The Residence’s protagonist, detective Cordelia Cupp (Emmy-winner Uzo Aduba) arrives at the White House to face the challenge (or opportunity) of a lifetime: one dead body, 132 rooms, and a whopping 157 suspects. With so many potential murderers lurking around the mansion comes a vast cast of characters, played by the likes of Susan Kelechi Watson, Molly Griggs, Edwina Findley, Jason Lee, Ken Marino, and so many more.
It’s Cordelia’s job to determine everyone’s whereabouts on the night of the disastrous State Dinner, the secrets they’re hiding, and, ultimately, which one of them is the culprit — or culprits — behind the murder of White House chief usher A.B. Wynter (Giancarlo Esposito). Most investigators would be quaking in their sensible brown loafers at such a prospect. But not detective Cupp.
“This case is unsolvable to everyone except Cordelia Cupp,” Aduba tells Tudum. “She’s not afraid to stand out. She doesn’t operate like everyone else.”
Cordelia’s singular talents are exactly what worry The Residence’s cast of furtive politicos, tight-lipped staff members, and confused dinner guests. So who are these suspects and allies milling around the White House? Why would they have been involved in A.B.’s death? Keep reading for your complete guide to the who’s who of this whodunit.
The victim
JESSICA BROOKS
Giancarlo Esposito
as A.B. Wynter
About the Character
Meet the heart of the White House. A.B. is the chief usher, a man who values conventions over almost everything (except for the many individuals bustling around the residence)
“He’s a very meticulous human being who cares about the house and all the people in it,” Esposito tells Tudum. “He’s in service not only to the president, but to the idea that we have a protocol within this environment.”
A.B. has worked at the White House for over 20 years, starting as an assistant usher. He has the decades of notes on the comings and goings of the residence to prove it. If the White House were a hotel, A.B. would be the general manager — an efficient institutionalist
His death kicks off the twisty mystery that is The Residence.
Previously In
Esposito was nominated for multiple Emmys for his performance as baddie Gus Fring in Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad. You can also find him stirring up trouble in Guy Ritchie’s posh drug dramedy The Gentlemen as the villainous Uncle Stan.
The Residence creator Paul William Davies was happy to show a different side of Esposito with his series. “He’s brilliant in everything and he’s certainly done so much stuff,” the showrunner tells Tudum. “But A.B. really showed his versatility as an actor. Giancarlo was great at being somebody who you felt a lot of sympathy and real affection towards.”
The detectives
JESSICA BROOKS
Uzo Aduba
as Cordelia Cupp
About the Character
Wry, funny, and relentless, Cordelia is the greatest investigator in the world. Cordelia’s work as a consulting detective for DC’s Metropolitan Police Department brings her to the White House on the night of A.B.’s murder.
Aduba explains that Cordelia’s signature tweed blazer tells you everything you need to know about her character. “I put it on and it was just right,” she says. “It helped me to really understand how she doesn’t fit in at the White House. She doesn’t fit in anywhere. She’s entirely her own, singular, and OK with that.”
Cordelia is supremely confident, an astute observer of human behavior, and a legendary birder. Will her keen eye and intense focus help her unravel the secrets of The Residence?
Previously In
Aduba broke out in prison series Orange Is the New Black, playing lovable inmate Suzanne; she won two Emmys for the role. The actor has since led dramas Painkiller and Candy Jar.
JESSICA BROOKS
Randall Park
as Edwin Park
About the Character
Every Sherlock needs their Watson, and Edwin is Cordelia’s. Edwin is the FBI special agent assigned to work alongside Cordelia on the night of the state dinner … and he isn’t quite sure about her investigative style.
Yet there’s more to this agent than meets the eye. “If you look at the color of Edwin’s suit, it’s different from all the other men,” Park tells Tudum. His character wears a light gray outfit, while the rest of The Residence’s law enforcement officers wear dark black or blue. “We’re signaling through costume that Edwin is amongst them, but not them.”
Previously In
You can watch Park charm his way through rom-com Always Be My Maybe. He also led sitcom Fresh off the Boat and lent his voice to various animated series, including Blue Eye Samurai, Big Mouth, Human Resources, and BoJack Horseman.
The White House staff
JESSICA BROOKS
Susan Kelechi Watson
as Jasmine Haney
About the Character
Jasmine is a young and rising White House assistant usher. Despite her status as a good worker bee, she’s eager to climb the ranks to become chief usher. Her impatient and ambitious disposition makes her a prime suspect in A.B.’s murder.
