Decoding the Hidden Cameos in The Fall of the House of Usher

Article Overview

The House of Usher's downfall is intensified by the exciting inclusion of subtle appearances by actors previously involved in projects with Mike Flanagan. Elyse Maloway, Elan Gale, Vincent Gale, Jaren Moore, Molly C. Quinn, Robert Longstreet, Annabeth Gish, Lulu Wilson, Alex Essoe, Chelsea Hamill, and even Mike Flanagan himself can be spotted throughout the series.

In the "Flanaverse," fans of Mike Flanagan's previous works are delighted to find hidden surprises and connections through these cameos. Netflix's The Fall Of The House Of Usher follows suit, presenting unexpected treats in the form of several surprising cameos throughout the season. Loosely adapted from Edgar Allan Poe's Gothic short story, the show not only incorporates Easter eggs and nods to Poe and Flanagan's past projects but also features notable figures from the Flanaverse who have worked on-screen or behind the scenes.

As the Flanaverse expands, Flanagan has established a common practice of employing actors from his previous projects and strategically incorporating hidden Easter egg appearances within his movies and TV shows. This tendency adds to the excitement of watching his works, as familiar faces bring a whimsical touch while paying tribute to the horror genre and referencing the interconnected Flanaverse. In the Netflix series exploring the downfall of the corrupt and wealthy Usher family, viewers can delight in spotting entertaining cameos that enhance the dynamic cast of The Fall of the House of Usher.

12. Elyse Maloway (Mike Flanagan Actor)

The Fall of the House of Usher episode 2, "The Masque of the Red Death"

Fans of Flanagan's The Midnight Club, a thrilling horror mystery series that follows eight young adults with terminal illnesses in a hospice, will recognize Elyse Maloway in a minor role in The Fall of the House of Usher. Maloway, who previously played Laura in episode 3, "The Wicked Heart," of The Midnight Club's first season, makes a return to the Flanaverse in The Fall of the House of Usher as "Escort." In the show's second episode, Maloway portrays a sex worker hired by Tamerlane Usher for a marriage roleplay.

11. Elan Gale (Mike Flanagan Actor)

The Fall of the House of Usher episode 2, "The Masque of the Red Death"

Elan Gale is highly familiar with the Flanaverse and its titular proprietor, making it no surprise that the actor made a brief appearance in the second episode of The Fall of the House of Usher as a contractor hired for Prospero's hedonistic social event. Flanagan and Gale share a deep-seated relationship that began with mutual adoration on Twitter and blossomed into a close friendship when they met in person. Over time, Gale has also co-produced Flanagan's The Midnight Club TV show and provided consultation and writing services for his 2021 miniseries, Midnight Mass.

Mike Flanagan's extensive collection of movies and TV shows can be streamed on Netflix, including The Fall of the House of Usher, The Midnight Club, Midnight Mass, The Haunting of Bly Manor, The Haunting of Hill House, Gerald's Game, Ouija: Origin of Evil, and Before I Wake.

10. Vincent Gale (Mike Flanagan Actor)

The Fall of the House of Usher episode 2, "The Masque of the Red Death"

In the second episode of The Fall of the House of Usher, we are introduced to a young Auguste Dupin and his strict, by-the-book boss, whom he had previously worked for when he first started as an investigator. Portrayed by Vincent Gale, Dupin's boss serves as an initial indication that the young detective has stumbled upon a complex and brutal case. Although the boss's appearance is brief, Gale is well-known for his numerous roles in television movies and series. He is also part of Flanagan's Midnight Mass ensemble cast, playing the character of Howie Hobbs.

9. Jaren Moore (Mike Flanagan Actor)

The Fall of the House of Usher episode 3, "Murder in the Rue Morgue"

Jaren Moore also appeared in Flanagan's gothic horror Midnight Mass. The plot revolves around a secluded island community that experiences supernatural events following the arrival of a mysterious priest. Moore played the role of an AA Moderator in episode 2, "Book II: Psalms." In addition, Moore returned in The Fall of the House of Usher, another installment in Flanagan's expanding horror collection. In episode 3, "Murder in the Rue Morgue," Moore portrayed one of the lab assistants who discovers Camille's body.

8. Molly C. Quinn (Mike Flanagan Actor)

The Fall of the House of Usher episode 2, "The Masque of the Red Death"

Molly C. Quinn reprised her role in the Flanaverse as one of Prospero Usher's many indulgent acquaintances. Under the name of Jenny, Quinn doesn't make a lengthy appearance before succumbing to the effects of Prospero's irreverent lifestyle. However, her role in "The Fall of the House of Usher" within the Flanaverse was significantly more substantial compared to her previous part. Quinn also had a minor posthumous antagonist role, Mrs. Grady, in Flanagan's 2019 horror film "Doctor Sleep," featuring Ewan McGregor.

7. Robert Longstreet (Mike Flanagan Actor)

The Fall of the House of Usher episode 1, "A Midnight Dreary"

Despite its brief appearance, the character of William Longfellow plays a crucial role in The Fall of the House of Usher, occupying the position of the secret patriarch at the apex of the Usher family tree. In the initial episode, which provides a detailed account of the Usher lineage and establishes the motivations of Roderick and Madeline Usher, Robert Longstreet brings to life the character of William Longfellow, a former CEO of Fortunato who, despite his frugal nature, engages in an illicit relationship with Roderick and Madeline's mother. This talented actor, recognized for his diverse roles across various productions in the Flanaverse, has portrayed characters such as the Janitor in The Midnight Club, Joe Collie in Midnight Mass, Barry the Chunk in Doctor Sleep, and Mr. Dudley in The Haunting of Hill House.

