Meet The Cast of The Wire: The Gripping Crime Drama Series

Released on June 02, 2002
Drama Crime

The Wire is an acclaimed HBO drama series that offers a raw and unfiltered look into the world of crime and law enforcement in Baltimore, Maryland. The show is unique in that it presents the story from multiple perspectives, giving viewers a well-rounded understanding of the complex issues at hand. The characters in this show include Dominic West as Jimmy McNulty, a homicide detective with a reputation for bending the rules, and Lance Reddick as Cedric Daniels, a police lieutenant trying to navigate the political waters of the force.

At its core, The Wire is a show about the war on drugs and the impact it has on the community. The series captures the reality of a national bureaucracy that has become self-sustaining, with the line between good and evil often becoming blurred. The show explores how the war on drugs has led to a system where the police and criminals are often intertwined, and where the pursuit of justice is complicated by the realities of the streets. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with their own motivations, flaws, and strengths.

One of the standout aspects of The Wire is its commitment to realism. The show is known for its gritty and authentic portrayal of life in the inner city, and for its refusal to shy away from the harsh realities of crime and poverty. The writing is sharp and intelligent, with each season focusing on a different aspect of the city and its struggles. From the docks to the schools, and from the politicians to the police, The Wire paints a picture of a city in crisis, and the people who are trying to make a difference. Whether you're a fan of crime dramas or just looking for a thought-provoking and engaging show, The Wire is a must-watch.

The Wire ran for 6 seasons.

Main Cast of The Wire

Dominic West

as Jimmy McNulty (60 episodes)

Dominic West delivers a powerhouse performance as Detective Jimmy McNulty in "The Wire," a complex and gritty portrayal of law enforcement's struggle against the Baltimore drug trade. West brings an authenticity and depth to the character that anchors the ensemble cast, making McNulty a compelling anti-hero who's as flawed as he is determined. His portrayal of McNulty's obsessive drive to take down the city's criminal underworld, coupled with his personal struggles and vices, creates a captivating and nuanced character who is as much a part of the corrupt system he's trying to fight as the criminals he pursues.

Lance Reddick

as Cedric Daniels (60 episodes)

Lance Reddick's portrayal of Cedric Daniels in "The Wire" is nothing short of exceptional. As a police major, Daniels navigates the complexities of Baltimore's drug trade and the institutional challenges of the police department with a unique blend of integrity, ambition, and vulnerability. Reddick's performance is lauded for its nuance, as he skillfully conveys Daniels' inner conflicts and moral dilemmas, making him one of the most compelling characters in the series. Through his measured delivery and understated expressions, Reddick brings a quiet authority to the role, creating a character that is as authentic as he is complex.

Sonja Sohn

as Kima Greggs (60 episodes)

Sonja Sohn's portrayal of Detective Kima Greggs in "The Wire" is a standout performance that adds depth and complexity to the show's ensemble cast. Greggs, a detective in the Baltimore Police Department, is a resilient and empathetic character who serves as a moral compass throughout the series. Sohn brings a powerful authenticity to the role, perfectly balancing Greggs' professional determination and personal vulnerabilities. Her nuanced performance captures the emotional toll and ethical dilemmas faced by law enforcement officers in their pursuit of justice, making Detective Kima Greggs an unforgettable character and a testament to Sohn's acting prowess.

Wood Harris

as Avon Barksdale (37 episodes)

Wood Harris delivered a captivating performance as the ruthless yet charismatic drug kingpin Avon Barksdale in HBO's critically acclaimed series "The Wire." Harris expertly portrayed the complex character, showcasing Avon's cunning brilliance, unwavering loyalty, and hardened demeanor, all while maintaining an underlying sense of vulnerability. His nuanced performance elevated Avon beyond a mere antagonist, turning him into a fascinating study of power, ambition, and brotherhood in the heart of Baltimore's drug trade. Harris's commanding on-screen presence and authenticity added depth to the role, which left a lasting impression on viewers and solidified his character as one of the most iconic figures in television history.

