Cast and Crew of Battlestar Galactica

Battlestar Galactica

Battlestar Galactica is a gripping science fiction television series that explores the survival of the last remnants of humanity as they journey through the cosmos in search of a mythical planet called Earth. The show is known for its complex characters, intricate plotlines, and thought-provoking themes, which combine to create a viewing experience that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating.

At the heart of the series are the characters of William Adama, played by Edward James Olmos, and Laura Roslin, portrayed by Mary McDonnell. Adama is a veteran military officer who commands the Galactica, one of the last remaining battleships of the Twelve Colonies. He is a stoic and honorable leader who is deeply committed to the protection of the human fleet, even as he struggles with the weight of his responsibilities. Roslin, on the other hand, is the civilian president of the Colonies, who finds herself thrust into a position of power in the wake of the Cylon attack. She is a former schoolteacher who is intelligent, compassionate, and fiercely determined to lead her people to safety.

The show's plot centers around the crew of the Galactica and the civilian fleet they protect as they travel through space, pursued by their old enemies, the Cylons. These are a race of sentient machines that were created by humans, but later turned against them. The Cylons are a formidable foe, with advanced technology and a seemingly limitless supply of resources. They are also capable of creating human-like copies of themselves, adding an extra layer of complexity to the conflict. As the human fleet journey's through space, they face a variety of challenges, both internal and external, that test their resolve and their ability to survive. From political intrigue and moral dilemmas to battles with the Cylons and the harsh realities of living in space, Battlestar Galactica is a show that explores the best and worst of humanity in the face of adversity.

Ran for 5 seasons.

Main Cast of Battlestar Galactica

Edward James Olmos as William Adama

Edward James Olmos

William Adama
Edward James Olmos delivers a commanding and nuanced performance as William Adama in the reimagined television series "Battlestar Galactica," a role that firmly cements his status as a legendary actor within the science fiction genre. As the senior military officer, Olmos skillfully balances the stoic resolve and innate leadership of Adama with the character's deeply rooted vulnerabilities and moral quandaries. His portrayal of Adama is one of a seasoned war hero, grappling with the weight of command and the survival of humanity, while also navigating complex relationships with his crew and his estranged son. Olmos brings a gravitas to the role, infusing Adama with a sense of dignity, wisdom, and a steadfast commitment to duty, which anchors the ensemble cast through the show's tumultuous narrative arcs. His performance is a testament to his ability to convey the internal struggles of an authority figure faced with impossible choices and the emotional toll of leadership in the face of extinction.
Mary McDonnell as Laura Roslin

Mary McDonnell

Laura Roslin
Mary McDonnell's portrayal of Laura Roslin in the reimagined television series "Battlestar Galactica" is a masterclass in complex character development and nuanced performance. Initially introduced as the Secretary of Education, McDonnell skillfully navigates Roslin's abrupt ascent to the presidency following a catastrophic Cylon attack that decimates humanity. Throughout the series, McDonnell's Roslin evolves from a compassionate and pragmatic leader into a resilient and at times ruthless commander-in-chief, grappling with the immense pressures of guiding the remnants of civilization through existential threats. Her performance is marked by a depth of emotion and intelligence, as she balances the character's inner strength with vulnerability, often conveying Roslin's internal struggles with mere glances and silent pauses. McDonnell's chemistry with co-star Edward James Olmos, who plays Admiral William Adama, is electric, providing a cornerstone for the show's exploration of power, morality, and the human condition. Her portrayal earned her critical acclaim, including an Emmy nomination, and solidified Laura Roslin as one of the most compelling and multifaceted female characters in science fiction television history.
Jamie Bamber as Lee 'Apollo' Adama

