The Killing cast and character guide: Who plays whom in the AMC crime drama

The Killing | Image Via: Fox Television Studios
The Killing | Image Via: Fox Television Studios

The Killing is the type of series that will get you hooked from the get-go. With an intriguing storyline coupled with a cast that knows how to handle such intricacies, this series is a gem in the crime drama genre. Each cast member of the series brings in a distinct level of authenticity, which is truly rare to find and is worth appreciating.


The Killing cast and character guide

1) Mireille Enos as Sarah Linden

The Killing | Image Via: Fox Television Studios
The Killing | Image Via: Fox Television Studios

Mirelle Enos’s Sarah Linden is the type of detective who would never back down from a challenge. Initially, Sarah Linden wanted to move to California; however, she got entangled in a case of disappearance. In this case, a high school student goes missing.

Her body is later found inside a submerged car. The case becomes more and more intriguing with each passing minute, making Sarah engrossed in finding out the truth. Mirelle Enos brings out Sarah’s dedication to solving cases in such an authentic manner that her character comes to life. Some of the other works of Mirelle Enos that can be on your watchlist are The Catch, Hanna, Lucky Hank, and many more.


2) Joel Kinnaman as Stephen Holder

The Killing | Image Via: Fox Television Studios
The Killing | Image Via: Fox Television Studios

From working undercover to working in the homicide department, Joel Kinnaman’s character, Stephen Holder, has been through quite a lot. Despite his previous experience with addiction, he keeps moving forward. At the homicide department, his first case leads him to meet Sarah Linden, with whom he often clashed due to their distinct personality.

It is truly remarkable to see how Joel Kinnaman handled such a layered character with perfection. No wonder his career trajectory is always on the rise. Some of his other notable works include For All Mankind, The Silent Hour, The Suicide Squad, etc.


3) Billy Campbell as Darren Richmond

The Killing | Image Via: Fox Television Studios
The Killing | Image Via: Fox Television Studios

Billy Campbell’s Darren Richmond plays a crucial role in stirring the pot of thrill and mystery of the series. Darren gets involved in the disappearance of the high school student whose body is later found.

In The Killing, Darren competes for the post of Mayor; however, due to his indirect connections with the case, the results of the poll begin to go against his favour. Billy Campbell, besides his work in this series, also worked in a multitude of movies and TV shows. Some of his other works include Moon Over Miami, Once and Again, etc.


4) Michelle Forbes as Mitch Larsen

The Killing | Image Via: Fox Television Studios
The Killing | Image Via: Fox Television Studios

Michelle Forbes’s Mitch Larsen’s life takes a complete turn when she finds out that her daughter is missing and then discovers her body. Though the police department tries to find the truth behind her death, Mitch takes a step to find answers of her own.

Michelle Forbes perfectly captures the struggle that Mitch goes through after finding the truth. If you enjoyed watching her performance as Mitch Larsen in the series, then you can also watch Homicide: Life on the Street, The District, Wonderland, Messiah, Powers, and many more to witness her versatility.


5) Brent Sexton as Stan Larsen

The Killing | Image Via: Fox Television Studios
The Killing | Image Via: Fox Television Studios

Just like his wife, Mitch, Stan is also devastated at the news of his daughter’s death. He begins to investigate the case himself and finds out Bennet Ahmed’s connection with the case.

He soon captures Bennet and begins to beat him up as a form of revenge. Brent Sexton does a commendable job in bringing out the struggles that Stan faced after he found out about his daughter’s death. He has also worked in many other movies and TV shows, such as Life, Deadwood, etc.


6) Kristin Lehman as Gwen Eaton

The Killing | Image Via: Fox Television Studios
The Killing | Image Via: Fox Television Studios

Kristin Lehman’s Gwen Eaten comes with a considerable storyline from the beginning. Though it might seem that Gwen Eaten is not a major part of the series, her input is crucial for the case of Rosie’s disappearance.

Some of Kristin Lehman’s other notable works are Poltergeist: The Legacy, Strange World, Go Fish, Century City, and many more.


7) Eric Ladin as Jamie Wright

The Killing | Image Via: Fox Television Studios
The Killing | Image Via: Fox Television Studios

Eric Ladin’s Jamie Wright slowly reveals his real identity with each passing moment. Initially, it seemed that Jamie was trying to protect Darren. However, as the story progresses, his involvement in Rosie's case comes to light.

Eric Ladin perfectly depicts the multi-layered nature of Jamie’s character in the series. Some of Eric Ladin’s works that would definitely enhance your watchlist are The Brink, Six, Wolves at the Door, etc.


Other cast members of the series are:

  • Brendan Sexton III as Belko Royce
  • Jamie Anne Allman as Terry Marek
  • Annie Corley as Regi Darnell
  • Liam James as Jack Linden

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Edited by KOUSHIKI ROY