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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Belle
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Emilie de Ravin (born 27 December 1981) is an Australian actress. She is...
Jared Gilmore
Henry Mills
Secondary Cast of Once Upon a Time
Steve Elliott
Drunk Charlie
Natalie von Rotsburg
Rapunzel's Mother
Benjamin Cook
Michael Darling
Karin Inghammer
Mary Darling
William Phillips
Peasant Man
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
Marco D'Angelo
Lord MacGuffin , Lord Macguffin
Michael Querin
Mr. Feinberg
Paul Kloegman
Carriage Driver
Janet Walmsley
Peasant Woman
Shanna Amaral
Diner Waitress
Kiefer Bahrich
Sad-Eyed Boy
Yana Oblasova
Diner Waitress
Flossie McKnight
Bus Driver
Shannon Hearn
Frontiersman
Tristan Chad Ghostkeeper
Partygoer
Nathaniel Gosselin
Partygoer
Antoine Baby Harry
Castle Servant
Emily Shuttleworth
Partygoer
Rustin Gresiuk
Teen August
Torstein Byørkland
Beowulf
Cedric De Souza
Sultan of Agrabah
Nickolas Gregory Johnston
Child
Ayden Turpel-Stewart
Lost Boy
Jillian Fargey
Fairy Godmother
Vladmir Ruzich
Suited Heavy
Graem Beddoes
Gruff Patron
Lula Mae Melenchuk
Young Drizella
Alejandra Pérez
Teen Cinderella
Lily van der Griend
Young Gretel
Abigayle Laura Mutch
Young Robin
Crew of Once Upon a Time
Full backstage crew list →