Wendell Pierce

as Bunk Moreland (60 episodes)

Wendell Pierce delivers a remarkable performance as Detective Bunk Moreland in the critically acclaimed TV series, "The Wire". Bunk is a seasoned homicide detective with a dry wit and an unyielding moral compass, and Pierce brings this complex character to life with his nuanced performance. His onscreen chemistry with his partner, Detective McNulty, played by Dominic West, provides some of the show's most memorable moments. Pierce's portrayal is praised for its authenticity and depth, making Bunk Moreland one of the most beloved characters in the series and a testament to Pierce's acting prowess.

Michael Kenneth Williams

as Omar Little (50 episodes)

Michael Kenneth Williams delivers a standout performance as Omar Little in the critically acclaimed TV series, "The Wire." Known for his signature facial scar, a whistled rendition of "The Farmer in the Dell," and a strict code of honor, Omar is a complex and unforgettable character. Williams masterfully portrays Omar's charisma, cunning, and vulnerability, making him both a beloved antihero and a formidable adversary. His nuanced performance adds depth to Omar's character, transforming him into a symbol of resistance and resilience in a world dominated by corruption and violence.

Idris Elba

as Stringer Bell (37 episodes)

Idris Elba (born 6 September 1972) is a British television, theatre, and film actor who has starred in both British a...

Deirdre Lovejoy

as Rhonda Pearlman (60 episodes)

Deirdre Lovejoy was born on June 30, 1962 in Abilene, Texas, USA. She is an actress, known for Raising Dion (2019), T...

Andre Royo

as Bubbles (60 episodes)

Frankie Faison

as Ervin Burrell (50 episodes)

Frankie Faison is an American stage and screen actor, best known for his role as Deputy Commissioner Ervin Burrell in...

Aidan Gillen

as Tommy Carcetti (35 episodes)

Aidan Murphy (born 24 April 1968), better known as Aidan Gillen, is an Irish actor. He is the recipient of three Iris...

John Doman

as William Rawls (60 episodes)

John Doman is an American actor, and a former Marine Corps officer and Vietnam veteran. He's best known for playing D...

Clarke Peters

as Lester Freamon (37 episodes)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Clarke Peters (born 7 April 1952) is an American actor, singer, writer and d...

An American actor best known for his role as Thomas "Herc" Hauk on The Wire. Lombardozzi was inspired to act by the f...

Seth Gilliam

as Ellis Carver (35 episodes)

Seth Gilliam (November 5, 1968) is an American screen and stage actor. He is most known as Father Gabriel on AMC's po...

Delaney Williams

as Sgt. Jay Landsman (32 episodes)

Secondary Cast of The Wire

Jamie Hector

as Marlo Stanfield (27 episodes)

Lawrence Gilliard Jr.

as D'Angelo Barksdale (25 episodes)

Lawrence Gilliard Jr. was born on September 22, 1971 in New York City, New York, USA. He is an actor and writer, know...

Michael Kostroff

as Maurice 'Maury' Levy (24 episodes) , Maurice Levy (23 episodes)

Michael Kostroff was born on May 22, 1961. He is an actor.

Reg E. Cathey

as Norman Wilson (23 episodes)

John Doman

as William Rawls (12 episodes)

John Doman is an American actor, and a former Marine Corps officer and Vietnam veteran. He's best known for playing D...

Clark Johnson

as Augustus Haynes (10 episodes)

Clark Johnson (born September 10, 1954), sometimes credited as Clark 'Slappy' Jackson, Clarque Johnson, and J. Clark...

Tom McCarthy

as Scott Templeton (10 episodes) , (4 episodes)

Neal Huff

as Michael Steintorf (10 episodes)

Neal Huff is an American stage and screen actor. He received his MFA from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York Un...

Jermaine Crawford

as Duquan "Dukie" Weems (10 episodes)

Tristan Mack Wilds

as Michael Lee (14 episodes)

Michelle Paress

as Alma Gutierrez (10 episodes)

Chris Bauer

as Frank Sobotka (12 episodes)

Mark Christopher Bauer is an American actor. He is best known for his television work in The Wire, Third Watch, True ...

Clarke Peters

as Detective Lester Freamon (12 episodes)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Clarke Peters (born 7 April 1952) is an American actor, singer, writer and d...

