Cast and Crew of Once Upon a Time

Once Upon a Time

Once Upon a Time is a captivating television series that combines the magic of classic fairy tales with the modernity of the 21st century. The show is set in the picturesque town of Storybrooke, Maine, where the viewer is taken on a journey through the lives of various storybook characters who have been cursed and trapped between two worlds. This powerful curse, cast by the Evil Queen Regina Mills, has left these beloved characters without their memories, living in a perpetual state of limbo.

At the heart of the story is Emma Swan, a 28-year-old bail bonds collector who has been surviving on her own since she was abandoned as a baby. Emma's life takes an unexpected turn when her son, Henry, whom she gave up for adoption years ago, finds her and pleads for her help. Henry, who is an avid reader of fairy tales, believes that Emma is the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming, who was whisked away to the real world before she could be cursed. Emma, being a practical and logical person, initially dismisses Henry's claims as the imaginings of a child, but as she spends more time in Storybrooke, she begins to question the true nature of the town and its inhabitants.

The show's plot thickens as Emma grapples with the idea that she might be the savior of Storybrooke and the only one who can break the curse. Jennifer Morrison, who plays Emma Swan, delivers a compelling performance as a strong and independent woman who is forced to confront her past and embrace her destiny. Lana Parrilla, who plays the Evil Queen Regina Mills, is equally impressive as the complex and multi-faceted villain who is both feared and respected by the people of Storybrooke. Once Upon a Time is a must-watch for anyone who loves fairy tales, adventure, and a healthy dose of mystery and intrigue.

Ran for 8 seasons.

Main Cast of Once Upon a Time

Jennifer Morrison as Emma Swan

Jennifer Morrison

Emma Swan
Jennifer Morrison delivered a compelling and multifaceted performance as Emma Swan in the television series "Once Upon a Time," a role that showcased her versatility as an actress. From the outset, Morrison imbued Emma with a tough, skeptical exterior, reflective of her character's complicated past and her profession as a bail bondsman. As the series unfolded, Emma's journey from cynical non-believer to a central figure in a world filled with magic and fairy tale characters allowed Morrison to peel back the layers of her character, revealing a woman capable of courage, vulnerability, and deep love. Morrison's portrayal of Emma's struggle with her identity, her role as the Savior, and her complex relationships—especially with her son Henry and true love Captain Hook—demonstrated an impressive emotional range. Her chemistry with the ensemble cast was palpable, and her performance was a cornerstone of the show's exploration of themes such as family, redemption, and the power of belief. Jennifer Morrison's Emma Swan was a modern take on the classic Disney princess, bringing a relatable strength and humanity to the character that resonated with audiences and solidified her as a fan favorite in the beloved series.
Lana Parrilla as Regina Mills / Evil Queen

Lana Parrilla

Regina Mills / Evil Queen
Lana Parrilla's portrayal of Regina Mills/Evil Queen in ABC's "Once Upon a Time" is a tour de force of dynamic acting, showcasing her range and depth as a performer. From the series' inception, Parrilla captivates audiences with her nuanced portrayal of the complex villainess, seamlessly transitioning from the calculating and feared Evil Queen of fairy tale lore to the more vulnerable and conflicted Regina Mills, the mayor of Storybrooke. Her ability to evoke sympathy and understanding for a character initially presented as purely malevolent is a testament to her skill. Throughout the series, Parrilla masterfully navigates Regina's journey of redemption, imbuing her with a relatable humanity and a compelling mix of strength and fragility. Her performances are often emotionally charged, whether she's delivering a biting retort, expressing deep-seated sorrow, or fighting for her adopted son's love. Lana Parrilla's embodiment of Regina/Evil Queen is not just a highlight of "Once Upon a Time," but a standout performance in the realm of television fantasy, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.
Colin O'Donoghue as Captain Hook

