The Handmaid’s Tale has officially reached its sixth and final season, bringing alongside it a diverse cast of characters. While the show has seen many faces come and go over its previous five seasons, the core characters remain central to the narrative. This overview will introduce both returning and new cast members who will shape the concluding chapters of this critically acclaimed series.
Season 5 concluded with significant turmoil: Luke was arrested, Gilead’s forces invaded Little America, and both June and Serena Joy found themselves on a train, seeking refuge together. Given the impending release of the spinoff series, The Testaments, there remains ample narrative territory to explore in the concluding season of The Handmaid’s Tale. Below, we spotlight the pivotal characters who will be leading the final stories.
Elisabeth Moss as June Osborne
Born July 24, 1982
- Active Since: 1990
Actor: Los Angeles native Elisabeth Moss gained prominence with her role in The West Wing. Her illustrious career spans significant performances in acclaimed series such as Mad Men and The Handmaid’s Tale, alongside powerful film roles in titles like The Invisible Man and Shirley.
Notable Movies/TV Shows
| Movie/TV Show | Role |
|---|---|
| The West Wing | Zoey Bartlet |
| Mad Men | Peggy Olson |
| The Invisible Man | Cecilia Kass |
| Shining Girls | Kirby Mazrachi |
| The Veil | Imogen Salter |
Character: In The Handmaid’s Tale, Moss embodies June Osborne, initially known as Offred. At the onset of season 6, June has escaped Gilead and is actively engaging in the resistance through her work with Mayday.
Yvonne Strahovski as Serena Joy Waterford
Born July 30, 1982
- Active Since: 2004
Actor: Hailing from New South Wales, Australia, Yvonne Strahovski first garnered attention with her role in the series Chuck. She further showcased her talent in show-stoppers like Dexter and most notably in The Handmaid’s Tale, where she portrays a complex antagonist. Her filmography also includes roles in The Predator and The Tomorrow War.
Notable Movies/TV Shows
| Movie/TV Show | Role |
|---|---|
| Chuck | Sarah Walker |
| Dexter | Hannah McKay |
| I, Frankenstein | Dr. Terra Wade |
| The Predator | Emily McKenna |
| Teacup | Maggie Chenoweth |
Character: Strahovski’s portrayal of Serena Joy Waterford shows a transformation of her initial adversarial role into a nuanced character torn between her life in Gilead and her new realities in Canada.
O-T Fagbenle as Luke Bankole
Born January 22, 1981
- Active Since: 2002
Actor: London-born O-T Fagbenle began in theatre before transitioning to screen roles, with notable appearances in Doctor Who and Breaking and Entering. His role in The Handmaid’s Tale significantly elevated his career, paving the way for projects like Presumed Innocent and Black Widow.
Notable Movies/TV Shows
| Movie/TV Show | Role |
|---|---|
| Maxxx | Maxxx |
| Black Widow | Rick Mason |
| The First Lady | Barack Obama |
| Presumed Innocent | Nico Della Guardia |
| No Good Deed | Dennis |
Character: Fagbenle plays Luke Bankole, June’s husband, whose relationship has been strained by the overarching chaos of Gilead, providing a focal point in their heartbreaking journey.
Bradley Whitford as Commander Joseph Lawrence
Born October 10, 1959
- Active Since: 1985
Actor: From Madison, Wisconsin, Bradley Whitford gained recognition through early film roles such as in Adventures in Babysitting and later became a household name with his role in The West Wing. His varied career includes appearances in Get Out and Godzilla: King of the Monsters.
Notable Movies/TV Shows
| Movie/TV Show | Role |
|---|---|
| The West Wing | Josh Lyman |
| Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip | Danny Tripp |
| Brooklyn Nine-Nine | Captain Roger Peralta |
| Get Out | Dean Armitage |
| Godzilla: King of the Monsters | Dr. Rick Stanton |
Character: In the series, Whitford takes on the enigmatic role of Commander Joseph Lawrence, a figure whose shifting loyalties and rising power significantly impact the evolving narrative in season 6.
Max Minghella as Commander Nick Blaine
Born On September 16, 1985
- Active Since: 1999
Actor: Max Minghella, born in London, emerged with a role in Syriana. He has since been part of various projects, including The Social Network and Babylon, alongside his significant role in The Handmaid’s Tale.
Notable Movies/TV Shows
| Movie/TV Show | Role |
|---|---|
| Syriana | Robby Barnes |
| How to Lose Friends & Alienate People | Vincent Lepak |
| The Social Network | Divya Narendra |
| The Mindy Project | Richie Castellano |
| Babylon | Irving Thalberg |
Character: Minghella’s Commander Nick Blaine was initially a driver for Commander Waterford but developed a complicated relationship with June, creating a layered dynamic that continues to unfold in the final season.
The Handmaid’s Tale Supporting Cast & Characters
Who Else Is In The Show
Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia: Aunt Lydia serves as a strict overseer of the handmaids, with a particular focus on Janine.
Samira Wiley as Moira Strand: Moira, a former Jezebel, now fights alongside June and Luke against Gilead.
Amanda Brugel as Rita Blue: Rita represents the plight of the Marthas who managed to escape Gilead.
Sam Jaeger as Mark Tuello: Serving as a U.S. government representative, Mark helps refugees fleeing the oppressive regime of Gilead.
Ever Carradine as Naomi Putnam: Naomi is known for her complicated history, being the former wife of Commander Putnam now married to Commander Lawrence.