Cast and Crew of Defending Jacob

Defending Jacob

Family is unconditional.

'Defending Jacob' falls within the crime drama genre, featuring many typical elements such as a gripping legal battle, familial tension, and moral ambiguity. It centers on a family's turmoil when their teenage son is accused of a serious crime, combining suspense with emotional depth. What distinguishes 'Defending Jacob' from other crime titles is its intimate focus on the family's perspective, particularly through the lens of the parents, portrayed by Chris Evans and Michelle Dockery. The show delves deeply into themes of loyalty, trust, and the harsh realities of the justice system, presenting a nuanced exploration of how a devastating accusation can irreparably change family dynamics.

Main Cast of Defending Jacob

Chris Evans as Andy Barber

Chris Evans

Andy Barber
Chris Evans stars in the TV miniseries 'Defending Jacob' as Andy Barber, a devoted father and assistant district attorney whose life is upended when his son is accused of murder. This role marks a significant departure from Evans's well-known portrayals of superheroes like Captain America, showcasing his versatility as an actor capable of delivering a nuanced, emotionally charged performance in a dramatic, suspenseful setting. Unlike the action-oriented characters he has famously played, Evans's role in 'Defending Jacob' highlights his ability to convey complex psychological and familial struggles, earning critical acclaim and expanding his repertoire beyond blockbuster films.
Michelle Dockery as Laurie Barber

Michelle Dockery

Laurie Barber
Michelle Dockery delivers a compelling and nuanced performance as Laurie Barber in the TV series 'Defending Jacob,' showcasing a depth of emotional complexity that sets this role apart from her more aristocratic character Lady Mary Crawley in 'Downton Abbey.' As Laurie, Dockery navigates the turmoil of a mother grappling with the dark accusations surrounding her son, displaying a raw and vulnerable side that contrasts with her previous dignified and reserved portrayals. A trivia fact about Dockery is that she trained extensively in ballet and dance before embarking on her acting career, which contributes to her poised screen presence.
Jaeden Martell as Jacob Barber

Jaeden Martell

Jacob Barber
Jaeden Martell played a pivotal role in the critically acclaimed TV series 'Defending Jacob,' portraying the character Jacob Barber, a teenager accused of murder. His performance was widely praised for its emotional depth and subtlety, effectively capturing the turmoil and vulnerability of his character. What made Martell's portrayal unique was his ability to convey complex emotions with minimal dialogue, relying heavily on expressive facial cues and body language. A lesser-known fact about his involvement is that Martell meticulously studied legal procedures and consulted with the show's writers to authentically represent Jacob's experience throughout the courtroom drama, demonstrating his dedication to delivering a realistic and compelling performance.
Cherry Jones as Joanna Klein

Cherry Jones

Joanna Klein
Fans of Cherry Jones will appreciate her role in the TV series 'Defending Jacob' because it showcases her exceptional ability to portray complex, deeply emotional characters, much like her most iconic performance as President Allison Taylor in '24'. In both roles, she exudes a strong presence and nuanced vulnerability, bringing a layered and compelling dimension to her characters. An interesting detail about her casting in 'Defending Jacob' is that despite primarily being known for her work in theater and film, her role in this series marked one of her notable ventures into limited series television, demonstrating her versatility and appeal across different mediums.
Megan Byrne as Joan Rifkin

Megan Byrne

Joan Rifkin
Megan Byrne played the role of Deputy D.A. in the TV series 'Defending Jacob'. Her performance was noted for its subtle intensity and authenticity, bringing depth to a character who navigates complex moral and legal dilemmas. What made her portrayal unique was her ability to balance firmness and empathy, making her character relatable yet authoritative. A lesser-known fact about Megan Byrne's involvement is that she spent time shadowing real prosecutors to prepare for the role, which added a layer of realism to her performance and helped her deliver nuanced courtroom scenes.
Jordan Alexa Davis as Sarah Grohl

Jordan Alexa Davis

Sarah Grohl
Pablo Schreiber as Neal Logiudice

Pablo Schreiber

Neal Logiudice
J.K. Simmons as Billy Barber

J.K. Simmons

Billy Barber
Patrick Fischler as Dan Rifkin

Patrick Fischler

Dan Rifkin
Betty Gabriel as Pam Duffy

Betty Gabriel

Pam Duffy
Sakina Jaffrey as Lynn Canavan

Sakina Jaffrey

Lynn Canavan
Daniel Henshall as Leonard Patz

Daniel Henshall

Leonard Patz

Ben Taylor

Derek Yoo

Crew of Defending Jacob

Full backstage crew list →