Familiar Faces: Where to Recognize The Resident Alien Cast

“Resident Alien” has emerged as a delightful sci-fi comedy since its 2021 premiere, captivating viewers with its whimsical extraterrestrial exploits. Based on the comic series by Peter Hogan and Steve Parkhouse, the show features Alan Tudyk as an alien who crashes in the quaint town of Patience, Colorado. Disguised as local doctor Harry Vanderspeigle, the alien’s original mission is to eliminate humanity, but he finds himself re-evaluating that directive thanks to the friendships he develops in town. The series, led by the talented Tudyk and written by series creator Chris Sheridan, gradually unveils the rich backstories of its characters, adding depth to the show’s quirky narrative.

 

While “Resident Alien” is the most prominent project for many cast members, each actor has an impressive resume showcasing their work in various film and TV roles. Let’s delve into where you might recognize the talented ensemble of “Resident Alien.”

 

Alan Tudyk shines as Harry Vanderspeigle. The extraterrestrial tasked with humanity’s extermination finds his plans derailed when his spacecraft malfunctions, leading to the death of the town’s doctor. Tudyk brings to life the character’s duality, seamlessly transforming between Harry and his human guise. Since his debut in 1997, Tudyk’s roles have spanned from memorable parts in “A Knight’s Tale” and “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story” to his iconic portrayal of Wash in “Firefly,” which he reprised in “Serenity.” His impressive voice work includes roles such as the droid K-2SO in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” and the Joker in the animated “Harley Quinn” series.

 

Sara Tomko plays Asta Twelvetrees, the first adult to uncover Harry’s secret. Her bond with Harry plays a crucial role in his journey toward valuing humanity. Tomko began her on-screen career in 2008 and has since been recognized for her roles in “The Leftovers,” “Once Upon a Time,” and “Sneaky Pete.”

 

Corey Reynolds portrays Sheriff Mike Thompson, whose controlling demeanor hides a troubled past tied to a partnership loss in D.C. Over the course of the series, Mike slowly opens up, engaging in a couple of romantic entanglements. Reynolds’ career took off with a Tony nomination for his role in “Hairspray” and continued as a main cast member on “The Closer.”

 

Alice Wetterlund, as D’arcy Bloom, runs the local bar and shares a lifelong friendship with Asta. Wetterlund’s journey includes comedy roots in stand-up and improv, landing roles in “Girl Code” and “Silicon Valley.”

 

Levi Fiehler brings the character of Ben Hawthorne to life, the mayor of Patience with a history of alien encounters that contributes to his anxiousness. His experience includes roles in “Puppet Master: Axis of Evil,” “The Fosters,” and “Mars.”

 

Elizabeth Bowen plays Deputy Liv Baker, Mike’s supportive partner. Bowen’s experience includes notable roles in “Fargo” and “No Tomorrow,” as well as a growing presence on other series.

 

Meredith Garretson is Kate Hawthorne, bringing warmth and complexity to her role as Ben’s wife, whose life takes unexpected turns. Her early career features guest spots in shows like “The Good Fight” and “Prodigal Son.”

 

Asta’s father, Dan Twelvetrees, is played by Gary Farmer, who has a rich background in Canadian television and film, known for “Dead Man” and his contributions to First Nations media.

 

Alex Barima portrays Lieutenant David Logan, an officer investigating Harry’s crash. With experience in series like “Supernatural” and “Riverdale,” Barima is also involved in voice acting and recently starred in “Daniel Spellbound.”

 

Diana Bang plays Ellen Cho, a no-nonsense nurse with a sarcastic edge. She has a background in sketch comedy and roles in “Bates Motel” and “Y: The Last Man.”

 

Linda Hamilton steps into the role of General Eleanor McCallister, leading the charge to track Harry. A celebrated figure in sci-fi, Hamilton is best known for her iconic role in the “Terminator” series, alongside appearances in “Beauty and the Beast” and “Stranger Things.”

 

Terry O’Quinn embodies Peter Bach, a father obsessed with finding his abducted son. His extensive career includes landmark roles in “Lost” and “The Stepfather.”

 

Finally, Enver Gjokaj plays Grey-human hybrid Joseph Rainier, navigating tensions with Harry. Gjokaj first gained attention in “Dollhouse” and has since appeared in “Marvel’s Agent Carter.”

 

With a combination of humor, heart, and extraterrestrial intrigue, “Resident Alien” has forged a unique space in the current television landscape, thanks in no small part to its talented cast and well-crafted narratives.