Watson enjoyed exploring Jasmine’s dubious nature. “You modulate between the fun line of earnestly feeling like, ‘Oh my God, I didn’t do this, what’s going on?’ and ‘Oh my god, I’m so nervous because everybody’s looking at me and now they think I did it,’ ” Kelechi Watson tells Tudum.
Previously In
Kelechi Watson won two ensemble SAG Awards for portraying This Is Us matriarch Beth Pearson. She also voices Mom Twist in the Emmy Award–winning children’s series Ada Twist, Scientist.
Edwina Findley
as Sheila Cannon
About the Character
Fun, exuberant, and enthusiastic, Sheila is a White House butler. While her big personality was beloved by the previous presidential family, things aren’t the same under the new commander in chief, Perry Morgan (Paul Fitzgerald).
Sheila’s high-spirited ways often put her on a collision course with her stern boss, A.B. Did their tendency to clash finally escalate to violence?
Previously In
Findley led the drama If Loving You Is Wrong. You can also find her in the thriller Rogue Agent and the film Middle of Nowhere.
Bronson Pinchot
as Didier Gotthard
About the Character
This highly trained pastry chef once dazzled diners at the famed luxury hotel Badrutt’s Palace in St. Moritz. Didier has since left the slopes behind for DC’s swampy humidity. He is exceedingly formal, generally unsmiling, and a perfectionist.
Could Didier have used his Swiss-trained knife skills for the ultimate crime?
Previously In
Perfect Strangers star Pinchot returned to his Beverly Hills roots to play artsy Los Angeles insider Serge in sequel Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. You can also find him in supernatural drama The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
Mary Wiseman
as Marvella
About the Character
Every work place has its rivalries, and Marvella is at the center of one. Unlike her tidy kitchenmate Didier, this White House executive chef is as unorganized and temperamental as she is innovative and charming. A true visionary, Marvella shot to international fame after the success of her legendary food truck.
Marvella’s passions include fermentation, wild quail eggs, and exceedingly sharp knives. Could one of those pointy utensils have ended up in A.B.’s back?
Previously In
Wiseman previously starred on Star Trek: Discovery as Sylvia Tilly.
Julieth Restrepo
as Elsyie Chayle
About the Character
Elsyie is a sweet and kind White House housekeeper. In fact, there isn’t a single person in the residence who doesn’t like this hardworking single mom.
But, Elsyie’s hidden secrets also put her at odds with A.B. What lines would she cross to protect her family?
Previously In
Restrepo stars in four episodes of Emmy-nominated crime drama Griselda. She also led dramedy Penalty Kick.
Al Mitchell
as Rollie Bridgewater
About the Character
Rollie is the head butler and maitre d’ of the White House. He’s a talented professional who could change the tablecloth as you’re eating your meal — and you wouldn’t even notice.
Previously In
Mitchell has appeared in Stranger Things, Outer Banks, and Ozark.
Mel Rodriguez
as Bruce Geller
About the Character
This White House engineer was once a genial face around the residence. But he’s become reserved since the Morgans arrived — or whenever A.B. is around.
One person, however, still makes Bruce light up like a Christmas tree. How far would he go to keep them around?
Previously In
Rodriguez co-starred in sitcom The Last Man on Earth. You can also find him in animated comedy Carol & The End of the World and thriller The Last Thing He Wanted.
Matt Oberg
as Nick Simms
About the Character
Nick is the White House’s deputy calligrapher. While Nick is usually indisputably talented, he’s a stressed-out wreck on the night of the state dinner. What could he be hiding from Cordelia?
Previously In
Ortberg has appeared in everything from 30 Rock and The Mindy Project to Veep, just like his co-star Randall Park. You can also spot him in Nobody Wants This, The Vince Staples Show, and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, among many other comedies.
The family
Paul Fitzgerald
as President Perry Morgan
About the Character
Hail to the chief. Perry is the president of the United States. He’s dynamic, wicked smart, and a generally decent guy — who can also be intense and obsessive. Don’t get Perry started on shower water pressure.
He’s determined to quickly figure out the truth about A.B.’s death.
Previously In
Like many of his co-stars, Fitzgerald also appeared in Veep — albeit as a bumbling US Representative, not POTUS. You can also find him in Dare Me and Younger.
Barrett Foa
as Elliot Morgan
About the Character
Meet Perry’s other half: Elliot Morgan, the first gentleman. Elliot knows nothing about the social culture of Washington nor the expectations of his role in the White House — which is bound to displease rule-following A.B. Could their differences escalate to murder?
