Press Release
Joining Previously Announced Leads Andrew Garfield and Daisy Edgar-Jones,
the Stellar Cast Features Sam Worthington, Denise Gough, Wyatt Russell, Billy Howle, Gil Birmingham, Adelaide Clemens, Rory Culkin, Seth Numrich, Chloe Pirrie, Sandra Seacat and Christopher Heyerdahl
Created by Academy Award-Winner Dustin Lance Black Who Will Executive Produce with
Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Samie Kim Falvey, Anna Culp, Jason Bateman,
Michael Costigan, David Mackenzie and Gillian Berrie
Limited Series Inspired by Under the Banner of Heaven,
the #1 New York Times Bestseller by Jon Krakauer
Produced by FX Productions, the Series Will Be Available Exclusively on FX on Hulu
LOS ANGELES, August 26, 2021 – FX has set the cast for Under the Banner of Heaven, a limited series inspired by Jon Krakauer’s bestselling novel of the same name to be adapted by Academy Award-winner Dustin Lance Black. The stellar ensemble includes Sam Worthington, Denise Gough, Wyatt Russell, Billy Howle, Gil Birmingham, Adelaide Clemens, Rory Culkin, Seth Numrich, Chloe Pirrie, Sandra Seacat and Christopher Heyerdahl who join the previously announced leads, Andrew Garfield and Daisy Edgar-Jones.
Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller Under the Banner of Heaven, a devout detective’s faith is tested as he investigates a brutal murder that seems to be connected to an esteemed Utah family’s spiral into LDS fundamentalism and their distrust in the government.
Dustin Lance Black (Milk, When We Rise) created the series and will serve as an executive producer along with Brian Grazer (Genius, Friday Night Lights), Ron Howard (Genius, Arrested Development), Samie Kim Falvey and Anna Culp for Imagine Television; Jason Bateman (Ozark, The Outsider), Michael Costigan (A Teacher) of Aggregate Films; David Mackenzie (Hell or High Water, Perfect Sense), who will serve as director; and Gillian Berrie (Hell or High Water, Starred Up).
Produced by FX Productions, Under the Banner of Heaven will be available exclusively on FX on Hulu. Production recently got underway in Calgary.
---CAST BIOS---
SAM WORTHINGTON – “Ron Lafferty”
Sam Worthington starred in James Cameron’s Avatar, the highest grossing film of all time at over $2.8 billion worldwide. Additional credits include Oscar-nominated Hacksaw Ridge with Andrew Garfield, The Shack (based on the best-selling faith-based book and which has grossed almost $100 million worldwide), Everest, Cake, The Debt, Clash of the Titans and Somersault. Recent credits include the limited series, Manhunt: Unabomber and Brad Anderson’s Fractured for Netflix, which premiered as the #1 film for the streaming service with 24 million views in the first week.
In addition to James Cameron’s much-anticipated sequels Avatar 2 and 3 in which he reprises his lead role as “Jake Sully,” Sam can be seen next in Tim Sutton’s western The Last Son with Machine Gun Kelly and the independent film Nine Bullets opposite Lena Headey.
Worthington is represented by CAA, Anonymous Content and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller & Gellman.
DENISE GOUGH – “Dianna Lafferty”
Irish actress Denise Gough made headlines in 2016 starring in Duncan MacMillan’s award-winning play, People Places and Things, which earned her an Olivier Award and a Critics Circle Theatre Award for ‘Best Actress’. Her central performance, hailed as a ‘tour de force’, united critics who heaped praise on her harrowing portrayal of a young addict in rehab. It’s a role that firmly positioned Denise as one of the most promising actors of her generation. The play, directed by Jeremy Herrin, transferred from the National Theatre to the West End Wyndham’s Theatre. It fast became the hottest ticket in town, so much so that it transferred to New York at St Ann’s Warehouse and ran for an extended period in 2017, earning Denise a Drama Desk Nomination for ‘Outstanding Actress in a Play’.
