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When the new HBO miniseries The White Lotus premiered on July 11, viewers recognized many cast members. The six-part miniseries features an ensemble cast with A-list celebrities including Murray Bartlett, Connie Britton, Jennifer Coolidge, Sydney Sweeney, and Alexandra Daddario. However, viewers might need a quick refresher regarding why they recognize each of the star-studded cast members.

In a scene from 'White Lotus,' some of the cast sits around a table at the resort for dinner
‘The White Lotus’ on HBO: Sydney Sweeney, Murray Bartlett, Connie Britton, Steve Zahn, Brittany O’Grady, and Fred Hechinger | Mario Perez/HBO

‘The White Lotus’ cast: The Mossbacher family

Two big-name stars joined The White Lotus cast as Nicole and Mark Mossbacher — Connie Britton and Steve Zahn. 54-year-old actor, singer, and producer Britton plays the demanding head of the Mossbacher family. Britton’s filmography is extensive; from Friday Night Lights to Fox’s 9-1-1 series, she’s no stranger to the small or big screen. 

Saving Silverman’s Steve Zahn plays Nicole’s on-screen husband, Mark Mossbacher, who has a serious, but hysterical health crisis. You probably recognize him from his roles in Modern Family as Ronnie LaFontaine or in Mad Dogs as Cobi.

Fear Street trilogy’s Fred Hechinger plays Quinn, Mark and Nicole’s teenage son. The 21-year-old is most known for playing Trevor in the coming-of-age movie Eighth Grade and Ethan Russell in the psychological thriller The Woman in the Window. 

Sydney Sweeney plays the last member of the Mossbacher family — Olivia. Before she joined The White Lotus cast, she had roles in The Handmaid’s Tale, Sharp Objects, or Euphoria. Additionally, Brittany O’Grady plays Olivia’s friend from college, Paula, who you might know from CW’s The Messengers or the Apple TV+ series Little Voice. 

Who plays the newlyweds in ‘The White Lotus’ cast?

Alexandra Daddario joined The White Lotus cast as newlywed Rachel. However, her honeymoon takes a turn when her mother-in-law, Kitty (Molly Shannon), unexpectedly joins their getaway. Daddario started her acting career in All My Children and then moved on to the big screen with San Andreas and Baywatch roles.

Jake Lacy stars opposite Daddario as Rachel’s on-screen husband, Shane Patton. You probably recognize Lacy from his role in the ninth season of The Office as Pete Miller. The 36-year-old actor also starred in the ABC sitcom Better with You and the Showtime series I’m Dying Up Here.

Saturday Night Live alum Molly Shannon rounds out the Patton family when she arrives unexpectedly at the resort. Rachel is quite surprised to see her mother-in-law show up for her honeymoon. Shannon’s filmography is extensive. It includes roles in A Night at the Roxbury, Never Been Kissed, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Talladega Nights. Viewers might also remember her voice as Wanda in the Hotel Transylvania film series before she joined The White Lotus cast.

The resort staff and one lonely traveler

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Lastly, Jennifer Coolidge continues to make viewers laugh as part of The White Lotus cast. She’s Tanya McQuoid, the single traveler searching for love who befriends the spa manager, Belinda (Natasha Rothwell). Viewers might recognize Coolidge as Jeanine Stiffler in American Pie or Paulette in both Legally Blonde movies. 

Former SNL writer Rothwell ends up wrapped in Tanya’s life at the resort for the week. You might recognize the 40-year-old actor and comedian from her role in HBO’s Insecure. Finally, Murray Bartlett joined The White Lotus cast as the resort manager, Armond. According to Vox, the 50-year-old Australian actor got his big break in 2002 when he guest-starred as Carrie Bradshaw’s (Sarah Jessica Parker) gay best friend in Sex and the City. Then he moved to the soap opera Guiding Light as Cyrus Foley.

The White Lotus airs Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ET on HBO and is also available on HBO Max.

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