Younger, starting as a modest program on TV Land, surged in popularity primarily due to its remarkable cast. The series features Sutton Foster as Liza Miller, a 40-year-old divorcee who cleverly poses as a 20-something to re-enter the competitive publishing world. This premise not only leads her to form new friendships but also compels her to perpetuate the deception surrounding her age to maintain her career in the industry. Many in the remarkable Younger cast are seasoned performers with extensive backgrounds in theater and television.
Although Hilary Duff is arguably the most recognizable figure in the series, other cast members have equally notable careers. Alongside Foster, stars such as Debi Mazar and Miriam Shor play pivotal roles. The show’s actors have since embarked on new ventures, with Duff transitioning to lead roles in subsequent series, including How I Met Your Father. However, plans for a spinoff focused on her character, Kelsey, were thwarted by that show’s developments.
Cast Overview
Actor | Character |
---|---|
Sutton Foster | Liza Miller |
Hilary Duff | Kelsey Peters |
debi mazzar | Maggie Loved |
Nico Tortorella | Josh |
Miriam Shor | Diana |
Peter Hermann | Charles |
Molly Bernard | Lauren |
Charles Michael Davis | Design |
Sutton Foster as Liza Miller
Birthdate: March 18, 1975
Character: In her role as Liza Miller, Sutton Foster depicts a 40-year-old woman who embraces a chance for transformation after her husband leaves and her adult child moves out. Seizing the moment, she deceives her way into a position at a prominent New York publishing house, claiming to be in her twenties, and quickly ascends to the role of assistant to Diana Trout, the Marketing Chief at Empirical Press.
Notable Roles
Movie/TV Show | Role |
---|---|
The Angriest Man In Brooklyn (2014) | Adela |
Gravy (2015) | Kerry |
Bunheads (2012-2013) | Title Character |
Anything Goes (2021) | Reno Sweeney |
Ridley Jones (2021-2023) | Sarah Jones / Mrs. Sanchez |
Actor: Before Younger, Sutton Foster was primarily noted for her remarkable Broadway performances in productions such as Little Women and Shrek the Musical. Her television breakout included a lead role in the short-lived Bunheads and lending her voice to Ridley Jones.
Hilary Duff as Kelsey Peters
Birthdate: September 28, 1987
Character: Hilary Duff embodies Kelsey Peters, a 26-year-old book editor at Empirical Press, whose close friendship with Liza is complicated by the latter’s dishonest claims regarding her age. Kelsey learns the truth in the third season, but she ultimately remains Liza’s staunch ally despite the initial betrayal.
Career Highlights
Movie/TV Show | Role |
---|---|
Lizzie McGuire (2001-2004) | Lizzie McGuire |
Cheaper By The Dozen (2003) | Lorraine Baker |
A Cinderella Story (2004) | Sam Montgomery |
Gossip Girl (2009) | Olivia Burke |
How I Met Your Father (2022-2023) | Sophie Tompkins |
Actor: Duff gained immense popularity for her role in Lizzie McGuire and has since starred in films such as A Cinderella Story. More recently, she portrayed Sophie in How I Met Your Father and executive produced the 2019 film The Haunting of Sharon Tate.
Debi Mazar as Maggie Amato
Birthdate: August 13, 1964
Character: Debi Mazar plays Maggie Amato, Liza’s loyal and supportive best friend who is aware of Liza’s real age from the start. Maggie encourages Liza to present a younger persona, aiding her in navigating the complexities of her new life while keeping her secret, despite Liza’s clumsy attempts to conceal her identity.
Previous Roles
Movie/TV Show | Role |
---|---|
L.A. Law (1993-1994) | Denise Iannello |
Entourage (2004-2011) | Shauna Roberts |
Ugly Betty (2006) | Leah Feldman |
Happy! (2017-2019) | Isabella Scaramucci |
T-shirt (2024) | Medusa |
Actor: Renowned for various roles since the 1990s, Mazar gained recognition in Entourage as Shauna. Her filmography includes roles in Goodfellas and numerous other memorable productions across both film and television.
Nico Tortorella as Josh
Birthdate: July 30, 1988
Character: Nico Tortorella takes on the role of Josh, a tattoo artist who wrongly believes Liza is in her twenties. His character sparks Liza’s initial decision to distort her age for professional gain. As one of the first to learn of her deceit, Josh grapples with the betrayal, deeply affecting their connection.
Career Milestones
Movie/TV Show | Role |
---|---|
Scream 4 (2011) | Trevor Sheldon |
The Following (2013) | Jacob Wells |
Menendez: Blood Brothers (2017) | Lyle Menendez |
The Walking Dead: World Beyond (2020-2021) | Felix Carlucci |
City On Fire (2023) | William |
Actor: Before Younger, Tortorella gained notoriety in the horror genre with Scream 4 and showcased talent in the Fox series The Following. They are now recognized for their role in the 2020 The Walking Dead spinoff, solidifying their status as an emerging talent.
