The Netflix original series, The Diplomat, features a cast of fresh faces and TV veterans who all help to bring the show's characters to life. The series follows career diplomat, Kate Wyler (Keri Russell), as she attempts to quell an international crisis, while also dealing with complications within her own marriage. Amid a wash of other political thrillers, The Diplomat stands out because it is also infused with enough interpersonal drama to keep the audience invested in the characters in the long term. Assisted by its strong cast, the show delivers because it isn't defined by just one of its aspects.
Available To Stream On Netflix
Though the story isn't based directly on real life, The Diplomat calls on current events to give the series a modern feel that exists at the moment. However, its best elements are still the most timeless, and actors like Keri Russell deliver powerhouse performances that help to boil the international conflict down to the personal level. Though the cast of The Diplomat might not be stuffed with household names, each and every member of the ensemble brings something unique to the show that helps to elevate it above the typical political thriller.
Keri Russell As Kate Wyler
Keri Russell stars as Kate Wyler, the newest U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom who must balance her difficult job with her impending divorce from fellow politician Hal Wyler. Keri Russell is no stranger to successful stints on TV shows and her most famous roles came as Elizabeth Jennings on The Americans, and her Golden Globe-winning turn as the title character in Felicity. Russell also appeared in hit movies when she starred as Jenna in 2007's Waitress and as Ellie in 2014's Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.
Rufus Sewell As Hal Wyler
ing the cast of The Diplomat, Rufus Sewell plays Hal Wyler, Kate's ambassador husband whose political machinations jeopardize their marriage and her career. Sewell turned heads as John Murdoch in the underrated 1990s sci-fi film Dark City in 1996, and as Count Adhemar in 2001's A Knights Tale. Sewell also played the prominent role of Crown Prince Leopold in the 2006 film The Illusionist and Lord Melbourne in the historical drama Victoria.
Ali Ahn As Eidra Graham
Played by Ali Ahn, Eidra Graham is a high-ranking CIA official who serves the U.S. abroad in the United Kingdom and is Kate's main source of information. An established ing actor, Ahn is most ed for her six-episode stint as Carly on the TV show Billions, and her three-episode arc as Dagon on Supernatural. The Diplomat isn't Ahn's only Netflix project as she also played FBI Agent Nguyen on the hit dramedy series Orange is the New Black.
David Gyasi As Austin Dennison
David Gyasi plays Austin Dennison, a secretary under the British Prime Minister who s forces with Kate behind the scenes. Gyasi made a name for himself in several high-profile science fiction films, and he most notably played Romily in the popular 2014 Christopher Nolan film Interstellar. Gyasi also played Daniel in 2018's divisive Annihilation, and several characters, such as Autua, Lester Rey, and Duophysite, in Cloud Atlas in 2012.
Rory Kinnear As Prime Minister Nicol Trowbridge
Rory Kinnear appears in The Diplomat cast as British PM Nicol Trowbridge whose war hawk attitude causes a clash with Kate's mission of maintaining order. Though he is most known for his role as Bill Tanner in the Daniel Craig James Bond films Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, and Spectre, Kinnear also had a notable run as John Clare/The Creature on the TV series Penny Dreadful. Kinnear also played Detective Nock in the Oscar Award-winning film The Imitation Game in 2014.
Ato Essandoh As Stuart Heyford
Stuart Heyford is Kate Wyler's level-headed deputy chief of mission at the embassy, and he is played by Ato Essandoh. Essandoh's turn as Craig Jeffers in 2016's Jason Bourne was one of his most high-profile roles, but the eclectic actor also nabbed attention as Commander Rambo in 2006's Blood Diamond. Essandoh's early career was also marked by a memorable role as Titembay in the 2004 quirky indie hit Garden State.
The Diplomat ing Cast & Characters
Celia Imrie as Margaret Roylin - Played by Celia Imrie, Margaret Roylin is a Conservative Party campaign manager who helped get PM Trowbridge into power. Imrie played the memorable role of Madge in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in 2011, and she also played Celia in the 2003 rom-com Calendar Girls.
Miguel Sandoval as Secretary of State Miguel Ganon - ing the cast of The Diplomat, Miguel Sandoval plays Secretary of State Ganon who generally disapproves of Kate and her methods. Instantly recognizable from his turn as Rostagno in 1993's Jurassic Park, Sandoval's career as a character actor also saw him play Escobedo in 1996's Clear and Present Danger.
Nana Mensah as Billie Appiah - Helping the President Kate in her mission, Nana Mensah plays White House Chief of Staff, Billie Appiah. Mensah appeared in the 2020 comedy The King of Staten Island as a Kindergarten Teacher, and she was also featured in six episodes of the series Bonding as Mistress Mira.
Michael McKean as President Rayburn - Michael McKean plays the ive President Rayburn, and is most ed as David St. Hubbins in 1984's This Is Spinal Tap. McKean was also featured in the memorable role of Chuck McGill in over 30 episodes of Better Call Saul.
T'nia Miller as Cecilia Dennison - Rounding out the cast of The Diplomat, T'nia Miller appears as Austin's sister Cecilia. Besides her two-episode stint as Maxine on Sex Education, Miller's most famous role came as Hannah Grose in The Haunting of Bly Manor.