Corey Parker Robinson

as Detective Leander Sydnor (10 episodes)

Robert Wisdom

as Major Howard 'Bunny' Colvin (1 episode) , Howard "Bunny" Colvin (25 episodes)

Robert Ray Wisdom is an American actor, best known for his roles as Howard "Bunny" Colvin in the HBO drama series The...

J.D. Williams

as Preston 'Bodie' Broadus (17 episodes)

Domenick Lombardozzi

as Detective Thomas 'Herc' Hauk (22 episodes)

An American actor best known for his role as Thomas "Herc" Hauk on The Wire. Lombardozzi was inspired to act by the f...

Seth Gilliam

as Sergeant Ellis Carver (9 episodes) , Detective Ellis Carver (12 episodes)

Seth Gilliam (November 5, 1968) is an American screen and stage actor. He is most known as Father Gabriel on AMC's po...

Paul Ben-Victor

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Paul Ben-Victor (born July 24, 1965) is an American actor. Ben-Victor was bo...

Gbenga Akinnagbe

as Chris Partlow (10 episodes) , Chris Partlow (uncredited) (17 episodes)

Gbenga Akinnagbe was born on December 12, 1978 and is currently 45 years old.

Jim True-Frost

as Det. Roland 'Prez' Pryzbylewski (1 episode) , Detective Roland 'Prez' Pryzbylewski (21 episodes) , Roland Pryzbylewski (25 episodes)

Jim True-Frost (né True; born July 31, 1966) is an American stage, television and screen actor. He is most known for ...

Glynn Turman

Glynn Russell Turman (born January 31, 1946) is an American stage, television, and film actor as well as a writer, di...

Chad L. Coleman

as Dennis 'Cutty' Wise (12 episodes) , Dennis "Cutty" Wise (13 episodes)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Chad L. Coleman is an American actor. He is best known for portraying Dennis ...

Isiah Whitlock Jr.

as Clay Davis (10 episodes) , State Sen. R. Clayton 'Clay' Davis (16 episodes)

Isiah Whitlock Jr. (born September 13, 1954) is an American actor. He is most famous for his role on the HBO televisi...

Amy Ryan

as Off. Beatrice 'Beadie' Russell (9 episodes) , Beatrice "Beadie" Russell (12 episodes)

Amy Beth Dziewiontkowski (born November 30, 1969), known professionally as Amy Ryan, is an American actress. She has ...

Merritt Wever

as Prissy (1 episode)

Merritt Carmen Wever (born August 11, 1980) is an American actress. She is known for starring as a perennially upbeat...

Robert X. Golphin

as Crackhead (uncredited) (1 episode)

Roscoe Orman

as Off. Oscar Requer (2 episodes)

Callie Thorne

as Elena McNulty (12 episodes)

Calliope "Callie" Thorne (born November 20, 1969) is an American actress known for her roles on Homicide: Life on the...

Donnell Rawlings

as Damien 'Day-Day' Price (4 episodes)

Donnell Rawlings was born on December 6, 1968 and is currently 55 years old.

Method Man

as Melvin 'Cheese' Wagstaff (11 episodes)

Clifford Smith (born April 1, 1971 in Staten Island, New York), better known by his stage name Method Man or Meth is ...

Pablo Schreiber

as Nick Sobotka (13 episodes)

Pablo Tell Schreiber (born April 26, 1978) is a Canadian actor known for his dramatic stage work and for his portraya...

Clayton LeBouef

as Wendell 'Orlando' Blocker (7 episodes)

Rick Otto

as Off. Kenneth Dozerman (11 episodes)

Rick Otto was born on August 10, 1973 and is currently 51 years old.

Sam Coppola

as Former Mayor 'Young Tony' (1 episode)

Ernest Waddell

as Dante (8 episodes)

Andrea Roth

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Andrea Roth (born September 30, 1967) is a Canadian actress. She is perhaps be...

Snoop

as Felicia 'Snoop' Pearson (17 episodes)

Alexandra Tydings

Delaney Williams

as Sergeant Jay Landsman (6 episodes)

Richard Belzer

as John Munch (1 episode)

Richard Jay Belzer (August 4, 1944 - February 19, 2023) was an American stand-up comedian, author, and actor. He is ...