Denise returned to the National Theatre in 2018 for the new production of Tony Kushner’s multi-award-winning two-part play Angels in America where she won her second Olivier Award, for ‘Best Supporting Actress’. The play, set in the mid-1980s during the AIDS crisis and a conservative Reagan administration, shows New Yorkers grappling with life and death, love and sex, heaven and hell. It’s directed by Olivier and Tony award winner Marianne Elliott (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and War Horse). Denise played ‘Harper Pitt’ and starred opposite Andrew Garfield, Nathan Lane, James McArdle and Russell Tovey. Angels in America is shown in its respective two parts (Part One: Millennium Approaches and Part Two: Perestroika). It also earned an Olivier Award for ‘Best Play Revival’. The production transferred to Broadway, to great critical acclaim. Denise earned a Tony & Outer Circle nomination for ‘Best Featured Actress in a Play’, amongst the play’s many nominations including ‘Best Revival of a Play’.
Denise has recently finished shooting the Cassian Andor Disney Plus ‘Rogue One’ prequel series. The cast includes Diego Luna, Stellan Skarsgard, Kyle Soller and Genevieve O’Reilly. The highly anticipated 12-part show will launch in 2022.
Denise’s film credits include director Argyris Papadimitropoulos’ most recent feature Monday starring opposite Sebastian Stan, which follows two Americans in their mid-thirties who meet in the heat of the summer in Athens, Colette, a film directed by Wash Westmoreland and starring Keira Knightley that tells the true story of one of France’s leading female writers in the 1900s, Joe Cornish’s The Kid Who Would Be King, director Malgorzata Szumowska’s The Other Lamb, Jesse Peretz’s musical comedy Juliet, Naked, Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood, Ken Loach’s Jimmy’s Hall and the BAFTA nominated ’71 from director Yann Demange, A Dark Place, Hollows, Complicit, The Kid, Desire and Lecture 21.
Her television credits include the three-part psychological thriller Too Close, starring opposite Emily Watson, the title-lead role in the BBC2 thriller series Paula from Conor McPherson in his first original television series, John Ridley’s six-part mini-series Guerrilla, BBC Two drama Apple Tree Yard, an adaptation of Louise Doughty’s best-selling psychological thriller, The Fall starring Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan, Sky’s hit comedy Stella, Neil Gaimen’s Likely Stories from director Iain Forsyth, What Remains, Cuffs, New Tricks, Musketeers, Titanic: Blood and Steel, Waking the Dead, Silent Witness, Tom Hurndall, Messiah V, The Commander, Inspector Lynley Mysteries, Tell Me Lies and Stan Lee’s Lucky Man.
On stage, Denise played the Cardinal’s mistress ‘Julia’ in Dominic Dromgoole’s production of The Duchess of Malfi, starring opposite Gemma Arterton at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse Theatre. At The Royal Court, Denise starred in a production of Adler and Gibb, a high concept satire on the cult of the artist. Under Tim Crouch’s direction, Denise received rave reviews for her portrayal of student lecturer ‘Louise’.
In 2012, her performance in the Lyric Hammersmith’s production of Desire Under the Elms saw her win the ‘Most Promising Newcomer’ at the Critics Circle Theatre Awards. Denise also earned a nomination for an Evening Standard Theatre Awards ‘Outstanding Newcomer’ for her portrayal of Annie, in the Bush Theatre’s production of Our New Girl starring as an Irish nanny with a jealous envy for her host family. Denise’s other theatre credits include The Arcola’s production of The Painter, Conor McPherson’s The Birds, The Royal Court’s Oh Go My Man and the RSC’s production of Ahasverus.
Other theatre credits include The Plough and the Stars , The Birds at the Gate in Dublin, The Grouch at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, Someone Else’s Shoes at Soho Everything is Illuminated at Hampstead, The Kindness of Strangers at the Liverpool Everyman Theatre. Robbers at the Tristan Bates Theatre, Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train at Trafalgar Studios, Six Characters in Search of an Author at the Chichester Festival Theatre and As You Like it and By the Bog of Cats at the Wyndham Theatre.
Outside of her theatrical career, Denise has been an enthusiastic supporter of ERA (The Equal Representation for Actresses) a collective of actresses that want to see women represented on screen, in television and theatre in equal measures the men.
Denise is represented by UTA, Independent & Tapestry.
WYATT RUSSELL – “Dan Lafferty”
Currently, Wyatt is in production to star in and executive produce the new QCode action podcast series Classified. The series is created by producer-writer-director duo Spenser Cohen and Anna Halberg and will follow Ivan (Russell), who arrives at the mysterious Ravenholm Institute to be treated when Lark, the voice in his head, says he can help Ivan break out. He and Lark then organize the other eclectic patients to escape and take down Doctor Bell, the shadowy woman in charge of their “recovery.” Earlier this year, Wyatt was seen in the Disney+ series, Falcon and the Winter Soldier, alongside Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie and Emily VanCamp. The series is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe where Wyatt is seen in the role of the US CIA Agent ‘John Walker.’
