'The Playboy Club' is a drama series set in the early 1960s, centered around the iconic Playboy Club in Chicago. As a period drama, it includes typical elements such as rich historical settings, complex interpersonal relationships, and explorations of social norms and power dynamics of the era. The show features characters like Eddie Cibrian's Nick Dalton and Laura Benanti's Bunny Carol-Lynne, who embody the glamour and intrigue of the time. What sets this drama apart is its unique focus on the Playboy Club as a microcosm of the 1960s cultural shifts, delving into themes of desire, ambition, and the pursuit of status within a highly stylized, exclusive environment.
Ran for 2 seasons.
Full Cast of The Playboy Club
Eddie Cibrian
Nick Dalton
Eddie Cibrian played the role of Nick Dalton in the TV series 'The Playboy Club,' which was a drama set in 1960s Chicago centered around the employees of the first Playboy Club. This role marked a departure from his previous well-known television work, which primarily consisted of soap operas and crime dramas, such as '
Third Watch' and '
CSI: Miami.' In 'The Playboy Club,' Cibrian portrayed a complex character involved in the nightlife and glamour intertwined with the club's history, allowing him to explore a more nuanced and period-specific role. This performance stood out because it showcased his versatility as an actor, moving beyond the procedural or action-oriented roles he was often associated with, and delving into a stylish, character-driven drama set against a culturally iconic backdrop.
Laura Benanti
Bunny Carol-Lynne
Fans of Laura Benanti will appreciate her role in the TV series 'The Playboy Club' because it showcases her ability to blend charm with a nuanced portrayal of a complex character, similar to her most iconic performance as Karen Smith in the Broadway musical 'Mean Girls.' While Karen is known for her bubbly and endearing naivety, her character in 'The Playboy Club' offers a more mature, sophisticated depth set against the backdrop of 1960s Chicago nightlife. An interesting and unexpected detail about her role in 'The Playboy Club' is that Benanti's character was inspired by real-life Playboy Bunnies, and during casting, she underwent a period-specific etiquette and poise training to authentically embody the elegance and challenges of that era's women.
Amber Heard
Bunny Maureen
Amber Heard played the character Bunny Brenda in the TV series "The Playboy Club," which aired in 2011. This role was one of her earlier television appearances and showcased her ability to portray a charismatic and complex character within a dramatic period setting. Unlike her later, more high-profile film roles, this performance stood out as it allowed Heard to embody the glamorous yet challenging life of a Playboy Bunny during the 1960s. It contributed to her overall career by demonstrating her versatility and range as an actress early on, paving the way for more prominent roles in both television and film.
Jenna Dewan
Bunny Janie
In the TV series 'The Playboy Club,' Jenna Dewan portrayed the character of Maureen, a Playboy Bunny during the early 1960s. This role marked a departure from her earlier work, which primarily focused on dance and youthful, energetic characters, such as her breakout role in the film '
Step Up.' Playing Maureen allowed Dewan to explore a more dramatic, period-piece character, showcasing her versatility as an actress beyond dance-centric roles. The performance stood out because it combined her graceful physicality with a nuanced portrayal of a woman navigating the complexities of the glamorous yet challenging world of the Playboy Club, differentiating it from the more lighthearted or romantic characters she was previously known for.
Naturi Naughton
Bunny Brenda
In the TV show 'The Playboy Club,' Naturi Naughton played the role of Brenda, a Playboy Bunny who works at the iconic Chicago Playboy Club in the 1960s. This role allowed Naughton to blend her singing and acting talents, portraying a character navigating the complex social dynamics and challenges of the era. Compared to her earlier work, such as her breakout role as Lil' Kim in '
Notorious' or her acclaimed performance in '
Power,' Brenda in 'The Playboy Club' showcased Naughton's ability to embody a period character with nuanced emotional depth and charm. This performance stood out as it highlighted her versatility in a historical drama setting, contrasting with the contemporary roles that had defined much of her career up to that point.
Leah Renee
Bunny Alice
Fans of Leah Renee would appreciate her role in 'The Playboy Club' as it showcases her engaging presence and ability to bring depth to a character set against the glamorous yet complex backdrop of the 1960s Playboy culture. Unlike her most iconic performance as Iris West in 'The Flash,' where she embodies a strong, modern-day character rooted in superhero lore, her role in 'The Playboy Club' offers a glimpse into a period drama that challenges her to portray nuanced emotions amidst societal expectations. An interesting detail about her character in 'The Playboy Club' is that she was originally cast in a role that required her to adopt a vintage 1960s accent, highlighting her versatility and commitment to authentically portraying the era.
Wes Ramsey
Max
Jenifer Lewis
Pearl
David Krumholtz
Billy Rosen
Carrie Coon
Doris Hall
Troy Garity
John Bianchi
Sean Maher
Sean Beasley
Art LaFleur
Mayor Daley
Karen LeBlanc
Tina Turner
Crew of The Playboy Club
Full backstage crew list →