Chris Ashworth

as Sergei 'Serge' Malatov (11 episodes)

Clarence Clemons

as Roman (2 episodes)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Clarence Clemons (born January 11, 1942, Norfolk, Virginia), known by fans as...

Brandon Fobbs

as Fruit (5 episodes)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Brandon Fobbs (born April 19, 1981) is an American actor and producer. He had...

Leo Fitzpatrick

as Johnny Weeks (14 episodes)

Charley Scalies

as Thomas 'Horseface' Pakusa (11 episodes)

Maestro Harrell

as Randy Wagstaff (13 episodes)

Maestro Harrell was born on July 29, 1991 and is currently 33 years old.

Kahil Dotay

Brandy Burre

as Theresa D'Agostino (12 episodes)

Melanie Nicholls-King

as Cheryl (15 episodes)

Lizz Robbins

as Pretty Lesbian (uncredited) (1 episode)

Wes Johnson

as Security Supervisor (uncredited) (1 episode)

Robert Neal Marshall

as Comstat Police Major (uncredited) (2 episodes)

Marty Lodge

Fredro Starr

as Marquis 'Bird' Hilton (2 episodes)

Peter Gerety

Peter Gerety (born May 17, 1940) is an American actor. He is best known as Judge Daniel Phelan in The Wire (2002–2008).

Lev Gorn

as Eton Ben-Eleazer (5 episodes)

Lev Gorn was born in 1971 in Stavropol, USSR. He is an actor and director.

Boris McGiver

as Lt. Charles Marimow (6 episodes)

Boris McGiver is an American stage and screen actor. He holds an MFA in Acting from the Tisch School of Arts at New Y...

Bruce Kirkpatrick

as Roger Twigg (4 episodes)

Mike D. Anderson

as Ghost (uncredited) (6 episodes)

Benjamin Busch

as Off. Anthony Colicchio (13 episodes)

Cyrus Farmer

Cyrus Farmer is an actor.

Ramón Rodríguez

as Renaldo (8 episodes)

Ramón Rodríguez is a Puerto Rican-American actor probably best known for his TV roles as the title character on Will ...

Christine Lee

Sam Freed

as Executive Editor James C. Whiting III (7 episodes)

Michael B. Jordan

as Wallace (12 episodes)

Michael Bakari Jordan (born February 9, 1987) is an American actor, producer and director. He is best known for his f...

Keith Johnson

as Desk Sergeant (uncredited) (1 episode)

Michael Hyatt

as Brianna Barksdale (12 episodes)

Poe

as Performer/Vocalist (1 episode)

Daniel Lee Robertson III

as Shaun Williams (2 episodes)

James Ransone

as Chester 'Ziggy' Sobotka (12 episodes)

Al Brown

as Maj. Stanislaus Valchek (13 episodes)

Bill Raymond

as The Greek (8 episodes)

Kristin Proctor

as Aimee (6 episodes)

Kristin Proctor was born on April 16, 1978 and is currently 46 years old.

Marlyne Barrett

as Council President Nerese Campbell (11 episodes)

Robert F. Colesberry

as Det. Ray Cole (uncredited) (1 episode)

Taylor King

as Zenobia Dawson (1 episode)

Kevin Murray

as Special Agent Kleary (1 episode) , Special Agent Kleary (uncredited) (1 episode)

Ken Arnold

as Car Theft Reporting Lt. (uncredited) (1 episode)

James Lewis

as Marvin (uncredited) (3 episodes)

Reggie Alvin Green

as Arabber (als Reggie A. Green) (3 episodes)

Wendy Grantham

as Shardene Innes (10 episodes)

Hassan Johnson

as Roland 'Wee-Bey' Brice (14 episodes) , Maj. Stanislaus Valchek (1 episode)

An American actor. His most noted performance was appearing on the HBO program The Wire as Wee-Bey Brice. His first a...

