American Classic adds Len Cariou after Harris Yulin’s passing, expands cast with 10 new faces

American Classic has also undergone a significant change of cast and brought on board Len Cariou after the tragic demise of Harris Yulin. Yulin, an Emmy-nominated character actor, suffered cardiac arrest and died in June 2025, as American Classic got ready to commence principal photography in New Jersey.

His loss was felt among the cast and the crew, who were always complemented by his extra warmth and competency on the set. The producers at that point acted very quickly to replace Yulin with another actor, as it would have been very hard to produce the show on time, considering the role Yulin was meant to play. Less than a month later, veteran actor Len Cariou was revealed as a replacement for Yulin.

Cariou comes with decades of stage and screen experience, and his casting keeps the creative vision of American Classic in place. In addition to this big-ticket alteration, the series has even expanded its lineup, welcoming 10 new actors to its lineup in regular roles. This is an indication of how the show is determined to represent a deep, small-town society surrounding the focal narration of a family drama.

Even though the show will be ordered as an eight-episode series on MGM+, these changes demonstrate the commitment of the team toward producing a coherent narrative. Now that Cariou is in the crew along with the new entrants, the series proceeds, set to bring the audience to its mix of Broadway and heart.

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Len Cariou steps in after Harris Yulin’s passing

Len Cariou was named as the new actor for the character that Harris Yulin had been set to play. Yulin’s passing in early June 2025 halted filming before his scenes began.

The show’s creators, Michael Hoffman and Bob Martin, expressed their gratitude for Yulin’s contributions and pledged to carry forward his spirit in American Classic. Cariou, known for his Tony‑winning work on Broadway, will film his scenes this summer in New Jersey; picking up where Yulin left off without altering the series’ narrative plans.

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American Classic grows with ten new cast members

In July 2025, the show announced ten new faces joining its ensemble. Alongside Len Cariou, nine actors have been added in recurring roles: Sean ‘Dino’ Johnson, Johnny McKeown, Philip Johnson Richardson, Billy Eugene Jones, Andrea Jones‑Sojola, Yaegal T. Welch, Joseph Morales, Matt McGrath, and Terry Walters.

These additions will portray various townspeople and theatre regulars, expanding the world around the Bean family’s theatre. This ensemble growth allows American Classic to explore deeper community stories while keeping the focus on its central family drama.

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The show’s premise remains centered on family and theatre

The show follows Richard Bean (Kevin Kline), a Broadway star who returns to his hometown after a public meltdown. He aims to save his family’s theatre by directing and starring in a production of a “great American classic.”

His siblings, played by Jon Tenney and Laura Linney, join him in this ambitious endeavour. The series blends humour with heartfelt moments as the Bean family revives their community theatre together.

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Production timeline keeps on track despite challenges

MGM+ ordered an eight‑episode run of American Classic in January 2025, after more than three years of development. Filming began in June 2025 in New Jersey, only to pause briefly due to Yulin’s death.

By mid‑July, Len Cariou had been cast, and cameras were rolling again. The production team has confirmed that the series remains on schedule for its planned 2025 premiere.

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With Len Cariou now part of the ensemble and ten new performers joining the cast, American Classic promises a rich depiction of small‑town life. Audiences can expect to see familiar faces alongside the Beans, each adding fresh perspectives to the theatre’s revival.

As the show moves toward its debut; the expanded cast and smooth transition after Yulin’s passing demonstrate the crew’s resilience and commitment to telling their story.