Decoding the Family Tree of Six Feet Under's Fisher Clan
This intricate family tree of the Fisher family from Six Feet Under is a captivating web of relationships that constantly evolves and surprises
Article Overview
The Fisher family in Six Feet Under grows and becomes closer throughout the series, with marriages, divorces, and deaths adding to the drama.
Each family member possesses a distinct storyline and undergoes character growth, ranging from Nate's difficulties grappling with his father's passing to David's personal growth and evolving connection with Keith.
Regarded as one of the most remarkable finales in television history, the show's conclusion presents a flash-forward depicting the demise of every central character.
Warning: The following article contains spoilers for Six Feet Under. With each passing season, the Fisher family in Six Feet Under expands as new blood and political relatives are added, making it worthwhile to explore their family tree. As the central focus of one of the most remarkable TV shows of all time, the Fisher family begins the series as a small and disjointed unit. However, the true beauty of the show lies in witnessing their growth and the bonds that form as they navigate through life's ups and downs. Over the course of five seasons, births and deaths, marriages and divorces shape their collective journey. It is only fitting, then, for us to delve into the various members of the Fisher family.
Despite its pilot airing 22 years ago, Six Feet Under can now be streamed on Netflix. The show depicts a family's experience of running a funeral home and grappling with death. From the very first episode, death, tragedy, and family serve as the foundation upon which the entire series is built. Six Feet Under offers a poignant exploration of life itself, tracing the personal growth of each character as they navigate the complexities of existence, both in their living and dying. The theme of death is so integral to the show that it culminates in one of the most memorable finales in television history, which explores the fates of each main character through a compelling flash-forward sequence. This aspect is also deserving of further examination.
Six Feet Under can be streamed on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Max.
Nathaniel Fisher Sr.
Although Nathaniel Fisher Senior is the patriarch of the family, he only makes occasional appearances throughout the show. In fact, his presence is limited to being a figment of his children and wife's imaginations in Six Feet Under. His demise in the pilot episode serves as the catalyst for the compelling five-season drama that unfolds. As the original proprietor of Fisher and Sons, the focal point of the series, Nathaniel is married to Ruth and together they raise their three children: Nathaniel Jr., David, and Claire.
Nathaniel Samuel Fisher Jr.
Nathaniel Samuel Fisher Jr, popularly known as "Nate," is the eldest son of Nathaniel and Ruth. Nate is a sensitive individual who struggled to accept his father's occupation. Initially residing in Seattle, he is compelled to return to Los Angeles following his father's passing. Nate marries Lisa Kimmel, with whom he welcomes his first daughter, Maya. Later, he enters into a second marriage with Brenda Chenowith and they have a second daughter named Willa. Tragically, Nate succumbs to a brain seizure during the show's final season, making it one of the most poignant moments in Six Feet Under.
David Fisher
David Fisher, the second son of Nathaniel and Ruth, is portrayed as an uptight individual who is prepared to inherit the family business. Throughout the five seasons of Six Feet Under, David experiences a remarkable transformation. Although he was previously engaged to a woman, his significant relationship is with Keith Charles. Together, David and Keith become adoptive fathers to two sons, Anthony and Durrell. While their union is not explicitly shown in the series, the memorable final scene of Six Feet Under, which includes a flash-forward, reveals that they eventually marry. In the series finale, it is stated that David passes away during a family lunch in 2044.
Claire Fisher
Claire Fisher, the youngest daughter of Nathaniel and Ruth, initially had a distant relationship with her brothers due to their age gap. Over the course of the five seasons, Claire finds herself entangled in several impactful (yet often toxic) relationships within the world of Six Feet Under. Nonetheless, only one of her boyfriends can be considered an official part of the Fisher family. The final episode's flash-forward reveals that Claire eventually marries Ted Fairwell. In that very scene, we witness Claire's peaceful passing at an old age in 2085, as she peacefully lies in her bed.
Ruth O'Connor-Fisher
Ruth Fisher, also known as Ruth O'Connor-Fisher, is the mother of Nate, David, and Claire. She is the widow of Nathaniel Fisher. Ruth has a strained relationship with her sister, Sarah. Throughout the show, she has been in several relationships, including Hiram, Nikolai, and Arthur. However, her only marriage is to George Sibley. Unfortunately, their relationship becomes turbulent due to George's undisclosed mental condition, causing them to ultimately separate. Remarkably, they reconcile in the series finale. Ruth's death is depicted in a flash-forward of the final episode, where she passes away in a hospital bed in the year 2025.
Brenda Chenowith-Fisher
Brenda Chenowith, Nate's girlfriend, ultimately becomes his wife in the final season of Six Feet Under. Not only is Brenda a significant character in the show, but she is also the daughter of Margaret and Bernard, both psychiatrists who have their own storyline. Furthermore, Brenda's brother, Billy, has an intimate relationship with Claire. Despite Nate's unfortunate passing, Brenda and Nate have a daughter named Willa. Tragically, Willa is born after Nate's death. However, Brenda goes on to adopt Maya, the daughter of Nate and Lisa. In the last episode's flash-forward, it is revealed that Brenda remarries an undisclosed man and passes away from natural causes in 2051.