Jamie Bamber

Lee 'Apollo' Adama
Jamie Bamber brings a complex and nuanced portrayal to the character of Lee "Apollo" Adama in the reimagined television series "Battlestar Galactica." His performance is a cornerstone of the show's emotional depth, capturing the inner turmoil and growth of a man burdened by the weight of expectation and the shadow of his father, the esteemed Admiral William Adama. Bamber's Apollo is both a skilled Viper pilot and a reluctant hero, whose journey from a disillusioned son to a leader in his own right is marked by moments of vulnerability and resilience. His interactions with the crew of the Galactica and the civilian fleet showcase a range of emotions, from jealousy and anger to camaraderie and loyalty. Bamber's ability to convey Apollo's internal conflicts, moral dilemmas, and moments of self-discovery makes his performance not only a standout in the series but also a defining portrayal of a character caught between duty and personal desire in a time of existential crisis. His portrayal adds a layer of humanity to the science fiction narrative, grounding the epic space opera in relatable themes of family, leadership, and redemption.
Katee Sackhoff as Kara 'Starbuck' Thrace

Katee Sackhoff

Kara 'Starbuck' Thrace
Katee Sackhoff's portrayal of Kara "Starbuck" Thrace in the reimagined television series "Battlestar Galactica" is a tour de force that redefines the archetype of the ace fighter pilot. Sackhoff imbues Starbuck with a raw, visceral intensity, seamlessly blending the character's innate talent for aerial combat with her complex personal struggles. Her performance is a masterclass in nuance, capturing Starbuck's brash confidence and vulnerability with equal authenticity. Sackhoff's Starbuck is a study in contradictions: a brilliant tactician with a rebellious streak, a fiercely loyal friend with a tumultuous personal life, and a survivor haunted by her past and the weight of her responsibilities. Her ability to convey the depth of Starbuck's internal conflicts, particularly surrounding her destiny and her relationships, adds a rich, human dimension to the character that resonates with audiences. Sackhoff's embodiment of Starbuck is not only a cornerstone of the series but also a significant contribution to the landscape of strong, multi-faceted female characters in science fiction television.
James Callis as Gaius Baltar

James Callis

Gaius Baltar
James Callis's portrayal of Gaius Baltar in the reimagined television series "Battlestar Galactica" is a masterclass in complexity and charisma. Baltar, a brilliant scientist entangled in the downfall of human civilization, is a character riddled with contradictions: he is both a victim and a villain, a survivor and a traitor. Callis navigates this multifaceted role with a deft touch, bringing a magnetic energy to the screen that is impossible to ignore. His performance brims with nuance, as he seamlessly shifts from the character's public persona of charming arrogance to private moments of crippling doubt and desperation. Callis's Baltar is a man haunted by his own decisions, and the actor's ability to convey the internal turmoil of someone wrestling with guilt, ambition, and the quest for redemption adds layers of depth to the narrative. His interactions with the Cylon Number Six, played by Tricia Helfer, are particularly noteworthy, as they sizzle with a chemistry that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally charged. Callis's portrayal is pivotal in challenging the audience's perceptions of morality and humanity, making Gaius Baltar one of the most intriguing and unforgettable characters in modern science fiction television.
Tricia Helfer as Number Six

Tricia Helfer

Number Six
Tricia Helfer's portrayal of the enigmatic and multifaceted character Number Six in the reimagined television series "Battlestar Galactica" is a standout performance that captivates audiences with its complexity and depth. From the moment she appears on screen, Helfer embodies the duality of her character with a mesmerizing grace—balancing the allure of a seductive Cylon agent with the chilling precision of a manufactured being. Her ability to convey the nuanced emotions and evolving consciousness of Number Six, from cold calculation to vulnerable uncertainty, adds layers of intrigue to the series' exploration of identity, humanity, and artificial intelligence. Helfer's performance is characterized by a haunting intensity and a subtlety that makes the character both an object of fascination and a source of perpetual unease, as viewers are never quite sure of her true intentions. The chemistry between Helfer's Number Six and Edward James Olmos' Commander Adama is particularly noteworthy, as their interactions are charged with tension and a complicated dynamic that challenges the boundaries between humans and Cylons. Helfer's portrayal is not just a high point of the series but a memorable addition to the pantheon of great science fiction characters, solidifying her as a versatile actress capable of bringing depth and sophistication to the genre.
Lucy Lawless as D'Anna Biers