Miriam Shor as Diana
Birthdate: July 25, 1971
Character: Miriam Shor portrays Diana, the assertive head of marketing at Empirical Press, who becomes Liza’s supervisor. Despite her strict demeanor, Diana develops a complex friendship with Liza, ultimately understanding and forgiving her lies, even as they threaten her well-being.
Notable Appearances
Movie/TV Show | Role |
---|---|
Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001) | Yitzhak |
Swingtown (2008) | Janet Thompson |
The Americans (2018) | Erica Hskard |
Maestro (2023) | Cynthia O’Neal |
American Fiction (2023) | Paula Baderman |
Actor: Shor is known for her work in the iconic Hedwig and the Angry Inch and has made guest appearances in various series, showcasing her versatility as a performer.
Peter Hermann as Charles
Birthdate: August 15, 1967
Character: Peter Hermann plays Charles Brooks, the boss and heir of Empirical Press, who becomes romantically involved with Liza. His journey reveals layers of complexity as he grapples with Liza’s deception, ultimately leading to their reconciliation.
Filmography Highlights
Movie/TV Show | Role |
---|---|
United 93 (2006) | Jeremy Glick |
Edge Of Darkness (2010) | Sanderman |
Goodnight Mommy (2022) | Father |
Law & Order: SVU (2002-2022) | Trevor Langan |
Blue Bloods (2012-2024) | Jack Boyle |
Actor: Married to Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay, Hermann is also a notable Broadway actor. His extensive career includes diverse guest roles across various prominent television series, enhancing his industry profile.
Molly Bernard as Lauren
Birthdate: April 10, 1988
Character: Molly Bernard plays Lauren, a young public relations professional and Kelsey’s friend, who learns of Liza’s true age during a major publishing event. Her role showcases a blend of humor and loyalty to her close friends.
Career Contributions
Movie/TV Show | Role |
---|---|
Pay it Forward (2000) | Molly |
The Intern (2015) | Samantha |
Transparent (2016-2017) | Young Shelly Pfefferman |
Sully (2016) | Alison |
Chicago Med (2018-2020) | Elisa Curry |
Actor: Bernard, while perhaps less seasoned than others in the cast, has made an impactful impression with roles that resonate deeply with audiences, such as her part in Chicago Med.
Charles Michael Davis as Zane
Birthdate: December 1, 1984
Character: Charles Michael Davis portrays Zane, a rival editor at Rivington who encounters Kelsey in their professional pursuits. Zane’s response to Liza’s age revelation is one of skepticism, highlighting his lack of a personal relationship with her.
Career Highlights
Movie/TV Show | Role |
---|---|
Switched at Birth (2011) | Liam Lupo |
The Originals (2013-2018) | Marcel Gerard |
Chicago P.D. (2019) | Blair Williams |
For the People (2019) | Ted |
NCIS: New Orleans (2020-2021) | Quentin Carter |
Actor: Davis gained acclaim for his long-running role on The Originals and currently portrays Special Agent Quentin Carter on NCIS: New Orleans, demonstrating his growing prominence in the industry.
Younger Supporting Cast
Laura Benanti as Quinn: A celebrated Broadway actress, Benanti has appeared in acclaimed productions such as Gypsy. Her television credits include roles in Supergirl and The Detour, along with current appearances as Melania Trump on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Tessa Albertson as Caitlin: Known for her challenging character on Younger, Albertson has featured in films like November Criminals and Phoebe in Wonderland, alongside her stage work in Shrek the Musical.
Phoebe Dynevor as Clare: Recognized for her role as Daphne Bridgerton in Bridgerton, Dynevor brought skill and charm to her role in Younger, while also appearing in the crime drama Snatch.
Michael Urie as Redmond: Urie first captured audiences in Ugly Betty, showcasing his talent in theatre as well. His extensive guest television credits contribute to a richly diverse career.
Dan Amboyer as Thad/Chad: Amboyer’s regal presence led him to portray Prince William in William & Catherine: A Royal Romance, and he has also appeared in the spinoff series The Blacklist: Redemption.
Chris Tardio as Enzo: A familiar face in numerous series, Tardio has made memorable appearances in Sex and the City, Bones, and Ray Donovan, offering comedic relief in his role on Younger.
Jennifer Westfeldt as Pauline: Westfeldt is well known for her roles in both television and film, including 24 and Grey’s Anatomy, in addition to her directorial and writing endeavors in Kissing Jessica Stein.
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