The cast of Netflix’s limited series True Story boasts an array of talent, often in surprising roles. Created by Eric Newman (Narcos: Mexico), True Story follows Kid, a rising comedian, as his homecoming in Philadelphia and reunion with his brother Carlton (Wesley Snipes) immediately turn into a criminal cover-up. The seven-episode series centers on a highly fictionalized version of its star Kevin Hart, who plays a sidekick character in Jumanji: Next Level, tackling themes of fame, ability, and relationships. However, Hart is hardly the only recognizable presence on screen.
Despite True Story being largely fictionalized, Hart has had his own share of drama. Apart from previous misdemeanors, he also suffered from a backlash over homophobic tweets that surfaced just as he was announced as the host of the 2019 Academy Awards. Later that year, he had a serious car accident, resulting in back injuries and major surgery. Hart needed to recover at a rehabilitation facility, renewing not only his physical state but also his perspective in life.
Released on Netflix on November 24, 2021, True Story is met with mixed reviews. Critics have pointed out how the story falls flat, relying on overly-familiar tropes and an unmemorable plot. Nevertheless, the show sees Hart deviating from his usual roles, particularly in comedy films with The Rock, offering him an excellent entry into dramatic roles. Additionally, the cast’s performance and chemistry have been widely praised, particularly Hart and Snipes’. That said, here are the cast and characters of True Story.
Kevin Hart As Kid
Kid is a hugely successful comedian who, after landing a part in a billion-dollar film, stops by his hometown Philadelphia. There, he tries to cover up multiple deaths, conspiring with his brother and maintaining his relationship with an obsessed fan. Hart, who plays Kid, is known for his roles in buddy comedy films like Ride Along, The Wedding Ringer, The Big Bang Theory actress Kaley Cuoco.
Wesley Snipes As Carlton
A former football star, Carlton is Kid’s brother who finds himself in trouble after forming connections with Greek mobsters. Throughout True Story, he asks multiple favors from Kid, mostly involving disposing of dead bodies. He is played by Wesley Snipes, most popularly known for his titular role in the Blade trilogy. Snipes will be portraying Luther in the film Back on the Strip, which also stars comedian Tiffany Haddish.
Tawny Newsome As Billie
Billie becomes Kid’s collaborator after getting discovered on YouTube. She is also in a relationship with Kid’s bodyguard. Billie is brought to life by Tawny Newsome, who is best recognized for playing Chelsea Leight-Leigh on Bajillion Dollar Propertie$ and Angela Ali in Space Force, and for voicing Beckett Mariner on Star Trek: Lower Decks.
William Catlett As Herschel
Herschel is Kid’s bodyguard, who forms a personal relationship with Billie. Although he diligently follows orders, he still keeps an eye on Kid’s close friends. Herschel is played by William Catlett, who stars in First, That Guy, Giants, Love Is_, Black Lightning, and Lovecraft Country.
Paul Adelstein As Todd
Todd is Kid’s manager who is seemingly oblivious to the events in his client’s personal life. He is portrayed by Paul Adelstein, known for his roles as Paul Kellerman in Prison Break and Cooper Freedman in Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice. Most recently, Adelstein is seen in the police drama Chicago P.D. as Jake Novak.
Theo Rossi As Gene
Gene is Kid’s overly enthusiastic fan who captures a video of his idol getting rid of a dead body. In exchange for his silence, Gene is allowed access to Kid’s personal life. Gene is portrayed by Theo Rossi, also known as Luke Cage as Hernan "Shades" Alvarez, and in Army of the Dead as Burt Cummings.
True Story ing Cast
Chris Diamantopoulos as Savvas - Savvas is a Greek mobster and Carlton’s business partner. He is played by Chris Diamantopoulos, who has an impressive list of voice acting credits, including lead roles in the Netflix shows Inside Job and Blood of Zeus, and in the film Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
Billy Zane as Ari - Ari is one of Savvas’ brothers, a fixer who helps in covering up Daphne’s death in True Story. He is played by Billy Zane, who is notably known for his roles as Caledon Hockley in Titanic and Match in the Back to the Future franchise.
Lauren London as Monyca - Monyca is Kid’s soon-to-be ex-wife. She is played by Lauren London, who also portrayed Pam Madden Clark in the 2021 thriller Without Remorse.
John Ales as Nikos - Nikos is one of Savvas’ brothers, who seeks revenge for Kid’s actions. He is played by John Ales, who appeared in Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll and Star Trek: Picard.
Ash Santos as Daphne - Daphne, or Simone, is the young woman who is found dead on Kid’s bed after a wild night out in episode 1 of True Story. She is played by Ash Santos, known for playing Emily in the American Horror Story: Apocalypse.