Previously In
Foa starred in nearly 300 episodes of the crime procedural NCIS: Los Angeles.
ERIN SIMKIN
Jason Lee
as Tripp Morgan
About the Character
“Tripp doesn’t care. That’s his whole thing,” says Lee tells Tudum. Well who would need to care when they’re the president’s younger brother?
“Outspoken” Tripp is the product of a difficult childhood. He was constantly compared to his high-achieving brother — and never favorably. Tripp still hasn’t found his way in life, which brings him to the White House. He’s been living there for nearly a year.
“Imagine you never really amounted to much. And your brother is president of the United States. If you’re insecure, vulnerable, and lonely enough, that might translate into jealousy,” Lee says. “Tripp wants to cause trouble. He fancies himself in rebellion against the system.”
Considering A.B.’s love for that very system, the diligent chief usher is a natural enemy for Tripp. Just how deep does their rivalry go?
Previously In
Lee was nominated for multiple Golden Globes and SAG Awards for leading sitcom My Name Is Earl. After a 10-year break from television, Lee knew he wanted to join The Residence the moment he learned about Tripp.
“When I heard the part was for a Shondaland series, on Netflix, playing the deadbeat, loose cannon, younger brother to the president, I said, ‘I have to do this,’ ” Lee explains. “This is a guy who walks around barefoot and in robes at the White House causing trouble.”
JESSICA BROOKS
Jane Curtin
as Nan Cox
About the Character
Many mothers would be delighted if their child were married to POTUS. Nan is not one of those people. The first mother-in-law begrudgingly lives in the White House due to health issues. Thankfully her son-in-law (the president of the United States) rarely visits her room.
Nan survives her proximity to Perry — whom she has never believed was good enough for her Elliot — by ordering a steady supply of vodka to the third floor. Perry and Elliot frown upon this habit.
Previously In
Curtin was a standout member of the very first Saturday Night Live cast. She has since won two Emmys for her comedy Kate & Allie, and appeared in everything from comedy Queen Bees to legal drama The Good Fight.
The family’s staff
JESSICA BROOKS
Ken Marino
as Harry Hollinger
About the Character
If the president trusts one political operative, it’s Harry. He’s Perry’s oldest friend and closest advisor, with a portfolio of responsibilities that includes nothing and everything in the Morgan administration.
A cunning operator, Harry has butted heads with A.B. in the past. Marino knows that viewers — much like Cordelia — will feel wary about him.
“He is such a belligerent blowhard that clearly he’s a suspect,” Marino tells Tudum. “I would try to play a line in a sincere way that maybe led you to believe that, ‘Oh, this guy couldn’t possibly have killed A.B.’ But then in the next scene you’re like, ‘Well maybe.’ ”
Previously In
Whether you’re a fan of comedy, supernatural teen drama, or horror, there’s a Marino show for you. He has appeared in Never Have I Ever, The Babysitter: Killer Queen, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Daybreak, the Wet Hot American Summer franchise, and many more series.
ERIN SIMKIN
Molly Griggs
as Lilly Schumacher
About the Character
Move over Jackie Kennedy — Lilly is ready to be the most stylish woman in White House history. Lilly is the White House social secretary. The daughter of a wealthy casino magnate, she is a rising socialite and hostess with the mostess.
Lilly is in charge of planning all events at the White House, including the catastrophic state dinner. Protocol-obsessed A.B. will certainly have something to say about the train wreck of a party. But, will Lilly listen? Or is she hoping to organize the next great White House event: his funeral?
Previously In
Succession fans will remember Griggs as Grace, Roman Roy’s (Kieran Culkin) Season 1 girlfriend. She has also starred in Prodigal Son and Dr. Death.
JESSICA BROOKS
Taran Killam
as St. Pierre
About the Character
Need your aura cleansed? Call up energy healer St. Pierre. He’s Lilly’s consultant for all things event planning.
Previously In
Like Curtin, Killam comes to The Residence from a memorable turn on Saturday Night Live. Watch suspense movie River Wild to see his action chops.
The partygoers
JESSICA BROOKS
Julian McMahon
as Prime Minister Stephen Roos
About the Character
Stephen is the young, newly elected prime minister of Australia. The swashbuckling counterpart to President Morgan, Stephen has a relaxed, playful demeanor and a biting wit.
