The NBC show, The Good Place, is a sitcom unlike any other. While it's a comedy with eccentric characters, there are also elements of drama. So, the series needed to cast a group of well-rounded actors to help tell this complex story about humans in the afterlife.
Fans may be wondering what other roles they've seen the main cast in before. Some have starred in other well-known sitcoms, while others have worked on projects very different from The Good Place. The varied experience of the cast benefits the show and results in many memorable acting performances.
Kristen Bell - Veronica Mars (2004 - 2007 & 2019)
Audiences may have heard Kristen Bell's voice as Anna in Veronica Mars.
The teen mystery series ran for three seasons, and an additional fourth was funded by fans in 2019. Instead of escaping demons and hoarding shrimp as Eleanor does, Veronica works as a private investigator. While the two characters are different, both want to make the world a better place and protect their friends.
William Jackson Harper - Midsommar (2019)
Before William Jackson Harper played Midsommar. Harper plays Josh, an anthropology student who attends a midsummer celebration at a commune in Sweden.
While Chidi may live in the Bad Place, Josh's life becomes a living nightmare. The commune that he wants to write a thesis about turns out to be a pagan cult. Chidi can relate to Josh's academic curiosity. However, Chidi's far too anxious to go anywhere near a festival like that.
Jameela Jamil - The Misery Index (2019 - Present)
Fans of The Good Place probably haven't seen Jameela Jamil in previous projects. Tahani, a wealthy philanthropist, was her breakout role as an actor. But before landing the part of Tahani, Jamil was a presenter on a BBC Radio 1 show.
Although Jamil is no longer a radio personality, she hosts the game show, The Misery Index. Contestants compete to guess the correct rankings of funny and awkward real-life events. The show also features the stars of Impractical Jokers, who pair up with contestants to help them win.
D'Arcy Carden - Barry (2018 - Present)
While playing Janet, D'Arcy Carden also played a part in the HBO series, Barry. The dark comedy crime show starring Bill Hader has two seasons so far. In Barry, Carden plays a side character, Natalie.
Natalie is an aspiring actress who attends the same acting class as Barry. She gets cast in minor parts until she lands a leading role as Lady Macbeth. Since Janet knows the answer to all of the universe's questions, she could tell Natalie if she will ever become a famous actress.
Manny Jacinto - The Good Doctor (2017 - Present)
Jason, the EDM DJ, is played by Manny Jacinto. His character has a man cave where he plays video games, and one of his The Good Doctor.
In the episode "Sacrifice," Jacinto appears as one of Shaun's patients, Bobby. He's a pro-gamer who encourages Shaun to stand up for himself, so he's not treated like a "noob." Bobby and Jason would probably get along and play video games together.
Ted Danson - Cheers (1982 - 1993)
Ted Danson is one of the more famous cast on The Good Place where he plays Michael, a demon who's posing as a Good Place architect. But before the series, Danson starred in the hit sitcom, Cheers.
In Cheers, Danson plays Sam Malone, who runs a bar in Boston. The Good Place nods to his previous character in the episode "Somewhere Else" in which Michael pretends to be a bartender, who serves and advises Eleanor as he wipes down the counter.
Marc Evan Jackson - Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013 - Present)
The Bad Place's head demon, Shawn, is the show's main antagonist. He often tries to thwart the plans of Michael, Janet, and the humans. Out of his many projects, audiences will probably most recognize Marc Evan Jackson as Kevin from Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Kevin is Holt's sophisticated and stoic acting husband. Many other characters in The Good Place also appear in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, as Michael Schur created both series. Some actors who've appeared in both shows include Jason Mantzukas, Maya Rudolf, and Nicole Byer.
Maya Rudolph - Bridesmaids (2011)
Most viewers are likely familiar with Maya Rudolph, who plays the Judge Gen in the afterlife. Rudolph is famously known for being an SNL cast member for seven seasons. Since then, she's appeared in many film and television projects.
One of Rudolph's most notable film roles was in Bridesmaids. She played Lillian, an engaged woman whose bridal party causes chaos. The female lead comedy was a big hit with audiences and was nominated for Academy Awards.
Jason Mantzoukas - The League (2009 - 2015)
One of the series' strangest but most hilarious characters is Derek. While heartbroken over her failed relationship with Jason, The League.
The semi-improvisational series, which ran for seven seasons, is about a fantasy football league. If fans haven't seen The League, Mantzoukas also has guest-starred in shows like Big Mouth.
Maribeth Monroe - Workaholics (2011 - 2017)
Maribeth Monroe's character, Mindy St. Claire, is the only human to land in the Medium Place. Her life wasn't great, but she created a charity before she died. If viewers find her face familiar, they may have seen her in Workaholics as Alice.
Workaholics is a Comedy Central sitcom. Alice (Monroe's character) is the branch manager at TelAmeriCorp. Both Alice and Mindy aren't fond of the antics of their friends and are usually seen criticizing them.