Deadwood cast and character guide: Who plays whom in the HBO western crime drama

Deadwood is one of the more acclaimed HBO series (Image via YouTube/HBO)
Deadwood is one of the more acclaimed HBO series (Image via YouTube/HBO)

Deadwood is one of the more acclaimed HBO shows that ran for three seasons from 2004 to 2006. The American Western series, which is set in Deadwood, South Dakota, in the 1870s, follows the story of the widespread corruption in the gold-mining era and the area’s development into a town. The critically acclaimed series boasts a stellar cast, which includes Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, Molly Parker, Jim Beaver, Robin Weigert, and W. Earl Brown.

Deadwood, created by David Milch, was produced by Red Board Productions and Roscoe Productions in association with HBO and Paramount Network Television. The series earned critical acclaim, winning eight Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series and Outstanding Costumes for a Series. It also holds an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 92% from critics and 95% from audiences. More than a decade after the series concluded, fans were treated to Deadwood: The Movie in 2019.

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Deadwood unfolds the complex, true-to-history tale of South Dakota’s Deadwood, capturing its transformation in the wake of the Black Hills gold rush. With nuanced real and fictional characters and historical accuracy, the series explores the challenges of corruption and crime in the area, before it became a more reputable town. We take a look at some of the more prominent characters from the hit series.


Deadwood cast and character guide

Timothy Olyphant stars as Sheriff Seth Bullock – Seth Bullock is a store owner who would take on the role of sheriff in Deadwood. His morality makes him take a hard look at the corruption in his town. Timothy Olyphant has also appeared in many other successful ventures, including Justified, Santa Clarita Diet, and The Mandalorian.

Ian McShane as Al Swearengen – As the manipulative Gem saloon owner, Al Swearengen is one of the more cunning characters in the series. He will use ruthless tactics to keep control over the narrative. Ian McShane has also appeared in the John Wick franchise, American Gods, and Kung Fu Panda, among others.

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Molly Parker as Alma Garret – Alma Garret is a guarded, wealthy woman who struggles with addiction. From her complex relationship with Seth Bullock to her many internal struggles, Alma becomes one of the more central characters in Deadwood. Molly Parker has also appeared in House of Cards, Lost in Space, and Pieces of a Woman.

W. Earl Brown as Dan Dority – As Al Swearengen’s most trusted man, Dan Dority shows his loyalty at every turn. Despite the sporadic moments where he questions the morality, Dan Dority will often display a violent temper. W. Earl Brown is also known for his roles in Chicago Fire, Hacks, and True Detective.

Kim Dickens as Joanie Stubbs – Joanie Stubbs is a brothel madam who is seen struggling through internal turmoil while navigating the changing world around her. Kim Dickens has also played a vital role in projects such as Gone Girl, House of Cards, and Fear the Walking Dead.

Robin Weigert as "Calamity" Jane Canary – Jane is a hotheaded yet kind frontierswoman, who is infamous for being an alcoholic. Robin Weigert even received an Emmy nomination for her heart-rending performance as “Calamity” Jane. Robin Weigert has also appeared in Big Little Lies, Concussion, and Bombshell.

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Brad Dourif as Doc Cochran – Despite coming off as a difficult personality, Doc Cochran is one of the more endearing people in Deadwood. He is the town’s main doctor, who is haunted by his time in the Civil War. Brad Dourif has also appeared in The Lord of the Rings, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and Child’s Play.

John Hawkes as Sol Star – Sol Star is one of the more prominent businessmen in town, who is a close friend of Seth Bullock. Despite being surrounded by violence, he manages to create a more honorable path for himself. John Hawkes is also known for his roles in True Detective, Winter’s Bone, and The Perfect Storm.

Paula Malcomson as Trixie – Trixie is a s*x worker, who would carve her way in the town. Despite her struggles and circumstances, she will become a more notable part of society. Paula Malcomson has also been part of projects such as The Hunger Games, Ray Donovan, and Sons of Anarchy.

Deadwood is available on HBO MAX.

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Edited by Tanisha Aggarwal