Loudermilk is a television show that has earned praise for its witty dialogue, complex characters, and dark humor. The show premiered on October 17, 2017, on AT&T’s Audience Network, which later transitioned to Amazon Prime Video. Created by Peter Farrelly (famous for directing Dumb and Dumber and Green Book), Loudermilk follows the life of Sam Loudermilk, a former alcoholic who has transitioned into an unconventional recovery coach. Despite the show’s offbeat humor, it explores deep topics such as addiction, redemption, and human relationships with a unique perspective.
The show has a strong ensemble cast, each actor bringing something special to the table. The characters they portray are flawed but relatable, and the chemistry between them adds depth to the narrative. In this article, we will explore the main cast of Loudermilk and dive into the characters they portray.
1. Ron Livingston as Sam Loudermilk
Ron Livingston plays the titular character Sam Loudermilk, a once-drunk, now sober, recovery coach who works with people struggling with addiction. Sam is a man of contradictions: sharp-witted yet deeply flawed, kind-hearted but quick to judge others. His role as a recovery coach isn’t typical. He’s not the nurturing, encouraging type of therapist. Instead, Sam uses his cynical humor and blunt honesty to help people, often pushing them to face their problems head-on.
Sam Loudermilk is a character with a lot of baggage. He’s an alcoholic who has been sober for over two years but struggles with the daily temptation of falling back into old habits. His rocky path to sobriety, combined with his awkward yet humorous personality, provides much of the show’s charm. Livingston, who has starred in films such as Office Space and The Conjuring, brings a grounded yet hilarious portrayal to Sam, striking the right balance between humor and vulnerability.
2. Will Sasso as the “Big Earl”
Will Sasso plays “Big Earl,” Sam’s tough but lovable friend. Big Earl is an ex-biker with a large physical presence and a unique perspective on life. Despite his rough exterior, Earl’s loyalty to Sam is unwavering, and he often provides emotional support, albeit in his own no-nonsense way. Earl’s backstory is intertwined with Sam’s; the two share a deep bond formed during their time in recovery. Will Sasso, known for his work on Mad TV and The Three Stooges movie, adds a comic touch to the character of Big Earl. Sasso’s comedic timing and physicality help make Big Earl a memorable presence on screen, providing the perfect foil to Sam’s more introspective nature.
3. Kaitlin Doubleday as Carrie
Kaitlin Doubleday plays Carrie, a woman with her own complicated past who also becomes part of Sam’s circle. Carrie is a highly intelligent and independent woman, and her relationship with Sam is layered and complicated. While she is an important figure in Sam’s life, she is not defined by him. Carrie challenges Sam in ways that others can’t, and their dynamic evolves throughout the series. Doubleday, who is best known for her roles in Empire and The Goldbergs, infuses Carrie with both strength and vulnerability. She has a sharp, no-nonsense attitude, yet her moments of emotional depth make her a multifaceted character who audiences can empathize with.
4. Anja Savcic as Jenny
Anja Savcic portrays Jenny, Sam’s neighbor, and at times, a romantic interest. She is an aspiring actress who, like Sam, is struggling to find her place in the world. Jenny’s complicated relationship with Sam evolves over the course of the show, with their occasional flirtations and tense moments giving way to a deeper connection. Savcic’s portrayal of Jenny is warm yet uncertain, capturing the feeling of being young and unsure of one’s future. Though Jenny is often seen as a quirky, energetic character, Savcic does a great job of showing her vulnerability and personal growth as she navigates life’s challenges. Anja Savcic has appeared in shows like Supernatural and The Art of More, and her versatility as an actress shines through in her role on Loudermilk.
5. Charlie Hunnam as Nate (Season 2)
Charlie Hunnam, the popular actor from Sons of Anarchy, makes a notable appearance in Loudermilk in Season 2 as Nate, a character who adds both tension and excitement to the show. Nate is an old friend of Sam’s from his drinking days. His arrival brings back painful memories for Sam, and their tumultuous relationship creates a significant shift in the dynamics within the show. Hunnam’s portrayal of Nate is intense, and his character’s emotional depth adds complexity to the series. While Hunnam’s role is a more serious one, his strong performance highlights his ability to shift from the rugged biker roles he’s known for into more vulnerable, nuanced characters.
6. Allison Tolman as Kira (Season 3)
Allison Tolman plays Kira, a new character introduced in Season 3 of Loudermilk. Kira is a no-nonsense woman who quickly becomes a key part of Sam’s world. She is intelligent, assertive, and has a tough exterior that hides a much more vulnerable interior. As a recovery coach herself, Kira provides a professional balance to Sam’s more chaotic approach. She challenges Sam in ways he hasn’t been challenged before, and her evolving relationship with him provides a lot of emotional weight throughout the season. Tolman, known for her role in Fargo, brings a level of depth to Kira that makes her both tough and endearing, and her scenes with Sam showcase some of the best writing of the series.
7. The Supporting Cast:
Beyond the main characters, Loudermilk features a strong supporting cast that brings life to the series. These actors may not have the most screen time, but they still contribute significantly to the show’s tone and atmosphere.
- Tom Arnold plays a recurring character, providing comedic moments as well as occasional emotional beats. Arnold, known for his comedic background in True Lies and The Jackie Thomas Show, lends a unique brand of humor to his role.
- Rachael Harris appears in a guest role, adding her own brand of wit and charm. Harris is an accomplished comedic actress, known for her roles in The Hangover and Suicide Squad, and she brings her sharp comedic sensibilities to her time on Loudermilk.
- Benjamin King plays another of Sam’s friends and adds to the show’s rich network of characters. His portrayal is understated but effective, often lending emotional depth when the show needs it most.
8. The Tone and Chemistry
One of the standout features of Loudermilk is the chemistry between the cast. While the show deals with heavy topics such as addiction and personal redemption, the cast’s ability to inject humor into these themes is what gives the show its distinctive flavor. Each actor plays their part with such authenticity that it’s easy to forget they are portraying characters, not real people.
The camaraderie between Sam and his friends is believable, and it’s easy to imagine them being a real group that you could know in your own life. Whether it’s Big Earl’s boisterous attitude or Carrie’s unflinching support, the cast of Loudermilk adds layers to each of their roles that go beyond just being funny. They are people with real flaws, real struggles, and real growth, and that is what makes the show truly engaging.
Conclusion
The Loudermilk cast brings a blend of comedy, drama, and authenticity to the screen, making it one of the standout shows of its genre. From Ron Livingston’s deeply flawed yet charismatic portrayal of Sam Loudermilk to the offbeat humor of Will Sasso’s Big Earl, each actor plays a crucial role in bringing the series to life. Their performances have made Loudermilk a critically acclaimed show that is as heartwarming as it is humorous. With a strong ensemble cast, Loudermilk continues to entertain viewers while tackling serious themes with sensitivity and wit.
Whether you’re watching for the laughs, the relationships, or the powerful messages about addiction and recovery, the Loudermilk cast is one you won’t forget.