Lucy Lawless

D'Anna Biers
Lucy Lawless's portrayal of D'Anna Biers in the reimagined television series "Battlestar Galactica" is a testament to her versatility and depth as an actress. Originally introduced as a press secretary and documentarian, D'Anna's character evolves into a complex and pivotal figure within the Cylon ranks. Lawless brings a nuanced performance to the role, imbuing D'Anna with a sharp intelligence and a charismatic screen presence that captivates viewers. Her ability to convey D'Anna's transition from a seemingly sympathetic human ally to a radical and influential Cylon leader is compelling, as she grapples with her identity and the philosophical questions that underpin the series. Lawless's performance is particularly praised during the episodes centering around D'Anna, where her portrayal of the character's emotional depth and moral ambiguity adds layers to the human-Cylon conflict, culminating in some of the show's most thought-provoking moments. Her portrayal of D'Anna Biers remains a highlight of Lawless's career and a memorable contribution to the "Battlestar Galactica" narrative.
Kate Vernon as Ellen Tigh

Kate Vernon

Ellen Tigh
Kate Vernon's portrayal of Ellen Tigh in the reimagined television series "Battlestar Galactica" is a complex and multifaceted performance that delves into the depths of human frailty and resilience. Ellen, the wife of Colonel Saul Tigh, is initially presented as a seemingly peripheral character, but Vernon imbues her with a captivating blend of cunning, vulnerability, and strength. As the series progresses, Ellen's character evolves significantly, revealing her to be a pivotal figure with hidden knowledge and a controversial past. Vernon navigates this transformation with aplomb, bringing to life the character's survival instincts, political acumen, and deeply rooted flaws. Her performance is marked by a nuanced understanding of Ellen's motivations, whether she's manipulating those around her or displaying moments of genuine tenderness and humanity. Vernon's Ellen is both a source of conflict and a beacon of hope, and her scenes are often charged with an emotional intensity that reflects the show's dark and introspective themes. The actress's ability to convey the character's internal struggles and the weight of her secrets adds a rich layer to the ensemble cast, making Ellen Tigh a memorable and integral part of the "Battlestar Galactica" narrative.
Rekha Sharma as Tory Foster

Rekha Sharma

Tory Foster
Rekha Sharma delivered a nuanced and compelling performance as Tory Foster in the reimagined television series "Battlestar Galactica." As a member of the Colonial Fleet and a skilled Raptor pilot, Tory's character evolved significantly throughout the series, and Sharma adeptly navigated the complexities of her role with a mix of strength, intelligence, and vulnerability. Initially portrayed as a confident and capable officer, Tory's journey took a darker turn when she became one of the Final Five Cylons, a revelation that Sharma handled with depth and subtlety. Her performance captured the internal struggle and guilt associated with Tory's newfound identity, as well as her subsequent grappling with moral ambiguity and the weight of her ancestors' actions. Sharma's ability to convey Tory's transition from a trusted ally to a morally conflicted character, and eventually to a figure of betrayal, added layers of complexity to the narrative and provided a standout example of the show's exploration of identity, loyalty, and redemption.
Tahmoh Penikett as Karl 'Helo' Agathon

Tahmoh Penikett

Karl 'Helo' Agathon
Grace Park as Sharon 'Boomer' Valerii

Grace Park

Sharon 'Boomer' Valerii
Michael Hogan as Saul Tigh

Michael Hogan

Saul Tigh
Aaron Douglas as Galen Tyrol

Aaron Douglas

Galen Tyrol
Michael Trucco as Samuel T. Anders

Michael Trucco

Samuel T. Anders
Paul Campbell as Billy Keikeya

Paul Campbell

Billy Keikeya
Callum Keith Rennie as Leoben Conoy

Callum Keith Rennie

Leoben Conoy , Leoben

Crew of Battlestar Galactica

Full backstage crew list →