Unveiling the Extensive Cast and Characters of Band of Brothers

Band of Brothers is considered one of the finest portrayals of World War II, and its impressive cast only adds to its appeal. Now that it can be streamed on Netflix, here's a helpful guide to the key characters in the series.

Created by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg for HBO, the show tells the gripping story of "Easy" Company and their brave and harrowing missions in the European theater of the Second World War. This includes their training, their involvement in the Normandy invasion, the Battle of the Bulge, the capturing of the Eagle's Nest, and other pivotal moments.

It is widely regarded as one of the greatest shows in television history, skillfully balancing heart-pounding action with a deep sense of reverence for the soldiers and victims on both sides of the conflict.

Additionally, the show features an impressive cast of actors who have since achieved great stardom. Here are the key characters you need to know from Band of Brothers.

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Band of Brothers cast & characters

The cast of Band of Brothers includes both major players and minor characters portrayed by well-known A-listers. Below, we've compiled a list of all the prominent actors in the series.

Major Richard “Dick” Winters: Damian Lewis

HBO

Damian Lewis portrays Richard Winters, a key figure in Band of Brothers. Initially a second lieutenant of Easy Company, he rises in rank as the series unfolds, leading to a shift away from direct involvement in combat. Despite this, he remains fiercely protective of the company and is revered by his men as their leader. Lewis is also recognized for his roles as Nicholas Brody in Homeland and Bobby Axelrod in Billions.

Captain Lewis Nixon: Ron Livingston

HBO

Ron Livingston portrays Lewis Nixon, a trusted companion and comrade of Dick as they navigate the European battlefield side by side. Despite his esteemed military achievements, Nixon never resorts to using a firearm and instead turns to alcohol to cope with the hardships and bitterness of war.

Livingston is most recognized for his role as Peter Gibbons in Office Space and has also appeared in notable films such as Swingers, Adaptation, The Conjuring, and The Flash, where he portrays Barry Allen's father.

Staff Sergeant Joe Toye: Kirk Acevedo

HBO

Kirk Acevedo portrays Joe Toye, a courageous paratrooper in Easy Company who faces mortal danger repeatedly in the mini-series, surviving two grenade explosions and ultimately losing a leg in the Bascogne woods. Additionally, Acevedo has appeared in HBO’s Oz as Miguel Alvarez, as well as in Fringe, The Thin Red Line, and Arrow.

Private First Class David Kenyon Webster: Eion Bailey

HBO

Eion Bailey portrays David Webster in the series. He is evacuated halfway through the season after being shot in the leg and is met with indifference from his brothers for not escaping the hospital to aid them in Bascogne. Nevertheless, he is eventually received back by the company. Bailey has also appeared in Once Upon a Time, Covert Affairs, Stalker, Fight Club, and From.

Staff Sergeant Denver “Bull” Randleman: Michael Cudlitz

HBO

Michael Cudlitz, known for his roles as Abraham in The Walking Dead and John Cooper in Southland, portrays Denver Randleman, also known as "Bull", a highly esteemed and courageous soldier in Easy Company. He is recognized as one of the finest soldiers under the command of Dick and is held in high regard by his fellow soldiers. Be sure to watch Episode 4 to see Bull in action.

Colonel Robert Sink: Dale Dye

HBO

Dale Dye portrays Robert Sink, the leader of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment in the 101st Airborne Division. He has a no-nonsense attitude, even going as far as to threaten execution when Easy Company speaks out against its captain. However, he is heavily involved in the war and makes regular appearances in the series.

In addition to his acting roles, Dye is a Vietnam War veteran and the founder of Warriors, Inc., a company that specializes in providing expertise on authentic military action for film and TV productions.

Technician Fourth Grade George Luz: Rick Gomez

HBO

Rick Gomez portrays the character George Luz, a paratrooper in Easy Company known for his ability to impersonate others. Despite witnessing the loss of many comrades, he miraculously escapes injury throughout the war. In addition to his role in Band of Brothers, Gomez has showcased his acting talent in various other films such as Last Man Running, Ray, Sin City, Transformers, The Animatrix, and The Adventures of Pete and Pete.

Technical Sergeant Donald Malarkey: Scott Grimes

HBO

Scott Grimes portrays the character of Donald Malarkey, who is initially given the nickname "Captain Bullsh*t" by Captain Sobel. Despite this, Malarkey is eventually promoted to first sergeant and emerges as the most reliable soldier in the entire company, never taking a break or leave even when injured. In addition to his role in Band of Brothers, Grimes has appeared in The Night They Saved Christmas, ER, Party of Five, Critters, and The Orville.

