, Ruby also navigates her budding feelings for Isaac, a new client involved in party planning.

Character Dynamics and Themes

A distinctive strength of Laid lies in its character development. The show showcases deeply flawed individuals, particularly Ruby, who make questionable choices and exhibit reckless behavior. This wild premise not only serves as a comedic backdrop but also facilitates Ruby’s journey of self-discovery and personal growth. As she confronts her past, the supporting characters also experience their own transformations, rendering them more relatable and engaging. The combination of a stellar cast and an audacious storyline invites the audience to invest in these morally ambiguous characters, making Laid both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Primary Cast

Actor	Character
Stephanie Hsu	Ruby Yao
Zosia Mamet	AJ
Michael Angarano	Richie
Tommy Martinez	Isaac
Andre Hyland	Zack Bridgerton
Ryan Pinkston	Brad
Olivia Holt	THANKS
Elizabeth Bowen	Debra
O’Connell testified	Jason
John Early	John Early
Amanda Knox	Amanda Knox

Stephanie Hsu and Ruby Yao

Date of Birth: November 25, 1990

Background: Hsu is a talented actress born in Los Angeles, California, renowned for her Broadway achievements in productions like SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical. Her breakout role came in the acclaimed film Everything Everywhere All At Once, where she portrayed Joy Wang/Jobu Tupaki, earning her an Academy Award nomination.

Character Analysis: Stephanie Hsu embodies Ruby Yao, a character haunted by her tumultuous past, including the loss of her mother and abandonment by her father. Ruby’s trauma manifests in her cynical and self-centered nature, ultimately driving the plot of Laid as she navigates the unintended consequences of her past relationships.

Zosia Mamet as AJ

Date of Birth: February 2, 1988

Background: Hailing from Randolph, Vermont, Zosia Mamet gained prominence as Shoshanna Shapiro in HBO’s Girls. Her versatility as an actress is evident in diverse roles across various genres, including a SAG Award nomination for The Flight Attendant.

Character Overview: In Laid, Mamet plays AJ, Ruby’s quirky best friend, who eagerly assists in piecing together the timeline of Ruby’s past relationships and the ensuing deaths. With her fascination for true crime, AJ adds humor and insight into the unfolding mystery.

Michael Angarano as Richie

Date of Birth: December 3, 1987

Background: Michael Angarano, born in Brooklyn, New York, rose to fame with his portrayal of William Miller in Almost Famous. He has since proven his capabilities in film and television, transitioning into directing and writing as well.

Character Role: In Laid, Angarano portrays Richie, Ruby’s sardonic ex-boyfriend, who finds himself caught in the chaos of his supposed fate to die. His role is pivotal as he and Ruby explore the mechanics of love and survival amidst absurd circumstances.

Tommy Martinez as Isaac

Date of Birth: March 20, 1992

Background: Tommy Martinez, originally from Venezuela, gained recognition through his role as Gael Martinez in the Freeform series Good Trouble. His talent continues to shine as he takes on new challenges in Hollywood.

Character Description: In Laid, Martinez plays Isaac, Ruby’s endearing party-planning client embarking on a journey to create a memorable anniversary celebration for his parents. His character introduces warmth amid the chaos surrounding Ruby.

Supporting Cast & Characters

Andre Hyland as Zack Bridgerton: Zack is AJ’s gaming-enthusiast boyfriend. Hyland’s notable roles include Jamie in The 4th and appearances in other popular series like Barry.

Ryan Pinkston as Brad: Pinkston plays Brad, Ruby’s coworker, well-known from his early work in Spy Kids 3: Game Over and roles in Punk’d and Will & Grace.

Olivia Holt as Merci: Holt portrays the sophisticated marine biologist and Isaac’s girlfriend. She first gained fame in Disney XD’s Kickin’ It and has starred in Cloak & Dagger and Cruel Summer.

Elizabeth Bowen as Debra: Bowen plays Ruby’s therapist Debra. Known for her part in Fargo, she has also made appearances in Upload and Resident Alien.

Finneas O’Connell as Jason: O’Connell, primarily a musician, has a role as Jason, who ends up in an awkward night with Ruby. He is known for his music contributions, earning Oscars for his works related to Barbie and No Time to Die.

John Early as Himself: In a self-referential cameo, Early plays a fictional version of himself, having built a substantial career in acting and writing.

Amanda Knox as Herself: Notably appearing as herself, Amanda Knox injects a unique real-life twist to the storyline, reflecting her journey as an exoneree and activist.

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