Most notably, in 2016, Wyatt starred in Richard Linklater’s Everybody Wants Some!! The film is set in 1980 where a group of college baseball players navigate their way through the freedoms and responsibilities of unsupervised adulthood. The critically acclaimed movie was nominated for a Gotham Award in the category of Best Feature. Additionally, that same year, he starred in, wrote and played all live guitar performances in Jeff Grace’s Folk Hero & Funny Guy opposite Meredith Hagner, Melanie Lynskey and Alex Karpovsky. It debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival and received a nomination in the category of “Best Narrative Drama.”
Prior film credits include Joe Wright’s Hitchcockian drama, The Woman in the Window opposite Amy Adams; Julius Avery’s Overlord, opposite Pilou Asbaek and Jovan Adepo; Ethan Hawke’s Blaze alongside Sam Rockwell and Kris Kristofferson; Jay Baruchel’s Goon: Last of the Enforcers opposite Liev Schreiber; Matt Spicer’s Ingrid Goes West opposite Elizabeth Olsen and Aubrey Plaza; Oren Uziel’s Shimmer Lake opposite Ron Livingston, Rob Corddry and Mark Rendall; Jeffrey Blitz’s Table 19 opposite Anna Kendrick and Lisa Kudrow; Phil Lord and Christopher Miller’s 22 Jump Street opposite Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill; Jim Mickle’s Cold in July opposite Sam Sheppard, Don Johnson, and Michael C. Hall; Jim Mickle’s We Are What We Are opposite Kassie Wesley DePavia and Julia Garner; Judd Apatow’s This Is 40; Jon Favreau’s Cowboys & Aliens; John Stalberg Jr.’s High School; and Marius A. Markevicius’ The Last Supper.
On television, previous credits include Showtime’s limited series, The Good Lord Bird alongside Ethan Hawke; starring in AMC’s Lodge 49 which Wyatt reprised his role for both seasons; and Netflix’s critically acclaimed anthology series Black Mirror.
Wyatt was a former professional ice hockey player and currently resides in Los Angeles, CA.
Wyatt is represented by UTA and Jackoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer Mandelbaum Morris Bernstein Trattner & Klein.
BILLY HOWLE – “Allen Lafferty”
Most recently, Billy wrapped production as the lead of the TV series Chloe for Amazon. He also recently wrapped survival thriller Infinite Storm opposite Naomi Watts. Billy can be seen in the BritBox series The Beast Must Die, an adaptation of Cecil Day-Lewis book, in which he stars opposite Jared Harris. Billy also holds a lead role in The Serpent for BBC and Netflix, which aired earlier this year. In 2019, he starred in MotherFatherSon opposite Richard Gere, also at the BBC, to rave reviews.
Previously, Billy starred opposite Chris Pine, Florence Pugh and Aaron Taylor-Johnson in Outlaw King for director David Mackenzie, and starred opposite Saoirse Ronan in both On Chesil Beach and The Seagull.
Billy attended Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and has been directed on stage by Joe Wright, Richard Eyre and, most recently, Michael Longhurst at the Donmar in Europe last year.
GIL BIRMINGHAM – “Bill Taba”
Award-winning actor Gil Birmingham is known for his work in over 60 film and television productions. Birmingham co-starred alongside Academy Award nominee Jeremy Renner in Taylor Sheridan’s critically acclaimed film Wind River, in which he is receiving praise for his performance as Martin Hanson. He previously collaborated with Taylor Sheridan in the critically acclaimed film Hell or High Water, costarring alongside Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges. Birmingham’s powerful performance in Hell or High Water continues to be singled out and highlighted by notable film reviewers, and the film itself is nominated for Best Picture in the 2017 Academy Awards.
Birmingham generated public acclaim for his portrayal of Billy Black in the blockbuster films Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn, based on the best-selling books by Stephenie Meyer. He costarred in the film The Love Ranch (2010) with Helen Mirren and Joe Pesci, directed by Taylor Hackford and voiced Wounded Bird in the Oscar winning film Rango (2011) with Johnny Depp. Additional film credits include roles in Shouting Secrets, End of the Spear, Dreamkeeper, Gentle Ben, The Doe Boy, Love's Long Journey, Te Ata, Crooked Arrows, and The Lone Ranger alongside Johnny Depp. Gil most recently filmed the feature film The Marsh King’s Daughter with Daisy Ridley and Ben Mendelsohn.