6. Annabeth Gish (Mike Flanagan Actor)

The Fall of the House of Usher episode 1, "A Midnight Dreary"

Annabeth Gish, known for her roles as Natalie in Before I Wake, Mrs. Dudley in The Haunting of Hill House, and Dr. Sarah Gunning in Midnight Mass, is another esteemed figure in the Flanaverse. Similar to her co-star Longstreet, Gish holds a significant place in the Usher family tree. In "A Midnight Dreary," an installment of The Fall of the House of Usher, Gish brilliantly portrays Eliza Usher, the scandal-ridden secretary of Longfellow, as well as the mother of Roderick and Madeline.

5. Lulu Wilson (Mike Flanagan Actor)

The Fall of the House of Usher episode 1, "A Midnight Dreary"

Madeline Usher is portrayed by multiple actresses in The Fall of the House of Usher, as the narrative chronologically explores the history of the Usher family. In the series' debut episode, Lulu Wilson skillfully assumes the role of "Younger Madeline," marking her third youthful character in a Flanagan production. Wilson previously portrayed "Young Shirley," the younger iteration of Shirley Craine in The Haunting of Hill House, and Doris Crane, the central character at the age of nine in Ouija: Origin of Evil.

4. Michael Fimognari (Cinematographer/Director)

The Fall of the House of Usher episode 8, "The Raven"

In the season finale of The Fall of the House of Usher, there is a hidden gem for keen-eyed viewers during the New Year's Eve party attended by Roderick and Madeline Usher. Cinematographer/director Michael Fimognari makes a cameo appearance, donning a bishop's gold attire, and can be seen mingling with another bishop, supposedly show creator Mike Flanagan. Speculation suggests that these cameos involve the filmmakers portraying bishops from Midnight Mass.

Flanagan and Fimognari have teamed up on various projects in the past. Fimognari contributed to directing The Fall of the House of Usher and The Midnight Club within the Flanaverse. He also co-produced both House of Usher and Midnight Mass, and served as the cinematographer for all the aforementioned series. Furthermore, he fulfilled the same role in Flanagan's Doctor Sleep, The Haunting of Hill House, Gerald's Game, Ouija: Origin of Evil, Before I Wake, and Oculus.

3. Alex Essoe (Mike Flanagan Actor)

The Fall of the House of Usher episode 2, "The Masque of the Red Death"

In the second episode of The Fall of the House of Usher, Alex Essoe makes a brief yet captivating appearance. She portrays the character of the "Court Witness" in a short news segment, showcasing her testimony during the Fortunato trial. Essoe is recognized for her appearances in various Flanagan projects, including Doctor Sleep, where she memorably portrayed Wendy Torrence, and The Midnight Club, where she tackled the role of Poppy Corn. Additionally, she has portrayed Mildred Gunning in Midnight Mass and Charlotte Wingrove in The Haunting of Bly Manor.

2. Chelsea Hamill (Mark Hamill's Daughter)

The Fall of the House of Usher episode 3, "Murder in the Rue Morgue"

While Chelsea Hamill may not have a direct connection to Mike Flanagan, she shares an incredible bond with Mark Hamill, the star of The Fall of the House of Usher. Mark portrays the Usher family's esteemed legal representation and super lawyer. According to ABC News, Chelsea, who happens to be Mark's daughter, has been his devoted assistant for a long time and is always by his side. In The Fall of the House of Usher, Chelsea takes on a new role as Mark's co-star, appearing briefly as an ICU nurse in episode 3, "Murder in the Rue Morgue." Keep an eye out for her in this scene, as it goes by quickly but is not to be missed.

1. Mike Flanagan (Show Creator)

The Fall of the House of Usher episode 4, "The Black Cat"

The last of the secret cameos in The Fall of the House of Usher belongs to Flanagan, the show's director and creator. While there may be a subtle glimpse of Flanagan at The Fall of the House of Usher's season finale NYE party, audiences can unmistakably spot him in episode 4, "The Black Cat," as he is showcased as a BILT nation contest winner in the background of Bill's workout livestream. Although this moment is brief, fans will undoubtedly be drawn to rewatch the chilling horror series to catch not only Flanagan but also the other hidden cameos in The Fall of the House of Usher.

Sources: TV Guide, ABC News

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled to see the hidden cameos in The Fall of the House of Usher. It's exciting to spot familiar faces from previous Mike Flanagan projects, such as Elyse Maloway, Elan Gale, and Chelsea Hamill. These cameos add an extra layer of enjoyment to the show and make it feel like a connected universe.

Flanagan's use of cameos also helps to build anticipation for future projects. When I see an actor from a previous Flanagan project in a new show, it makes me excited to see what they will do next. It's also fun to speculate about which other actors might make cameo appearances in future Flanagan projects. Overall, I think the hidden cameos in The Fall of the House of Usher are a great way to reward fans and build excitement for future projects.