Colin O'Donoghue

Captain Hook
Colin O'Donoghue's portrayal of Captain Hook in ABC's "Once Upon a Time" is a captivating blend of roguish charm and complex vulnerability. His performance breathes new life into the classic literary character, transforming the traditional villain into a multifaceted anti-hero. O'Donoghue's Hook is dashing and cunning, wielding his hook with a swashbuckling flair that harks back to the golden age of piracy, yet he also imbues the character with a deep-seated emotional intensity. The actor adeptly navigates the pirate's moral ambiguities, showcasing his internal struggles and his capacity for both love and ruthlessness. His Irish lilt adds an extra layer of allure to the character, and his chemistry with the other members of the cast, particularly Jennifer Morrison's Emma Swan, is electric, driving much of the show's dramatic tension. O'Donoghue's nuanced performance ensures that Hook is not merely a reimagining of a familiar character but a fully realized individual with his own tragic backstory and redemptive arc, making him one of the most compelling and enduring characters in the "Once Upon a Time" universe.
Robert Carlyle as Mr. Gold / Rumplestiltskin / Weaver

Robert Carlyle

Mr. Gold / Rumplestiltskin / Weaver
Robert Carlyle's portrayal of Mr. Gold/Rumplestiltskin/Weaver in the fantastical television series "Once Upon a Time" is a masterclass in complexity and charisma. With a chameleon-like ability to shift from the sly and conniving Dark One to the more vulnerable Mr. Gold, Carlyle imbues his character with a depth that captivates audiences. His Rumplestiltskin is deliciously wicked and endlessly cunning, often stealing the scene with a mere twinkle in his eye or a sardonic twist of his lip. Yet, it's the moments of raw vulnerability, where the weight of his character's centuries-long existence and the consequences of his choices are laid bare, that truly showcase Carlyle's prowess. As Weaver, the latest iteration of this multifaceted character, Carlyle continues to navigate the intricate web of storylines with aplomb, offering a nuanced performance that is both haunting and heartfelt. His ability to seamlessly transition between the various incarnations of his character, each with its own peculiarities and pathos, is a testament to his talent and commitment to the role, making Rumplestiltskin an iconic figure in the pantheon of modern television antiheroes.
Josh Dallas as David Nolan / Prince Charming

Josh Dallas

David Nolan / Prince Charming
Josh Dallas delivers a captivating performance as David Nolan / Prince Charming in the ABC fantasy television series "Once Upon a Time." His portrayal is a modern reimagining of the classic fairy tale character, infusing the role with depth and nuance. Dallas imbues his character with a natural charm and a sense of regal nobility that harks back to the archetypal prince, while also bringing a relatable vulnerability to the role. His on-screen chemistry with co-star Ginnifer Goodwin, who plays Snow White, is palpable and serves as the emotional anchor for the series. Dallas skillfully navigates the complexities of his character's dual life, juggling the humble, amnesiac David Nolan in the show's real-world setting of Storybrooke with the valiant and chivalrous Prince Charming in the Enchanted Forest. His performance is highlighted by his ability to convey a strong moral compass and an enduring sense of hope, which are essential to the series' overarching themes of love, redemption, and the power of belief. Dallas's portrayal resonates with audiences, as he brings to life a character who is both a hero of legend and an everyman, making Prince Charming a timeless figure in this contemporary fairy tale saga.
Ginnifer Goodwin as Mary Margaret Blanchard / Snow White

Ginnifer Goodwin

Mary Margaret Blanchard / Snow White
Ginnifer Goodwin delivers a captivating dual performance in ABC's "Once Upon a Time," masterfully portraying both the fairytale Snow White and her real-world counterpart, Mary Margaret Blanchard. As Snow White, Goodwin embodies the character's iconic kindness, optimism, and resilience, bringing a classic Disney princess to life with a fresh, contemporary spirit. Her portrayal is both earnest and strong-willed, showcasing Snow White's growth from a naive maiden to a courageous leader. Transitioning to Mary Margaret, Goodwin subtly shifts gears, imbuing her character with a sense of longing and quiet strength, as she navigates the complexities of modern life without her memories of the Enchanted Forest. Goodwin's ability to convey deep emotion and moral fortitude in both roles endears her to the audience, making her a standout character in a series brimming with magical personalities. Her performance is a delicate balance of warmth, determination, and vulnerability that anchor the show's blend of fantasy and reality, making her interpretation of Snow White and Mary Margaret Blanchard truly memorable.
Emilie de Ravin as Belle

