Discover the Top Boy Cast: Recognizing Dris & Other Familiar Faces

Top Boy is a crime TV show that first aired on Channel 4 in 2011, with a cast of talented British actors and musicians rotating throughout its five seasons. The series was initially canceled after two seasons in 2013, but was revived on Netflix in 2017 with the help of rapper Drake, leading to three more seasons on the streaming platform.

The show follows the story of two drug dealers, Dushane and Sully, as they navigate the criminal underworld of London, facing challenges such as gang violence and the complexities of the drug trade. While Dushane and Sully are the only characters to appear in all five seasons, each season showcases a diverse cast of characters portrayed by well-known actors who also have careers in music. Even though Top Boy did not get renewed for a sixth season, it remains a gripping and intense series worth watching, especially for fans of the talented cast members.

Ashley Walters As Dushane Hill

Ashley Walters as Dushane looking over his shoulder in Top Boy. - Ashley Walters As Dushane Hill

Ashley Walters, one of the co-leads of the show, portrays Dushane Hill in Top Boy. Dushane climbs his way up the gang hierarchy to become the revered "Top Boy" in the game. Walters, also known as the rapper Asher D, is a well-known actor in British television and film. In Bulletproof, he takes on the role of NCA Officer Ronnie Pike, showcasing his versatility. Some of his notable film roles include Antoine in Get Rich or Die Tryin' and Danny Dorsey in Billionaire Ransom.

Ashley Walters broke into fame as part of the UK garage group So Solid Crew.

Kane Robinson As Gerard "Sully" Sullivan

Sully (Kane Robinson) looking at the camera in Top Boy. - Kane Robinson As Gerard "Sully" Sullivan

Gerard Sullivan, also known as Sully, has been Dushane's closest friend since they were kids. Together, they climbed the ranks in the drug world. Unlike Dushane, Sully struggles to control his anger and often gets into confrontations. Sully is portrayed by Kane Robinson, who is a well-known British musician and actor using the stage name Kano. Top Boy is Kano's first TV role, and he has only appeared in four movies, including a notable role in The Kitchen as Izi. Since 2005, Kano has released six albums, with his latest one titled Hoodies All Summer coming out in 2019.

Shone Romulus As Dris Wright

Dris (Shone Romulus) looking upset in Top Guy. - Shone Romulus As Dris Wright

Jasmine Jobson takes on the role of Jacqueline "Jaq" Lawrence in Top Boy, appearing in the Netflix revival. Jaq is a key character in the series, known for her street smarts and tough demeanor. Jobson's portrayal of Jaq is a standout performance in her career, showcasing her talent as an actress. Aside from Top Boy, Jobson has also starred in other projects such as The Courier and Surge.

Jaq (Jasmine Jobson) looking serious in Top Boy. - Jasmine Jobson As Jacqueline "Jaq" Lawrence

Jaq is a character in Top Boy seasons 3 through 5. Originally, she was Dris' second-in-command and had a grudge against Dushane. However, when Dris betrayed the gang, Jaq showed her loyalty to Dushane and Sully. Jasmine Jobson portrays Jaq in Top Boy and has also been seen in various British TV series. One of her notable movie roles is as Lily in Surge. Jobson has showcased her talent in TV shows like Noughts + Crosses as Cara, had a leading role in Platform 7 as Lisa, and made a guest appearance in Dark Heart as Sally Watkins.

Simbi Ajikawo As Shelley

Shelley (Simbiatu Abisola Abiola) looking sad in Top Boy. - Simbi Ajikawo As Shelley

Araloyin Oshunremi portrays Stefan Tovell in Top Boy season 3. Stefan is a key character who plays a significant role in the storyline. Oshunremi's performance in the series is notable and memorable, showcasing his acting skills and talent.

Stefan (Araloyin Oshunremi) looking upset in Top Boy. - Araloyin Oshunremi As Stefan Tovell

Araloyin Oshunremi plays Stefan Tovell in Top Boy seasons 3 through 5. Stefan, the youngest Tovell brother, is portrayed as an innocent character yearning for a normal family life. Despite his desires, he gets entangled in the criminal activities of his older siblings. Oshunremi, a newcomer to acting in 2022, has also appeared as Otis Smith in the TV series Heartstopper.

