Discover the Cast of Titanic: A 1996 Miniseries

"Titanic" is a captivating made-for-TV dramatization that premiered as a two-part miniseries on CBS in 1996, capturing the imagination of audiences with its poignant storytelling and powerful performances. Directed by Robert Lieberman, the miniseries delves into the lives of several characters aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic as it embarks on its maiden voyage in April 1912. As the journey unfolds, viewers witness the glamour and excitement of the passengers, alongside the stark realities that await them as fate takes a tragic turn. The cast includes esteemed actors such as Peter Gallagher portraying the complex character of Wynn Park, and the legendary George C. Scott taking on the role of Captain Edward J. Smith, adding gravitas to the harrowing tale.

The miniseries notably takes viewers into the heart of the Titanic’s last moments, offering a detailed look at the ship's suffering and eventual demise. Featuring an original music score composed by Lennie Niehaus, the emotional weight of the narrative is magnified, enhancing the viewer's experience as scenes of chaos and despair unfold amid the ship’s opulent interiors. The meticulous attention to detail in the production recreates the grandeur of the Titanic, allowing audiences to connect with the passengers on a personal level, just before tragedy strikes. This rendition is significant as it is the first cinematic portrayal to depict the Titanic breaking in two, a moment that has become a powerful symbol of the disaster.

"Titanic" serves not only as a dramatic retelling of historical events but also as a commentary on human emotions faced with catastrophe. Audiences are invited to explore not just the tragedy of the sinking, but also the stories of love, courage, and sacrifice that emerge in the face of impending doom. The layered narratives and strong performances breathe life into those real-life individuals who experienced the unspeakable, making the series a poignant and unforgettable tribute to one of history's most notorious maritime disasters.

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Full Cast of Titanic

Peter Gallagher

Wynn Park (2 episodes)

Peter Gallagher delivered a memorable performance as Wynn Park in the 1996 television miniseries "Titanic," a role that showcased his ability to portray complex characters with depth and nuance. Gallagher's Wynn Park is a charming and affluent American businessman, whose confident exterior belies a more vulnerable interior. As the story unfolds aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic, Gallagher expertly navigates the emotional spectrum of his character, from the initial excitement of a new beginning to the poignant realization of impending disaster. His interactions with the other passengers, particularly his on-screen wife played by Catherine Zeta-Jones, highlight the class divisions and social mores of the era, while also revealing Park's personal struggles with identity and redemption. Gallagher's performance is a standout, as he brings a sense of gravitas and empathy to Park, ensuring that the character remains etched in the viewer's memory long after the credits roll.

George C. Scott

Captain Edward J. Smith (2 episodes)

George C. Scott delivered a commanding performance as Captain Edward J. Smith in the 1996 television miniseries "Titanic," imbuing the character with a stoic gravitas and a sense of tragic dignity. Scott's portrayal captured the essence of the esteemed captain during the ship's fateful maiden voyage, highlighting his unwavering sense of duty and the immense pressure he faced as the commanding officer of the unsinkable Titanic. His interactions with both the crew and passengers showcased Scott's ability to convey authority and compassion in equal measure, as he navigated the social strata of the ship with a gentlemanly decorum befitting the era. Scott's Captain Smith was a man of principle, who met his destiny with resignation and courage, making the actor's performance a memorable embodiment of the captain's final hours, as he faced the catastrophic consequences of the ship's collision with an iceberg. His nuanced acting, particularly in the moments of impending disaster, brought depth to the historical figure, offering a poignant glimpse into the humanity behind the uniform, and solidifying Scott's portrayal as one of the standout performances of the miniseries.

Catherine Zeta-Jones

Isabella Paradine (2 episodes)

Catherine Zeta-Jones delivered a captivating portrayal of Isabella Paradine in the 1996 television miniseries "Titanic," a character created for the adaptation that adds a layer of fictional drama to the historical event. As Isabella, Zeta-Jones embodies the elegance and spirit of a young, aristocratic woman of the early 20th century, grappling with the constraints of her social class and a loveless engagement. Her performance is a blend of poise and passion, as she navigates the tumultuous journey aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic, embroiled in a romantic entanglement with a young, ambitious artist played by Mike Doyle. Zeta-Jones's portrayal is marked by her character's depth and complexity, showcasing her ability to convey both the strength and vulnerability of a woman caught between her heart's desires and the expectations of her time. Her on-screen presence is commanding, and her interactions with the other characters are laced with a mix of defiance and longing, contributing to the emotional resonance of the miniseries. Catherine Zeta-Jones's Isabella Paradine is a memorable character, and her performance underscores the human element at the core of the Titanic's legendary story, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Eva Marie Saint

Hazel Foley (2 episodes)

Eva Marie Saint delivered a poignant and nuanced performance as Hazel Foley in the 1996 television miniseries "Titanic," directed by Robert Lieberman. As the matriarch of a family in crisis, Saint's portrayal of Hazel was both dignified and emotionally resonant. Her character, a first-class passenger aboard the ill-fated voyage, grapples with the impending dissolution of her marriage while confronting the stark class divisions of early 20th-century society. Saint's Hazel is a pillar of grace and composure, yet she adeptly reveals the undercurrents of vulnerability and quiet strength that define her character. Her interactions with co-star Peter Gallagher, who plays her on-screen husband, are filled with a palpable tension that underscores the complexities of their relationship. As the ship begins its tragic descent, Saint's performance becomes ever more affecting, capturing the resilience and humanity of a woman who faces the ultimate test of character in the face of disaster. Her portrayal of Hazel Foley stands as a testament to her enduring talent and her ability to convey deep emotional depth with subtlety and sophistication.

Tim Curry

Simon Doonan (2 episodes)

Tim Curry's portrayal of Simon Doonan in the 2012 television miniseries "Titanic" is a standout performance that brings depth and nuance to a character often overshadowed by the grandeur of the ship's tragic story. Curry embodies the role of the senior steward with his characteristic charm and wit, infusing Doonan with a sense of propriety and dedication to his duty aboard the ill-fated vessel. His performance is marked by a keen attention to the social hierarchies of the time, as he navigates the complexities of his position with both grace and a touch of humorous cynicism. Curry's Doonan serves as a moral compass of sorts, guiding the viewer through the stark class divisions present on the Titanic while also showcasing the camaraderie among the crew. His interactions with the passengers and fellow staff members are laced with a subtle poignancy, as the audience is aware of the impending disaster. Curry's ability to convey a range of emotions, from humor to solemnity, adds layers to the character, making Simon Doonan not just a steward but a heartfelt representation of the human spirit amidst the backdrop of the Titanic's maiden—and final—voyage.

Roger Rees

Joseph Bruce Ismay (2 episodes)

Roger Rees delivered a nuanced and memorable performance as Joseph Bruce Ismay, the managing director of the White Star Line, in the 1996 television miniseries "Titanic." His portrayal of Ismay captured the complexities of a man grappling with the immense responsibility of his position during one of history's most infamous maritime disasters. Rees's Ismay was a figure of both privilege and burden, often conflicted between his role as a company executive and the emerging human tragedy unfolding around him. As the Titanic sank, Rees conveyed Ismay's growing sense of helplessness and guilt, particularly in the moments when his character controversially secured a spot on a lifeboat while many passengers were left to perish. Through Rees's performance, viewers were given a window into the inner turmoil of Ismay, who was later haunted by the decisions he made on that fateful night. Rees's portrayal added depth to the historical figure, providing a human perspective to the man who became a symbol of the Titanic's tragic tale, and whose legacy was indelibly marked by the circumstances of the sinking.