Emilie de Ravin

Belle
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Emilie de Ravin (born 27 December 1981) is an Australian actress. She is...
Jared Gilmore as Henry Mills

Jared Gilmore

Henry Mills

Secondary Cast of Once Upon a Time

Steve Elliott

Drunk Charlie

Natalie von Rotsburg

Rapunzel's Mother

Dave Mathews

Doctor

Jack Di Blasio

Lost Boy

Lindsay Collins

Spinster

Dominic Downer

Knight

Benjamin Cook

Michael Darling

Karin Inghammer

Mary Darling

Harold Davies

Fisherman

William Phillips

Peasant Man

Peter Kawasaki

Orderly

Scott McAdam

Orderly

Michael Soltis

Black Knight

Chelsea Turner

Tavern Waitress

Sebastian Wilkinson

Young Baelfire

Catherine Bogdanova

Spaghetti Lady

Garry Garneau

Spaghetti Man

Bailey Herbert

Young Helga

Elizabeth McCarthy

Mob Girl , Wife

Layton Keely

Gnome

Natalie Gibson

Doctor

Josh Hallem

Lord Dingwall

Marco D'Angelo

Lord MacGuffin , Lord Macguffin

Kate Bateman

Mother

Mark Gash

Father

Paul Chevreau

Skinny Man

Iris Truong

Little Girl

Anson Hibbert

Policeman

Ilias Webb

Kevin

Michael Querin

Mr. Feinberg

Paul Kloegman

Carriage Driver

Sidney Shapiro

Max

Parker Magnuson

Zach

Dante Arias

Child #1

Steven Roberts

Blacktooth

Sebastian West

Young Liam

Jackie Minns

Woman

Janet Walmsley

Peasant Woman

Gavin Cooke

Drunken Lout

Shanna Amaral

Diner Waitress

Kiefer Bahrich

Sad-Eyed Boy

Yana Oblasova

Diner Waitress

Flossie McKnight

Bus Driver

Shannon Hearn

Frontiersman

Craig Ericsson

Butler

Thomas Gasior

Musketeer

Tristan Chad Ghostkeeper

Partygoer

Nathaniel Gosselin

Partygoer

Antoine Baby Harry

Castle Servant

Scott Lockyer

Partygoer

Billy Mustapha

Partygoer

Emily Shuttleworth

Partygoer

Liz Tookey

Partygoer

Emma Willey

Partygoer

David Forts

Burly Man

Edwina Shuster

Aged Nun

Rustin Gresiuk

Teen August

Torstein Byørkland

Beowulf

Cedric De Souza

Sultan of Agrabah

Grayson Gabriel

Roderick

Eleanor Jade

Nurse

Nickolas Gregory Johnston

Child

Ayden Turpel-Stewart

Lost Boy

Ari Guzhel

Older Girl

Zena Darawalla

Passerby

Jillian Fargey

Fairy Godmother

Daniel Jeffrey

Carl

Vladmir Ruzich

Suited Heavy

Evryle Ebora

Fake Lucy

Graem Beddoes

Gruff Patron

Cindy Luna

Cecelia

Lula Mae Melenchuk

Young Drizella

Alejandra Pérez

Teen Cinderella

Ian Nsenga

First Mate

Cory Rempel

Clayton

Patrick Doyle

Pirate

Jack Davies

Pinocchio

Lily van der Griend

Young Gretel

Abigayle Laura Mutch

Young Robin

Crew of Once Upon a Time

Full backstage crew list →