Smoke cast and character guide: Who plays whom in the Apple TV+ crime drama?

Smoke on Apple TV+ is a riveting American crime series filmed against the dark and foreboding backdrop of the Pacific Northwest.

The show's central characters are fire investigator Dave Gudsen and no-nonsense detective Michelle Calderon, who join forces to try and solve a series of arson fires. As tension builds with the revelation of what the actual motive behind these end-of-the-world-type fires is, Smoke delves into themes of internal turmoil, syndicate crime groups, and the toll such cases take on the investigators.

The series dives deeply into the emotional and psychological suffering of its protagonists, paving the way for a mature mosaic of crime-solving, professional ethics, and inner devils. Smoke explores the deadly and eerie results of arson, not just providing the audience with a crime investigation, but also a close-up of the way personal lives get ushered into the cases they are attempting to crack.

The explosive combination of high crime and human drama is what attracts audiences to the show. Here's the official trailer for your reference:

The outstanding performances, the character development, and the suspenseful tension make Smoke a must-see for anyone who is a crime drama enthusiast who loves rich, character-driven crime drama. Here's the Smoke cast and character guide:

Smoke cast and character Guide

1) Taron Egerton as Dave Gudsen

Taron Egerton stars as Dave Gudsen, the protagonist and career arson investigator. A writer, former fireman, and private investigator, Gudsen is haunted by his past and beset by guilt, trauma, and a loss of purpose. As the blazes rage, so do his demons.

Egerton, whose claim to fame is his Oscar-nominated performance as King Elton John in Rocketman and his brief action-hero mission in Kingsman: The Secret Service, brings subtlety to the screen, playing a man balancing between restraint and explosion.

In Smoke, Egerton uses his dramatic capabilities to craft a character both tough and tormented.

2. Jurnee Smollett as Detective Michelle Calderon

Detective Michelle Calderon, played by Jurnee Smollett, is the second key character in Smoke. Michelle is a detective who works with Gudsen. She is driven by a keen sense of justice. She is smart, resourceful, and determined, but not above coping with the personal tragedies that come with such a stressful job.

Smollett, who is also well-known for her acting in Lovecraft Country and Underground, plays Michelle with maximum intensity, taking the price of the investigation to the emotional plane and reflecting her determination to prosecute the arsonists.

Calderon's character provides some depth for the series as her interaction with Gudsen throughout the case develops. Their personalities differ, and their reactions to the case build tension, their professional relationship being one of the key factors the audience is so engaged.

3. Rafe Spall as Steven Burke

Steven Burke, portrayed by Rafe Spall, is a police captain and Calderon's immediate superior. He's also the guy she's dating, which creates added professional tension to the case. Burke lives in a tightrope balance of mentorship and manipulation, keeping his true agenda perpetually just out of reach.

The Big Short and Life of Pi fame, is adept at portraying morally complex characters. His portrayal of Burke adds internal conflict to the narrative — conflict that keeps audiences and characters in suspense.

4. Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine as Freddy Fasano

Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine plays Freddy Fasano, a Fried Chicken employee of the Coop and a main subject of interest to the investigation. He is introspective and maintains an ambiguous connection to the fires, shattering assumptions of purpose and guilt. Mwine, who has also worked on The Chi and Queen of Katwe, infuses his intensity and subtlety into the role.

Freddy is neither an easy suspect nor a red-herring bystander — his path adds an amount of suspense and unpredictability to the unfolding investigation.

5. Hannah Emily Anderson as Ashley Gudsen

Ashley Gudsen, played by Hannah Emily Anderson, is Dave Gudsen's estranged wife. Theirs is a relationship that has been fractured by his emotional unavailability and work habits. Though kept outside of the immediate inquiry, Ashley's scenes illustrate the personal costs of living in a state of unresolved trauma.

Anderson, of Jigsaw and X-Men: Dark Phoenix fame, infuses Ashley with quiet strength. She brings substance to the character, illustrating how individuals, even those not on the investigation's immediate front lines, have to bear the consequences of being related to those who are.

6. Greg Kinnear as Harvey Englehart

Greg Kinnear is Harvey Englehart, the town's Fire Chief and Dave Gudsen's mentor. Harvey went from being a career guide to Dave to representing the institutional pressure and political partisanship of the investigation. His loyalty is put to the test by the more personal fires. Kinnear, with a long career featuring roles in As Good As It Gets and Little Miss Sunshine, brings weight to the role.

Englehart is a man torn between departmental obligation and professional honor — an undertone present throughout Smoke.

7. John Leguizamo as Ezra Esposito

Dave's former partner and best friend, Ezra Esposito, is played by John Leguizamo. Ezra's rough appearance and volatile existence are a reminder of what Dave could become if he surrenders to his more primal side. Their relationship adds complexity and a touch of unpredictability to the narrative.

Leguizamo, seen in Carlito's Way and John Wick, adds charm and unpredictability to the character of Ezra. His wit offers comic relief as well as emotional confrontation at its best.

Supporting cast of Smoke

Smoke also has a series of award-winning actors in its supporting cast:

Adina Porter as Brenda Cephus – While having less screen time, Porter (American Horror Story and True Blood) still manages to shine as Cephus.

Anna Chlumsky – Primarily known for Veep and Inventing Anna, Chlumsky appears in later episodes.

Dakota Daulby as Lee – A character who intersects with key elements of the investigation.

Michael Buie – His character's details are limited. Bluie has earlier worked in Hard Time.