Meet the Cast of 27 Dresses - Who Played the Altruistic Jane and Her Secret Crush?

She's about to find the perfect fit.

In the romantic comedy "27 Dresses," the story revolves around the life of Jane Nichols, portrayed by the talented Katherine Heigl. Jane is a kind-hearted and selfless woman who has spent much of her adult life playing the role of the ultimate bridesmaid. She has been in a staggering number of weddings, always supporting her friends and family in their pursuit of love, yet finding herself perpetually single and unfulfilled. Jane's life takes a dramatic turn when her younger sister, Tess, suddenly announces her engagement to a man who captures Jane's heart — Kevin Doyle, played by the charming James Marsden. This news plunges Jane into a whirlwind of internal conflict as she grapples with her unexpressed feelings and the fear of losing both her sister and the love of her life.

As the story unfolds, Jane is thrust into a series of humorous and heart-wrenching situations that reveal her deep-rooted insecurities and longing for personal happiness. The plot beautifully explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexity of familial relationships, as Jane initially tries to mask her emotions and support her sister's marriage, despite the agony it brings her. With each wedding planning mishap and over-the-top bridesmaid dress fitting, Jane's identity as the perpetual bridesmaid becomes more pronounced, highlighting her struggle between selflessness and her own desires. Meanwhile, Kevin, who is not only Jane's secret crush but also one of the wedding planners, begins to see Jane in a new light, creating a tension-filled dynamic between the three characters as they navigate this unexpected love triangle.

Ultimately, "27 Dresses" is not just a story about weddings and romantic entanglements; it dives into the journey of self-discovery and the realization that love often comes in unexpected forms. As Jane confronts her fears and begins to prioritize her own happiness over her role as the supportive sister, she learns to embrace her individuality and pursue what she truly desires. With plenty of comedic moments, heartfelt revelations, and charming performances from Heigl and Marsden, the film captures the essence of finding love while letting go of societal expectations and familial pressures. In the end, "27 Dresses" serves as a reminder that true happiness may just lie in the courage to follow one’s heart.

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Full Cast of 27 Dresses

Katherine Heigl

as Jane Nichols

Katherine Heigl delivers a charming and engaging performance as Jane Nichols in the romantic comedy "27 Dresses." As the perennial bridesmaid who has been in twenty-seven weddings but never her own, Heigl captures the essence of a woman who is everyone's go-to person for wedding planning while simultaneously navigating her own unrequited love for her boss, George. Heigl's portrayal is a delicate balance of warmth, wit, and vulnerability; she effortlessly carries the film through its comedic moments and its more heartfelt scenes. Her chemistry with co-star James Marsden, who plays the cynical wedding columnist Kevin Doyle, adds a dynamic layer to the film, making their characters' budding romance both believable and endearing. Heigl's performance resonates with audiences, as she embodies the universal longing for true love and the fear of being perpetually overlooked, ultimately making Jane Nichols a relatable and root-worthy character.

James Marsden

as Kevin Doyle

James Marsden delivers a charming and memorable performance as Kevin Doyle in the romantic comedy "27 Dresses." As the cynical, wise-cracking wedding reporter who initially lock horns with Jane (Katherine Heigl), the perennial bridesmaid, Marsden brings a magnetic energy to the screen. His portrayal of Kevin is multilayered; he expertly balances the character's sarcastic exterior with a genuine warmth and vulnerability that emerges as the story progresses. Marsden's natural charisma and impeccable comedic timing make Kevin an endearing character, despite his initial role as Jane's nemesis. His chemistry with Heigl is palpable, and it's this dynamic that drives the film's central romantic tension. As Kevin transitions from a jaded journalist to a man rediscovering his faith in love, Marsden's performance resonates with both humor and heart, making his character's arc one of the most satisfying elements of the film. His rendition of "Bennie and the Jets" alongside Heigl is a standout scene that showcases his versatility as an actor and his ability to seamlessly blend comedic and musical talents, solidifying his performance as a highlight of "27 Dresses."

Malin Åkerman

as Tess Nichols

Malin Åkerman delivers a vivacious and memorable performance as Tess Nichols in the romantic comedy "27 Dresses." As the seemingly perfect younger sister to Katherine Heigl's character, Jane, Åkerman exudes charm and a certain effortless allure that makes her portrayal of Tess both endearing and compelling. Tess is the epitome of a free spirit, unencumbered by the responsibilities and meticulous planning that define Jane's life. With her bohemian fashion sense and carefree attitude, Åkerman brings a contrasting energy to the screen that both complements and challenges Heigl's type-A personality. Her performance is highlighted by a natural chemistry with co-star James Marsden, which adds depth to the love triangle at the heart of the film. Malin Åkerman's ability to infuse Tess with both likability and complexity ensures that the character transcends the typical sister role, making her a standout in the narrative and a delight for audiences to watch.

Judy Greer

as Casey

Judy Greer delivers a standout performance as Casey in the romantic comedy "27 Dresses," where she brings a blend of humor and heart to the role of the protagonist's level-headed sister. Greer's portrayal is both endearing and relatable, as she navigates the complexities of her character's relationship with her sister, played by Katherine Heigl. Casey is the voice of reason and the rock in her sister's tumultuous life, offering sage advice while dealing with her own personal growth. Greer's comedic timing and ability to convey genuine emotion make her a scene-stealer, whether she's offering witty one-liners or sharing tender moments with the rest of the cast. Her performance adds a layer of authenticity and warmth to the film, making Casey not just a supporting character, but a memorable and beloved part of the "27 Dresses" narrative.

Edward Burns

as George

Edward Burns delivers a commendable performance as George in the romantic comedy "27 Dresses," a film that revolves around the perpetual bridesmaid Jane Nichols, played by Katherine Heigl. George, who initially appears to be Jane's womanizing nemesis, is a character that requires a balance of charisma and depth to prevent him from falling into the cliché rogue archetype. Burns brings a certain rugged charm and a surprising level of sensitivity to the role, effectively peeling back the layers of George's personality to reveal a more complex individual beneath the surface. His interactions with Heigl's character are a highlight, showcasing a dynamic chemistry that oscillates between playful antagonism and a budding affection that feels genuine and earned. Burns's portrayal adds a layer of complexity to the film, as he navigates George's transformation from a seemingly insouciant charmer to a man capable of genuine love and vulnerability, making his character's journey one of the more compelling aspects of the movie.

Melora Hardin

as Maureen

Melora Hardin delivered a memorable performance as Maureen in the romantic comedy "27 Dresses," bringing a delightful blend of wit, charm, and emotional depth to her role as the dependable and often overlooked older sister of Katherine Heigl's character, Jane. Hardin's portrayal of Maureen is characterized by her ability to convey a mix of envy and genuine affection for her younger sister, as she grapples with her own insecurities and the pressure of living up to her family's expectations following Jane's engagement. Her performance is highlighted by a pivotal scene in which Maureen, donned in one of Jane's bridesmaid dresses, drunkenly vents her frustrations in a karaoke rendition of Elton John's "Bennie and the Jets." Hardin's dynamic portrayal and her character's relatable vulnerabilities add a layer of complexity to the film, balancing humor with heartfelt moments that resonate with viewers. Her chemistry with the rest of the cast, particularly with Heigl, enhances the comedic and emotional beats of the story, making Maureen's journey from a sister in the shadows to a woman embracing her own spotlight one of the film's most satisfying arcs.