Blondeis the Netflix fictional biographical film about thelife of Marilyn Monroe. Directed by Andrew Dominik, and adapted from the novel of the same name by Joyce Carol Oates,Blondebecame one of the most anticipated movies of the year ahead of its Venice Film Festival Premiere. That said, since its release on Netflix, the film has unfortunately found itself at the center of controversy andbacklash from criticsand audiences alike for its exploitative, sexist, and outright cruel depiction of the Hollywood legend.
Praise, however, has been given toBlonde’s cast, particularly lead star Ana de Armas, who plays Marilyn Monroe. Indeed,Blondefeatures an all-star cast, with some of Hollywood’s most recognizable names today. Here’s a look at theBlondecast and other roles you’ve seen them play.
Ana de Armas
Ana de Armasstars in the leading role as Marilyn Monroe. It’s an extremely difficult role to take on as Monroe is a beloved figure who is known internationally. De Armas' performance has produced a lot of buzz since its release, withVarietyeven stating her as Netflix’s “strongest acting contender” this awards season. She has become a household name in recent years, starring in the James Bond franchise inNo Time to Die, as well as successful titles such asBlade Runner 2049,Knives Out, andWar Dogs.
Related:Blonde: Explaining the Good and Bad Reviews of the Divisive Netflix Movie
Adrien Brody
Adrien Brodyplays Arthur Miller inBlonde, the successful playwright who was married to Marilyn Monroe from 1956 to 1961, just before her tragic death. He is only referred to as “The Playwright” in this movie, however, it’s obvious that the character is based on Miller. Brody has enjoyed a very successful career, and most will recognize him from his career making performance inThe Pianist, which won him an Academy Award for Best Actor. Since then, he has appeared in films such asMidnight in ParisandThe Grand Budapest Hotel, and in the hit seriesPeaky Blinders.
Bobby Cannavale
Bobby Cannavaleplays “The Ex-Athelete” inBlonde, and this character is obviously based on Joe DiMaggio, one of the most famous baseball players of all time who also had a famous relationship with Marilyn Monroe. Cannavale has appeared in many roles over the years, such as in TV series likeWill & Grace,Sex and the City, andBoardwalk Empire, for which he received an Emmy Award, and films likeBlue Jasmine,Spy, andAnt-Man.
Xavier Samuel
Xavier Samuelplays Charles Chaplin Jr, the son of Charlie Chaplin who did not enjoy the same success as his father in the acting industry, inBlonde. He had an intimate relationship with Monroe before her marriage to Joe DiMaggio. Samuel may be recognized from his role as Riley Biers inTheTwilight Saga: Eclipse, and he has recently starred in the hugely successfulElvis, which was released this year.
Related:Blonde Review: Ana de Armas Complete Disappears into the Role of Marilyn Monroe
Caspar Phillipson
Caspar Phillipsonportrays President John F. Kennedy inBlonde, who was widely thought to have engaged in an extramarital affair with Monroe. He was the American President from 1961 to 1963, when he was assassinated in Dallas. Phillipson has made a career out of portraying JFK due to the resemblance between the two. He appeared inJackiealongside Natalie Portman as well as inOdd Man Rush,andThe Match.
InBlonde,Toby Hussplays Allan Snyder, a make-up artist and friend of Monroe. He served as Monroe’s personal make-up artist and worked with her from her first feature film until her death. Huss has appeared in lots of roles over the years and is mostly known for his roles as Cotton Hill inKing of the Hilland Artie in Nickelodeon’sThe Adventures of Pete and Pete.
Evan Williams
Evan Williamsportrays “Eddy G” inBlonde, who is widely thought to be Edward G. Robinson, Jr. Robinson was an actor who worked with Monroe onSome Like It Hot, who had a reputation for his run-ins with the law. Williams may be familiar to viewers from several television shows and films. A few of his most noteworthy roles include that of Kelly Ashoona fromDegrassi: The Next Generation, Tyler inEscape Room, Luke fromAwkward, and in the small role of Jack inWestworldSeason 4.
