The Mesmerizing Cast of Conversations With Friends: Unveiling the Hidden Acting Gems in the Sensational Sally Rooney Drama

The gripping 12-part Hulu miniseries, Conversations with Friends, successfully brought Sally Rooney's complex and fascinating novel to life. With a story centered around two young college students from Dublin whose lives intertwine with a married couple deeply connected to the literary world, the series expertly blended elements of romance and drama to capture the intricate narrative of Rooney's book. Following the success of the 2020 adaptation of Rooney's Normal People, Hulu wasted no time in adapting her evocative debut novel. While critics had mixed opinions on Conversations with Friends, praising the performances and characters but criticizing the lengthy and wandering plot, the show remained true to the book, showcasing Rooney's talent for light dialogue. Despite differing reception, the cast of Conversations with Friends skillfully tackled the challenging story, ensuring an entertaining experience for viewers.

Alison Oliver As Frances Flynn

Sasha Lane As Bobbi Connolly

Frances Flynn, a 21-year-old college student known for her poetry and collaborative performances with her best friend and former romantic partner Bobbi, starred in the cast of Alison Oliver's Conversations with Friends. This talented Irish actor made a remarkable on-screen debut in the series and later took on the significant supporting role of Katie in the acclaimed Best Interests, acting alongside seasoned veterans Michael Sheen and Sharon Horgan. Oliver's versatility and skill were recognized when she secured roles in the eagerly anticipated film directed by Emerald Fennell, Saltburn, as well as in the upcoming project The Order, helmed by Justin Kurzel. Despite the secrecy surrounding her character, audiences eagerly anticipate Oliver's captivating performances in these productions slated for release in 2023.

Bobbi Connolly, a vibrant college student, collaborates on poetry performances and writing with her more introverted best friend Frances Flynn, who also happens to be her ex-lover. In the play Conversations With Friends, the role of Connolly was brilliantly portrayed by American actor Sasha Lane. Lane gained recognition for her breakthrough performance as Star in the indie sensation American Honey. She has also appeared as Jane in The Miseducation of Cameron Post, Alice in 2019's Hellboy, and Hunter C-20 in the popular Marvel series Loki. Lane further showcased her talent on television, captivating audiences as Ariana in the Apple TV Plus miniseries The Crowded Room.

Joe Alwyn As Nick Conway

Jemima Kirke As Melissa Baines

: Portrayed by Joe Alwyn, Nick Conway is a celebrated actor who grapples with rebuilding his failing marriage to Melissa while embarking on a romantic connection with Frances Flynn. This English actor gained recognition for his portrayal of Samuel Masham in the acclaimed historical film The Favourite, and made waves with his breakthrough leading role as Billy in Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk. Renowned for his appearances in period dramas, Alwyn is also notable for his performance as Gideon Brodess in Harriet, as well as his portrayal of Robert Dudley in Mary Queen of Scots. Additionally, Alwyn showcased his comedic talent as Uncle George in one of the standout films on Prime Video in 2022, Catherine Called Birdy.

Jemima Kirke is set to join the cast of Conversations with Friends as Melissa Baines, a successful writer who forms a friendship with Frances and Bobbi while navigating the challenges of her troubled marriage to Nick. Kirke gained recognition for her breakout performance as Charlotte in the independent film Tiny Furniture, directed by Lena Dunham. She further established herself in the role of Jessa on Dunham's critically acclaimed HBO series Girls. Kirke's notable appearances also include Marta in The Little Hours and Andrea in Untogether. In addition, she portrayed the character of Hope Haddon in eight episodes of the Netflix original series Sex Education and took on the leading role of Regan Hamilton Sweeney in the gripping drama series City on Fire, exclusive to Apple TV Plus.

Conversations With Friends Supporting Cast & Characters

Philip, portrayed by Alex Murphy, is one of the most likable characters in Conversations with Friends. He is a friend of Frances and Bobbi and has connections in the publishing industry. Known for his humorous portrayal of Conor MacSweeney in the film The Young Offenders, Murphy also reprised the role in the TV series adaptation. Additionally, he played the character Doug in the indie horror comedy film The Loneliest Boy in the World.

In the role of Aideen, Caoimhe Coburn-Gray portrays a friend of Melissa and Nick's. Conversations With Friends marks her major television debut, but she has also appeared as Woman in Kattegat in the series Viking: Valhalla.

Justine Mitchell portrays the character of Paula Flynn, a compassionate and supportive mother to Frances Flynn. Mitchell has gained recognition for her roles in the Irish sketch TV series Your Bad Self and the drama series Smother, where she played Elaine Lynch. Additionally, she is familiar to audiences for her portrayal of DI Bould in the series Cheat.

In the role of Dennis Flynn, Frances' distant father, Tommy Tiernan delivers a compelling performance in Conversations With Friends. Tiernan is renowned for his comedic talent, particularly for his portrayal of Gerry Quinn in the long-running series Derry Girls. He has also garnered attention as the host of his own chat show, The Tommy Tiernan Show.

Valerie Taylor-Gates, portrayed by Kerry Fox, is a haughty associate of Melissa and Nick. She consistently makes sly jabs at their careers and relationship. Kerry Fox is renowned for her performance as Juliet Miller in Danny Boyle's film Shallow Grave, and she also portrayed Mrs. Brawne in the period drama Bright Star.

Derek, played by Tadhg Murphy, is a carefree friend of Frances and Bobbi. He is in a relationship with Evelyn. Tadhg Murphy, an Irish actor, gained recognition for his portrayal of Eiríkr Blaze Eye in The Northman. He also appeared as Diggs in Boy Eat Girl and Shirley in Wrath of Man.

Sallay Garnett stars as Evelyn in the film, portraying a character who shares a strong bond with Bobbi and Frances, especially with Derek. Garnett is widely recognized for her role as The Concierge in The Continental: From The World of John Wick series, and she has also showcased her talent as Dee in the popular show Striking Out.

Emmanuel Okoye joins the cast as Andrew, a close friend of Bobbi and Frances. Okoye's portrayal of Andrew in Conversations With Friends adds depth to the character. Previously, Okoye mesmerized audiences with his performance as a fairytale villager in Disney's Disenchanted, and he also made an appearance as the Young Neighbor in the Sky series Aisha.