Staff Sergeant William “Wild Bill” Guarnere: Frank John Hughes

HBO

Frank John Hughes portrays William Guarnere, also called "Wild Bill" and "Gonorrhea." His character is a resilient one, driven by sorrow upon learning of his brother's death right before his first parachute jump into Normandy.

In addition to his role in Band of Brothers, Hughes has appeared in The Sopranos as Walden Belfiore and 24 as Tim Woods, and he has contributed as a screenwriter for Boomtown and Justified.

Technician Fourth Grade Frank Perconte: James Madio

HBO

James Madio portrays Frank Perconte, one of Easy Company's original members. He participates in all of the operations depicted in the show, including being shot in the waist and buttocks during the Battle of Bastogne, which he refers to as a "beautiful wound."

Madio has also been seen in The Basketball Diaries, Kick-Ass, Jersey Boys, USA High, and Queens Supreme.

First Lieutenant Lynn “Buck” Compton: Neal McDonough

HBO

Neal McDonough portrays Lynn "Buck" Compton, Dick's courageous assistant platoon leader whose self-assurance is tested by a severe gunshot wound in Holland and the harrowing experiences in Bastogne. McDonough has appeared in numerous films and TV series such as Boomtown, Tin Man, Desperate Housewives, Minority Report, Walking Tall, and is recognized for his role as Damien Darhk in DC's Arrowverse.

Captain Herbert Sobel: David Schwimmer

HBO

David Schwimmer takes on a new challenge in his role as Herbert Sobel, the strict first lieutenant of Easy Company who imposes extreme punishments for minor violations, pushing the soldiers to their limits. While Schwimmer is best known for his portrayal of Ross Geller in Friends, he has also lent his voice to Melman the Giraffe in Madagascar and portrayed Robert Kardashian in The People v. O.J. Simpson.

Sergeant Warren “Skip” Muck: Richard Speight Jr.

HBO

Richard Speight Jr. portrays Warren Muck, also known as Skip, a mortarman in Easy Company. He has built a successful career as a TV actor, making guest appearances in popular shows such as ER, Party of Five, JAG, The Agency, and CSI Miami. Speight also had leading roles in Jericho and Supernatural, playing the character Loki.

Second Lieutenant Carwood Lipton: Donnie Wahlberg

HBO

Donnie Wahlberg portrays Carwood Lipton in Easy Company, initially as a sergeant who demonstrates impressive leadership skills as he advances in rank, despite the diminishing respect for higher-ranking officers. He is recognized for his strong and empathetic comprehension of the realities of war. Wahlberg, the sibling of Mark Wahlberg, has also appeared in Ransom, The Sixth Sense, and portrayed Detective Eric Matthews in the Saw film series.

Captain Ronald Speirs: Matthew Settle

HBO

Matthew Settle portrays Ronald Speirs, the commanding leader of Dog Company who joins Easy Company in Bastogne. Known for his fearsome reputation, soldiers share chilling stories of his alleged killings of numerous German POWs. Settle's other notable roles include Rufus Humphrey in Gossip Girl, as well as appearances in ER, Into the West, and Ouija.

Technician Fifth Grade Antonio C. Garcia: Douglas Spain

HBO

Actor Douglas Spain portrays Antonio C. Garcia, a new addition to Bull’s team in Easy Company. Spain has also appeared in films such as the 1997 remake of 12 Angry Men, But I’m A Cheerleader, Cherry Falls, Next Exit, and The Mentalist.

First Lieutenant Harry Welsh: Rick Warden

HBO

Rick Warden portrays the role of Harry Welsh, an officer in Easy Company, who engages in combat during Operation Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge. Additionally, Warden has showcased his acting talent in BBC’s Dunkirk, Indian Summers, Evol, Bravo Two Zero, and Happy Valley.

Private Albert Blithe: Marc Warren

HBO

Marc Warren portrays Albert Blithe, a bewildered paratrooper who is reunited with Easy Company in Episode 3. Over the course of the episode, he grapples with shell-shock and works to overcome the terror-induced hysteria he experiences.

Additionally, Warren has appeared in Hustlers, State of Play, Mad Dogs, Wanted, and Green Street.

Technician Fourth Grade Eugene “Doc” Roe: Shane Taylor

HBO

Shane Taylor portrays Eugene Roe, known as Doc, a medic in Easy Company who provides medical care to the men throughout the series. He is the central character in the sixth episode set in Bastogne. Taylor has also featured in Comedy Lab, The Day of the Triffids, and Strike Back: Vengeance.