Maria Broom

as Marla Danyels (1 episode) , Marla Daniels (9 episodes)

Doug Olear

as FBI Spec. Agent Terrance 'Fitz' Fitzhugh (7 episodes)

Larry Hull

as William Gant (1 episode)

Lucy Newman-Williams

as Asst. State's Atty. Taryn Hanson (1 episode)

Michael Stone Forrest

as Det. Frank Barlow (1 episode)

Michael Salconi

as Officer Michael 'Sanny' Santangelo (1 episode) , Off. Michael 'Sanny' Santangelo (3 episodes) , Detective Michael 'Sanny' Santangelo (11 episodes)

Tom Quinn

as Det. Patrick Mahon (3 episodes)

Nat Benchley

as Det. Augustus Polk (5 episodes)

Tray Chaney

as Malik 'Poot' Carr (18 episodes)

Erik Dellums

as Dr. Randall Frazier (5 episodes)

Brandon Price

as Anton 'Stinkum' Artis (7 episodes)

Dave Trovato

as Lt. Walter Cantrell (1 episode)

Tony D. Head

as Maj. Bobby Reed (4 episodes)

Tony D. Head is an actor.

Steve Earle

as Walon (2 episodes)

Robert F. Chew

as Joseph 'Proposition Joe' Stewart (9 episodes)

Chris Clanton

as Savino Bratton (3 episodes)

Neko Parham

as State Police Undercover Troy Wiggins (1 episode)

Micaiah Jones

as Wintell 'Little Man' Royce (2 episodes)

Jarvis W. George

as 'Ronnie Mo' Watkins (1 episode)

Jarvis W. George was born on December 8, 1976 and is currently 47 years old.

Richard DeAngelis

as Col. Raymond Foerster (3 episodes) , Maj. Raymond Foerster (6 episodes)

Luray Cooper

as Nathaniel 'Nat' Coxson (9 episodes)

Teddy Cañez

as George 'Double G' Glekas (5 episodes)

Teddy Cañez is a New York City based actor. He grew up in Tucson, Arizona where he received his B.F.A. at The Univers...

Elisabeth Noone

as Joan Sobotka (2 episodes)

S. Robert Morgan

as Butchie (3 episodes)

Robert Hogan

as Louis Sobotka (4 episodes)

Lance Irwin

as Maui (5 episodes)

Antonio D. Charity

as CO Dwight Tilghman (1 episode)

Antonio D. Charity was born on June 17, 1972 and is currently 52 years old.

Susan Rome

as Asst. State's Atty. Ilene Nathan (5 episodes)

Keith Flippen

as Bruce DiBiago (2 episodes)

Jeffrey Pratt Gordon

as John 'Johnny Fifty' Spamanto (2 episodes)

Tom Mardirosian

as Agent Kristos Koutris (3 episodes)

Tom Mardirosian was born on December 14, 1947 and is currently 76 years old.

Michael Potts

as Brother Mouzone (4 episodes)

Michael Potts is an actor and assistant director.

Brook Yeaton

as Michael 'White Mike' McArdle (1 episode)

Joilet Harris

as Off. Caroline Massey (2 episodes)

Jay Landsman

as Lt. Dennis Mello (5 episodes)

Anwan Glover

as Slim Charles (5 episodes)

Edwina Findley

as Tosha Mitchell (2 episodes)

Edwina Findley was born on October 30, 1980 and is currently 44 years old.

Benay Berger

as FBI Supervisor Amanda Reese (1 episode)

Caroline G. Pleasant

as Bodie's Grandmother (2 episodes)

Michael Kevin Darnall

as Brandon Wright (1 episode)

Antonio Cordova

as Michael McNulty (1 episode)

Edward T. Norris

as Det. Edward Norris (1 episode)

Gordana Rashovich

as Ilona Petrovich (uncredited) (1 episode) , Ilona Petrovich (1 episode)

Eric G. Ryan

as Sean McNulty (1 episode)

Brian Anthony Wilson

as Det. Vernon Holley (1 episode)

Brian Anthony Wilson was born on February 22, 1960 and is currently 64 years old.

Gil Deeble

as Hucklebuck (1 episode)

Crew of The Wire

Discover the backstage crew of The Wire →