Saffron Hocking As Lauryn Lawrence

Lauryn Lawrence (Saffron Hocking) holding a wine glass and laughing in Top Boy. - Saffron Hocking As Lauryn Lawrence

Lauryn Lawrence, portrayed by British actor Saffron Hocking, is a character who first appears in Top Boy season 3 and later becomes a main character in seasons 4 and 5. Lauryn is the sister of Jaq and at one point in Top Boy, she develops romantic feelings for Dris.

Saffron Hocking as Lauryn Lawrence

Saffron Hocking, known for her role as Lauryn Lawrence in Top Boy, has also appeared in various TV shows such as Moon Knight, Riches, London Kills, and White Gold. Her only movie role to date is as Sian in Strangeways Here We Come.

Jamie (Michael Ward) at a diner with another in Top Boy. - Top Boy's Supporting Cast & Characters

Micheal Ward portrays Jamie Tovell in the TV series, the eldest brother of the Tovell family. Jamie is always torn between looking out for his younger siblings and being a loyal follower to Dushane in seasons 3 and 4. Ward is known for his role as Brendan in The A List and has also appeared in movies like The Old Guard, Empire of Light, and The Book of Clarence.

Giacomo Mancini stars as Gemel "Gem" Mustapha in Top Boy, playing a main role in seasons 1 and 2 and a recurring character in season 3. Since beginning his acting career in 2012, Mancini has had only a few performances. Some of his notable film roles include Michelangelo in Pan and Shaun in Anti-Social, with television appearances in The I.T. Crowd and Ripper Street.

Joshua Blisset portrays Kieron Palmer in seasons 3 through 5 of Top Boy. Kieron, a high-ranking drug dealer within Scully and Dushane's crew, is known for his loyalty and steadfastness. Blisset has had limited acting experience since his debut in 2018, appearing in films such as Obey, Drawn Out, Blue Story, and Pretty Red Dress. His only other television role besides Top Boy was in an episode of Young Wallander.

Malcolm Kamulete portrays Ra'Nell Smith in seasons 1 and 2 of Top Boy. Ra'Nell is a key character in the series and a close friend of Gem. This role is one of Kamulete's most well-known performances. Additionally, he stars as Bosco Champion in the upcoming 2023 series Champion.

Sharon Duncan-Brewster takes on the role of Lisa Smith, Ra'Nell's mother in Top Boy. She appears in the first two seasons of the show before her character's storyline changes. Duncan-Brewster has also been featured in blockbuster films such as Dune, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and Enola Holmes 2. On television, she can be seen as Roz Marchetti in Sex Education, Trina Johnson in EastEnders, and Tula Quick in Intergalactic.

Lisa Dwan portrays Lizzie Kilfauns, an Irish crime boss and Jamie's romantic partner. She is recognized for her roles as Princess Deirdre in Mystic Knights of Tir Na Nog and Zoe Burke in Fair City.

NoLay takes on the role of Mandy in Top Boy. Mandy starts as a guest character in season 2, becomes a recurring character in season 4, and eventually becomes a main character in season 5. NoLay, also known as Natalie Bianaca Athanasiou, is a rapper who has released eight albums and mixtapes since 2007. This is her first acting credit.

Adwoa Aboah plays the character Becks in seasons 4 and 5 of Top Boy. Becks is involved in a romantic relationship with Jaqs in the series. Aboah, known for her work as a model and actress, has also appeared in the movie Ghost in the Shell as Lia and in two episodes of Willow as Scorpia.

Don't miss watching Adwoa Aboah in action on Netflix!

Editor's P/S:

The article delves into the captivating world of "Top Boy," a gritty and intense crime TV show. It offers an intriguing exploration of the lives of drug dealers Dushane and Sully, highlighting their struggles and the complexities of their dangerous profession. The article's focus on the talented cast, including their musical backgrounds and versatility, adds depth to its analysis.

Overall, the article effectively captures the essence of "Top Boy," leaving the reader eager to delve into the show's gripping narrative and diverse characters. It serves as a testament to the show's success and its ability to showcase the talents of both actors and musicians.