On TV, Birmingham’s powerful portrayal of Dogstar in Steven Spielberg's six-part TV miniseries, Into the West, captured the attention of audiences worldwide. Birmingham has guest starred in several episodes of Wilfred alongside Elijah Wood, and he can be seen on The Lying Game, Castle, The Mentalist, Nip/ Tuck, and Veronica Mars. He was a recurring guest star on Banshee and House of Cards and on The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, playing Jane Krakowski’s father. Birmingham most recently recurred in Freeform’s Siren and TNT’s Animal Kingdom. Gil recently wrapped five episodes of the limited Netflix series Pieces of Her opposite Toni Collette.
Birmingham reunited with Taylor Sheridan in the critically acclaimed Paramount series Yellowstone alongside Academy Award winner Kevin Costner, Wes Bentley, Kelly Reilly, Luke Grimes, and Kelsey Asbille. The series fourth season shall air this fall 2021.
In addition to acting, Gil is an accomplished guitar player and singer, and performs for fans in a variety of venues with his blues/rock style. For his complete filmography, visit www.gilbirmingham.com.
Gil Birmingham is represented by Amsel, Eisenstadt, Frazier & Hinojosa.
ADELAIDE CLEMENS – “Rebecca Pyre”
Adelaide Clemens is an Australian actress who began her career over a decade ago on the acclaimed Australian television show Love My Way. She recently completed filming the feature film, The Swearing Jar opposite Patrick J. Smith and Kathleen Turner, and can be seen in the CBS series, Tommy. Before that she appeared as leads in the AMC series Rectify, and the HBO miniseries Parade’s End, written by Sir Tom Stoppard.
Her other film credits include Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby, The Automatic Hate for director Justin Lerner, and several other independent films, including the recent Sundance-entry, To the Stars, from director Martha Stephens.
In 2016, Adelaide starred opposite Timothy Olyphant for the Atlantic Theatre Company’s production of Hold On To Me Darling for director Kenny Lonergan. Adelaide recenly performed the leading role of “Hilary” in The Lincoln Center Theater’s production of Sir Tom Stoppard’s The Hard Problem.
Clemens is represented by UTA and Mosaic.
RORY CULKIN – “Samuel Lafferty”
On television, Rory Culkin notably starred as “David Thibodeau” in Waco, a six-part event series for Paramount Network. He most recently appeared as “Joel Schumacher” in Ryan Murphy’s limited series Halston for Netflix. In film, Culkin received a Gotham Award nomination for his performance in Lou Howe’s Gabriel and an Independent Spirit Award nomination for his performance in Kenneth Lonergan’s You Can Count on Me. More recently he starred in Jonas Akerlund’s Lords of Chaos.
Culkin is represented by Brookside Artist Management and Paradigm Talent Agency.
SETH NUMRICH – “Robin Lafferty”
Seth Numrich most recently starred in the Broadway revival of Travesties to some of the best reviews of his theater career and is best known for his critically acclaimed performance in AMC’s original series Turn.
Seth starred alongside Daniel Radcliffe in the independent film Imperium about domestic terrorism and the neo-Nazi moment in the United States. He previously starred in the films Private Romeo, a retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliette, and MacBeth Unhinged. In television, prior to Turn, he was series regular in the dark comedy Gravity for Starz. Additionally, Seth had recurring roles on Showtime’s award-wining drama series Homeland and CBS’ The Good Wife and Madam Secretary.
Seth made his Broadway debut opposite Al Pacino in The Merchant of Venice and originated the role of Albert for New York audiences in the Tony Award winning play, War Horse, for which he received The Dorothy Loudon Award for Excellence in Theater as well as Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk Award nominations. Both plays won respective Tony awards for Best Revival of a Play and Best Play the same year. Seth returned to the stage in the 75th anniversary production of Clifford Odets’ Golden Boy directed by Tony-winner Bartlett Sher. Seth made his West End debut in Tennessee Williams’ Sweet Bird of Youth at the Old Vic Theatre for which he earned the Milton Shulman Award for Outstanding Newcomer at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards, and he returned to The West End where he starred in Fathers and Sons at The Donmar Warehouse for director Lyndsey Turner.
