Snowfall is a captivating crime drama series that takes viewers back to the early 1980s in Los Angeles, a time when the city was on the brink of a major upheaval due to the emergence of crack cocaine. The show's characters are a diverse group of individuals, each with their own motivations and struggles, who find themselves in the midst of this tumultuous period.
At the heart of the series is Franklin Saint, played by the talented Damson Idris. Franklin is a young, ambitious man who is trying to find his way in the world. He's smart, resourceful, and determined to make a better life for himself and his family. However, when he gets involved in the burgeoning crack cocaine trade, he quickly learns that the world of drugs is a dangerous and unforgiving one. As the violence and chaos surrounding him escalate, Franklin must navigate treacherous waters if he wants to survive.
Another key character in Snowfall is Teddy McDonald, played by Carter Hudson. Teddy is a CIA operative who becomes embroiled in the crack cocaine trade as a way to fund covert operations in Central America. However, as the stakes get higher and the consequences of his actions become more severe, Teddy finds himself questioning his own morality and loyalty. With the law closing in and his own agency turning against him, Teddy must make some difficult choices if he wants to stay alive.
Overall, Snowfall is a gripping and thought-provoking series that explores the devastating impact of the crack cocaine epidemic on individuals, families, and communities. With its complex characters, gritty realism, and nuanced storytelling, it's a show that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
Main Cast of Snowfall
Damson Idris
Franklin Saint
Damson Idris delivers a tour de force performance as Franklin Saint in the FX series "Snowfall." His portrayal of the ambitious and resourceful South Central Los Angeles drug dealer is both captivating and nuanced. Idris embodies the complex character of Franklin with a depth that allows viewers to witness his transformation from a naive high school graduate to a hardened kingpin during the early days of the crack cocaine epidemic. He skillfully navigates the intricacies of Franklin's dual life, juggling family loyalty with his cutthroat business acumen, all whileShouldering the weight of his actions on his community. Idris's performance is highlighted by his ability to convey Franklin's vulnerability and internal conflict, as well as his ruthless determination, making the character both a product and a victim of his environment. His magnetic screen presence and emotional range ground the series, ensuring that Franklin's journey remains compelling and his character unforgettable.
Emily Rios
Lucia Villanueva
Emily Rios delivers a captivating performance as Lucia Villanueva in the FX series "Snowfall," a crime drama that explores the rise of the crack cocaine epidemic in 1980s Los Angeles. Rios portrays Lucia with a fierce intensity, bringing depth and complexity to a character who is both a ruthless drug cartel lieutenant and a young woman navigating a male-dominated world. Her portrayal is a delicate balance of strength and vulnerability; Lucia is calculating and assertive when making strategic moves within the cartel's power structure, yet Rios manages to reveal moments of tenderness and uncertainty, particularly in Lucia's personal relationships. Rios's performance is a highlight of the series, showcasing her range as an actress and providing viewers with a nuanced character whose motivations and loyalties are as unpredictable as the turbulent era she inhabits. Her depiction of Lucia's rise to power is both a chilling and compelling narrative thread that keeps audiences engaged and invested in the character's journey.
Sergio Peris-Mencheta
Gustavo 'El Oso' Zapata
Sergio Peris-Mencheta delivers a captivating performance as Gustavo 'El Oso' Zapata in the FX series "Snowfall," embodying the complex nature of his character with a raw intensity and nuanced depth. As El Oso, Peris-Mencheta commands the screen with a magnetic presence, portraying a former Mexican wrestler turned enforcer for a rising drug empire in 1980s Los Angeles. His portrayal is a compelling blend of intimidating physicality and unexpected vulnerability, as he grapples with the harsh realities of the drug trade and the personal toll it exacts. Peris-Mencheta brings a layered complexity to the role, revealing the inner turmoil of a man caught between the unwavering loyalty to his family and his own moral compass. His performance is a standout element of the show, as he skillfully navigates the character's evolution from a hardened enforcer to a more introspective figure, all while maintaining an air of unpredictability that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Michael Hyatt
Cissy Saint
Michael Hyatt delivers a compelling performance as Cissy Saint in the FX television series "Snowfall." As the matriarch of the Saint family, Hyatt brings a layered portrayal of a woman navigating the complexities of family, business, and the perils of the drug trade in 1980s Los Angeles. Her character is a pillar of strength and resilience, often providing the emotional anchor for her family amidst the chaos of their criminal enterprises. Hyatt's Cissy is both fiercely protective and shrewdly calculating, displaying a depth of character that reflects the struggles of a mother determined to maintain her family's unity and safety in a world where the stakes are life and death. Her nuanced performance captures the essence of a woman who is equal parts nurturer and strategist, and her scenes are imbued with a gravitas that underscores the human cost of the drug epidemic on families and communities.
Amin Joseph
Jerome Saint
Amin Joseph delivers a compelling and multifaceted performance as Jerome Saint in the television series "Snowfall." His portrayal of Jerome is a standout aspect of the show, capturing the complex essence of a character who is both a ruthless drug lord and a charismatic leader within his community. Joseph skillfully navigates the intricate layers of Jerome's personality, showcasing his cunning and violent nature while also revealing the strategic intellect and odd sense of honor that drives his decisions. As the series progresses, Joseph's performance becomes even more nuanced, confronting the audience with the contradictions of Jerome's life—a man who is both a menace and a survivor in the treacherous world of 1980s Los Angeles. His presence on screen is commanding, and the depth he brings to the role adds a significant layer of complexity to the narrative, making Jerome Saint one of the most intriguing and unpredictable characters in the series.
Carter Hudson
Teddy McDonald
Angela Lewis
Louanne 'Louie' Jones-Saint
Isaiah John
Leon Simmons
Filipe Valle Costa
Pedro Nava
Kevin Carroll
Alton Williams
Juan Javier Cardenas
Alejandro Usteves
Alon Aboutboul
Avi Drexler
Reign Edwards
Melody Wright
Devyn A. Tyler
Veronique Turner
Alejandro Edda
Ruben
Gail Bean
Wanda Bell
Crew of Snowfall
Full backstage crew list →