Keith Charles
Throughout the series, Keith Charles serves as David's long-time partner. Although he is not officially considered a part of the family, Keith remains a prominent character in all five seasons. The show concludes with a flash-forward that showcases Keith and David's wedding. They have lovingly adopted two siblings, Anthony and Durrell, who share a special bond as blood brothers. Keith is the son of Roderick and Lucille, and he also has a sister and a young niece who make significant appearances throughout the show. Tragically, the series finale unveils Keith's untimely demise in 2029. He was fatally shot while working as a security guard.
Lisa Kimmel-Fisher
Lisa Kimmel-Fisher, Nate's friend from Seattle, eventually becomes romantically involved with him and they quickly marry due to Lisa's pregnancy. Despite Nate's lack of love for her, their marriage endures for an entire season, resulting in the birth of their daughter, Maya. Lisa's disappearance at the end of season 3 remains a mystery until she is later discovered dead in the sea. After Lisa's tragic passing, her sister Barb and her husband Hoyt become significant characters as they step forward to care for Maya. In season 4, the revelation of a secret affair between Lisa and her brother-in-law creates a significant upheaval.
Maya Fisher
Maya Fisher, the daughter of Nate and Lisa, was initially raised by her parents. However, following Lisa's unfortunate demise, Barb and Hoyt attempt to separate Maya from Nate. But their plans drastically change when the truth surrounding Lisa and Hoyt's affair surfaces and Hoyt tragically takes his own life. In the aftermath, Maya permanently remains under Nate's devoted care. Subsequently, Nate reunites with Brenda and they exchange vows, resulting in Brenda becoming Maya's stepmother. Ultimately, after Nate's passing, Brenda assumes the responsibility of caring for Maya. It is important to note that Maya also shares the bond of being Willa's older half-sister.
Willa Fisher-Chenowith
Willa Fisher-Chenowith, the daughter of Nate and Brenda, is also the half-sister of Maya. Unfortunately, Willa never has the opportunity to know her father, as she is born shortly after Nate's passing in the final season of Six Feet Under.
Anthony and Durrell Charles-Fisher
Anthony and Durrell Charles-Fisher, two orphan brothers, are adopted by David and Keith. Although initially intending to adopt only Anthony due to a special bond with David, the couple's decision changes when they discover Anthony has an older brother. Consequently, they choose to adopt both siblings. Despite facing initial challenges in adjusting to their new life with Keith and David, Anthony and Durrell eventually form a cohesive family unit. Notably, the series concludes with Durrell acquiring knowledge and skills related to his father's profession.
Sarah O'Connor
Sarah O'Connor, Ruth's sister, is a recurring character in the show. Despite not being part of the Fisher's tree as she is an O'Connor, she plays a significant role within the family. As an aunt, she holds great importance to Claire, serving as the one who motivates her to pursue her artistic talents. Sarah is the complete opposite of Ruth, embodying a free-spirited, hippie-like persona. Throughout the series, she faces a serious struggle with drug addiction, ultimately relying on Ruth for support.
George Sibley
George Sibley, Ruth's second spouse, enters her life during a funeral hosted at Fisher and Sons and promptly becomes her husband. Ruth, burdened by Lisa's sudden disappearance, surrenders to impulsiveness in her decision to marry George. Evidently, George himself is no stranger to matrimony, as Ruth is his seventh wife. In the beginning, the reasons behind his recurrent marriages remain mysterious. However, as he progressively displays symptoms of a severe mental illness, the enigma begins to unravel. Noteworthy is the fact that George has three children: Kyle, Brian, and Maggie.
Maggie Sibley
Ted Fairwell
George Sibley's daughter, Maggie Sibley, is the step-sister of David, Claire, and Nate. Maggie takes care of her father exclusively and is also a Quaker, a detail that piques Nate's interest and becomes the catalyst for their growing connection. During the final season, Maggie and Nate engage in an affair despite Nate being married to Brenda. Tragically, their first intimate encounter is interrupted by a seizure that ultimately leads to Nate's demise.
Ted Fairwell, though not particularly relevant to the series, briefly appears in season 5 as a colleague in Claire's office. During this time, Claire is in need of financial stability and secures an office job. It is worth noting that Ted holds no romantic affiliation with Claire throughout the season's timeline. However, the final flash-forward in Six Feet Under unveils his unexpected connection to the Fisher family as he ultimately marries Claire after visiting her during Ruth's funeral. Ted thus becomes an official member of the Fisher family.
Editor's P/S
The Fisher family is a complex and fascinating group of people. They are flawed, but they are also loving and supportive of each other. I enjoyed watching them grow and change over the course of the series.
The show's finale was one of the most memorable and moving finales I have ever seen. It was heartbreaking to see the Fisher family auseinanderbrechen, but it was also heartwarming to see them come together in the end.
The Fisher family is a reminder that even though life is full of ups and downs, we can always count on our family to be there for us.