Seth most recently starred in the Broadway revival of Travesties to some of the best reviews of his theater career and is best known for his critically acclaimed performance in AMC’s original series Turn.
Seth is a native of St. Paul, Minnesota and at the age of sixteen, he became the youngest graduated of The Juilliard School’s Theater Department. #January 2020
Numrich is represented by Principal Entertainment LA and Innovative Artists.
CHLOE PIRRIE – “Matilda Lafferty”
BAFTA Breakthrough British actress and Screen International Star of Tomorrow Chloe first caught the industry’s attention with her breakout feature film debut in Shell, a performance for which she won the British Independent Film Award for ‘Most Promising Newcomer’. With each carefully chosen role, every part she plays continues to firmly establish her internationally as a unique acting talent to watch.
Coming up, Chloe will appear in Season 3 of Amazon’s Hanna; the action series follows the journey of an extraordinary young girl raised in the forest, as she evades the relentless pursuit of an off-book CIA agent and tries to unearth the truth behind who she is. She will also star in David Luke Rees’ directorial debut Look the Other Way And Run with Jonas Armstrong and Ken Nwosu. Shot in Yorkshire, the film follows two survivors and their story after the collapses of the UK society.
Chloe was most recently seen in IFC Midnight’s psychological thriller Kindred opposite Fiona Shaw, Jack Lowden and Tamara Lawrance. Written and directed by Joe Marcantonio, it tells the story of a mother-to-be and her mysterious hallucinations after the death of her boyfriend in a work accident. The film was released in select theatres and on VOD and digital platforms on 6th November 2020 in the US.
In October 2020, Netflix’s mulite award winning limited series The Queen’s Gambit premiered globally to critical acclaim, breaking viewership records for the streaming service. Chloe stars as ‘Alice Harmon’, mother to Anya Taylor-Joy’s ‘Beth Harmon’ in flashback sequences of Beth’s childhood. Based on Walter Tevis’s 1983 novel of the same name, the show is set during the Cold War era and follows an orphan chess prodigy and her journey to become a Grandmaster while struggling with her addiction and alcoholism. Also starring Moses Ingram, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Harry Melling and Marielle Heller, the series was directed, written and executive-produced by Scott Frank. Earlier on in the year, Chloe played ‘Isabella Knightley’ in Autumn de Wilde’s adaptation of Emma, based on Jane Austin’s original novel of the same name. Appearing opposite Anya Taylor-Joy again, Mia Goth, Bill Nighy, Josh O’Connor and Johnny Flynn also starred in the Working Title film, which was released in February in the UK followed by a US release in March.
2019 was a busy year: Chloe was on television screens playing ‘Karen’ in SKY original series Temple, alongside Mark Strong, Carice Van Houten and Daniel Mays. Inspired by the critically acclaimed Norwegian drama series Valkyrien, the eight-part series follows a surgeon who is driven by personal tragedy, determined to save his dying wife. It was broadcast in September 2019 on Sky One. In August, audiences saw Chloe take on the role of ‘Dahlia’ in original Amazon Studio series Carnival Row opposite Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne. The series is set in a neo-Victorian city as it is overrun by mythical creatures fleeing their war-torn homeland. Written and executively produced by Rene Echevarria, the eight-episode series released in August with a second season underway. In April, Chloe appeared in BBC One’s four-part legal thriller The Victim. Created by Rob Williams, it tells the story of a mother who is seeking the whereabouts of her son's killer after he is released from prison, unleashing a series of events that surface tragic memories and unexpected consequences. Chloe plays lawyer, ‘Ella Mackie’ alongside Kelly Macdonald and James Harkness.
In early 2018, Chloe starred in the BBC/Netflix coproduction Troy: Fall of a City. Written by David Farr and directed by Owen Harris the drama centres on the collapse of Troy from the citizens point of view, set against the backdrop of the war between Ancient Greece and Troy. Chloe plays ‘Andromache’, ‘Hector’s’ wife, alongside Joseph Mawle, Frances O Connor, David Threfall and Jonas Armstrong. The eight-part series was broadcast on BBC One in the UK and released globally on 6th April on Netflix.