McMahon is particularly well-suited to the role, as his father Sir William McMahon was also once prime minister of Australia — the real one.
Previously In
McMahon nabbed a Golden Globe nomination for playing Dr. Christian Troy in plastic surgery drama Nip/Tuck. He also starred on Charmed and led FBI: Most Wanted.
ERIN SIMKIN
Kylie Minogue
as Herself
About the Character
All eyes are on Kylie Minogue. The real-life Aussie icon ends up performing during the state dinner. All she asks for in return is a single night of slumber in the Lincoln Bedroom.
Previously In
Minogue has won two Grammy Awards, four Brit Awards, and countless hearts around the globe. Alongside her musical fame, Minogue has also enjoyed a lengthy acting career. She has starred in hundreds of episodes of Australian soap opera Neighbours, and even popped up in sitcom Kath & Kim.
JESSICA BROOKS
Brett Tucker
as David Rylance
About the Character
Dashing, charming, and a keen political operator, Rylance is the Australian foreign minister. This assertive negotiator has an unexpected connection to A.B. — and to another White House denizen. But how does it tie into A.B.’s murder?
Previously In
Arcane fans may recognize Tucker’s voice; the actor plays Singed on the animated series. Tucker also appeared in Atypical and AJ and the Queen.
Jessica Brooks
Timothy Hornor
as Patrick Doumbe (aka the Third Man)
About the Character
Does this man hold the secrets of A.B.’s death? Or is he just another attendee at the state dinner? It’s up to Cordelia to untangle the elusive truth about the Third Man.
Previously In
Hornor has appeared in multiple network comedies, including Grand Crew, Superstore, and Single Parents.
The law
JESSICA BROOKS
Isiah Whitlock Jr.
as Larry Dokes
About the Character
Affable and fantastically loyal, Larry is the Chief of Police, Metropolitan Police Department. He’s the kind of boss you wish you had. In fact, there is precisely one reason someone as accomplished as Cordelia works for MPD — and that is Larry Dokes.
Previously In
Whitlock Jr. has worked in Hollywood for 30 years. In 2021, he received a SAG Award nomination for his performance in Da 5 Bloods. He also starred in The Wire, The Good Cop, and Your Honor.
JESSICA BROOKS
Dan Perrault
as Colin Trask
About the Character
Although Colin is the head of the Secret Service’s presidential detail, he’s not above a starstruck moment. Pop culture fanatic Colin is easily distracted by the state dinner’s many celebrity guests.
Previously In
Perrault is the co-creator of the mockumentary American Vandal.
JESSICA BROOKS
Spencer Garrett
as Wally Glick
About the Character
Not everyone in the White House is happy that Cordelia is on the case. One such skeptic is Wally, director of the FBI and a hard-nosed, sharp-elbowed bureaucrat.
Previously In
Garrett appears in thriller Your Lucky Day, as well as Oscar-nominated films Bombshell and Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood.
JESSICA BROOKS
Andrew Friedman
as Irv Samuelson
About the Character
Irv is proud of his role as the director of the National Park Police. That doesn’t stop Harry and Director Glick from belittling him, though.
Previously In
Friedman appears in wrestling dramedy GLOW as TV executive Glen Klitnick. He has also portrayed Uncle Jack on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia since 2005.
The senators
JESSICA BROOKS
Eliza Coupe
as Senator Margery Bay Bix
About the Character
Say hello to the junior senator from Colorado. The self-righteous Margery is a charismatic politico who doesn’t like President Morgan. Often the loudest and most radical voice in the room, Margery will not stop until she learns the truth about A.B.’s death.
Previously In
Coupe is a comedy mainstay. She starred in the TV special Who Killed Santa? A Murderville Murder Mystery, and also in the series Happy Endings. Laugh all the way down the aisle with her in time-loop rom-com Naked.
Al Franken
as Senator Aaron Filkins
About the Character
Didier and Marvella in the White House kitchen aren’t the only ones with a rivalry. There’s another one brewing on the senate floor. Aaron — the senior senator from Washington state — is on one side of the feud, and Margery is on the other.
Aaron’s job is supposed to be investigating possible security failures in the White House, but his true mission seems far murkier. Where do Aaron’s true allegiances lie?
Previously In
… the actual Senate. Franken served as the United States senator from Minnesota after a successful acting and writing career. While Curtin was a member of SNL’s inaugural cast, Franken was one of the sketch show’s very first scribes. He also performed on the series across 15 seasons.