Staff Sergeant John “Johnny” Martin: Dexter Fletcher

HBO

Dexter Fletcher portrays John Martin, a highly regarded staff sergeant in Easy Company. Among Fletcher's other credits are roles in Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels, Kick-Ass, and Hotel Babylon, as well as directing Eddie the Eagle and Rocketman.

First Lieutenant Henry S. Jones: Colin Hanks

HBO

Colin Hanks enters the series later as Henry S. Jones, a first lieutenant who comes to Easy after the Battle of the Bulge and is determined to demonstrate his leadership skills by leading the "last patrol." Hanks, who is the son of Tom Hanks, has also appeared in Orange County, King Kong, the Jumanji reboot, and Fargo.

Technician Fifth Grade Joseph Liebgott: Ross McCall

HBO

Ross McCall portrays Joseph Liebgott, an original member of Easy Company who also serves as a translator during POW encounters and enemy territory missions.

After Band of Brothers, McCall appeared in Green Street and its sequel, Stand Your Ground. He also had roles in Crash, Autopsy, and White Collar.

Technical Sergeant Burton Christenson: Michael Fassbender

HBO

Michael Fassbender portrays Burton Christenson, a machine gunner for Easy Company who serves in the campaign from Normandy to Germany in Band of Brothers. Despite now being an A-list star, this role marked his first-ever acting gig, leading to smaller TV appearances in Holby City and Hex before making his movie debut in 300. Fassbender has since appeared in Eden Lake, the X-Men franchise as Magneto, and the Alien franchise as David in Prometheus.

Lt. George C. Rice: Jimmy Fallon

HBO

Jimmy Fallon has a cameo in Band of Brothers as George C. Rice, an officer of the 10th Armored Division. In addition to his role as a late-night TV host, Fallon has also appeared in Almost Famous, Taxi, and Whip It, as well as making cameo appearances as himself in Jurassic World, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, and more.

Sgt. Myron “Mike” Ranney: Stephen Graham

HBO

Stephen Graham, known for his roles in Snatch, This Is England, and The Irishman, plays Myron Ranney, one of the original members of Easy Company in Band of Brothers.

Private John Janovec: Tom Hardy

HBO

Tom Hardy's TV debut was in Band of Brothers, where he portrayed John Janovec, a replacement in Easy Company who joined before Operation Market Garden. This role was followed by his first movie, Black Hawk Down, also a war classic. Since then, he has gained recognition for his work in Bronson, Warrior, Mad Max: Fury Road, Legend, Peaky Blinders, The Dark Knight Rises, and Venom.

Pvt. James W. Miller: James McAvoy

HBO

James McAvoy portrays James Miller, a newcomer to Bull's unit in Easy Company, participating in Operation Market Garden.

Prior to Band of Brothers, McAvoy had only been acting for a few years, but has since accumulated roles in The Last King of Scotland, Atonement, Filth, Split, It Chapter Two, and His Dark Materials. Additionally, he portrayed Charles Xavier in the X-Men films alongside Fassbender as Magneto.

First Sergeant William S. Evans: Simon Pegg

HBO

Simon Pegg portrays William S. Evans, a non-commissioned officer in Easy Company who aligns himself with Sobel, in the minor character role he plays in Band of Brothers. Pegg is recognized for his roles in Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, The World's End, the Mission: Impossible franchise, Star Trek, The Boys, and Spaced.

Private John “Cowboy” Hall: Andrew Scott

HBO

Andrew Scott plays the role of John Hall in the series, a member of the mortar platoon of the Second Battalion Headquarters Company who crosses paths with Dick after arriving in Normandy. Scott is recognized for his portrayal of Moriarty in BBC’s Sherlock and has also appeared in Fleabag, Black Mirror, Pride, Spectre, 1917, and All of Us Strangers.

Band of Brothers is streaming on Netflix now. You can check out our other coverage here and our Netflix hub here.

Editor's P/S

Band of Brothers is a masterpiece of historical fiction, and its cast is a major reason for its success.

The show features an all-star ensemble, with each actor bringing their character to life with depth and nuance. From Damian Lewis' portrayal of the stoic and courageous Richard Winters to Ron Livingston's portrayal of the conflicted and haunted Lewis Nixon, the cast of Band of Brothers delivers tour-de-force performances that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

One of the things that makes Band of Brothers so special is its ability to balance the large-scale action sequences with the intimate character moments. The show does an excellent job of developing its characters, and we come to care deeply about their fates.

This is due in no small part to the performances of the cast, who bring their characters to life with such authenticity and emotion. Whether they're facing the horrors of war or the challenges of everyday life, the characters in Band of Brothers feel like real people, and we can't help but root for them.