Before this, Chloe was seen taking on the role of ‘Eileen Parker’ in the second series of global hit Netflix Original drama series The Crown. Directed by Stephen Daldry and written by Peter Morgan, based on his award-winning play “The Audience”, the series chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II from the 1940s to modern times and stars Claire Foy and Matt Smith. The first series premiered in November 2016 on Netflix to international critical acclaim, and the second series premiered in December 2017.
December 2016 saw Chloe star as ‘Emily Bronte’, author of the classic novel “Wuthering Heights”, in BBC drama To Walk Invisible. Created and directed by Sally Wainwright, the two-hour film for television details the lives of the three iconic and remarkable women who produced some of the greatest novels in the English language. Charlie Murphy, Finn Atkins, Jonathan Pryce and Adam Nagaitis also star. Sunday Times Culture called Chloe the “standout star”, The Observer said she “dominated every frame with her presence, her anger, her tenderness”, the Mail noted she was “superb”, the Times called her turn as ‘Emily’ “astonishing” while the Guardian raved “Emily’s… uncompromising nature and capacity for absolute fury is captured perfectly… by Chloe Pirrie’s performance”
Chloe took on the role of articulate and damaged ‘Alex’, alongside an exciting young British cast, including Laura Carmichael, Jack Farthing and Joe Dempsie, in the melancholic comedy Burn Burn Burn. Directed by Chanya Button, the independent film follows two best friends as they travel across the UK spreading the ashes of their recently deceased friend. The film, distributed globally by Netflix, was released in the UK in October. Screen International wrote: “Pirrie registers vividly, with a screen presence somewhat redolent of Rebecca Hall” and The List observed that her performance was “fantastic”.
At the 2016 Academy Awards, Benjamin Cleary’s short film Stutterer won the Oscar for ‘Best Live Action Short’. Pirrie starred as ‘Ellie’ opposite Matthew Needham in the moving story about a man with a speech impediment facing his greatest fear. She also appeared in Paolo Sorrentino’s Oscar nominated comedy drama Youth in January 2016, opposite Michael Caine, Rachel Weisz and Paul Dano. In January of the same year, Chloe portrayed ‘Julia Karegina’ in BBC production War and Peace. The epic six-episode drama, adapted from Tolstoy’s classic novel of the same name, also stars Aneurin Barnard, Jessie Buckley, Paul Dano, Lily James and James Norton. Set at the time of Russia’s wars with Napoleon and revolving around five aristocratic families during the reign of Alexander I, the series was broadcast on BBC One in the UK and on A&E, Lifetime and The History Channel in the US.
Chloe was seen in BBC One’s adaptation of JB Priestley’s detective thriller An Inspector Calls as ‘Sheila Birling’ alongside David Thewlis, Miranda Richardson and Ken Stott in September 2015. The ninety-minute thriller television film, written by Helen Edmundson, was broadcast on BBC One. In 2014, Chloe appeared BBC Two’s espionage thriller series, The Game as ‘Wendy Straw’, alongside Brian Cox and Tom Hughes. The six-part drama takes place in 1970 and addresses the invisible war fought by MI5 to protect the nation from the threats of the Cold War and premiered on BBC Two in the UK in April and on BBC America in November 2015.
In March 2013, Chloe made her feature film debut in Scott Graham’s critically acclaimed Shell, with Iain De Caestecker and Joseph Mawle. Chloe played the protagonist ‘Shell’ in the drama about a young girl who lives with her father in the Scottish Highlands. The film was nominated for a BAFTA Award in 2014 and Chloe won the British Independent Film Award for ‘Most Promising Newcomer in 2013 and was nominated in the category of ‘Best British Newcomer’ at the 2012 London Film Festival. Chloe’s performance was singled out by the critics: Eye for Film noted her “performance… will surely lead to many more”, The Guardian observed “the best thing about this … movie is the performance of Chloe Pirrie” while Hey You Guys raved “Shell is an excellent film, featuring some truly fantastic performances, least not lead actress Chloe Pirrie as the eponymous lead”, Cine Outsider wrote “Pirrie's is… (an) astonishingly accomplished debut” and The Telegraph noted “in the title role, Pirrie gives us just enough to latch on to, while remaining teasingly unknowable.” More accolades followed: The Evening Standard called her "the excellent Chloe Pirrie", The Independent raved "Chloe Pirrie is exceptional", the role was "beautifully acted" and "she shines" and The Times remarked the character was played "played with uncanny strength by Chloe Pirrie." In February of the same year, Chloe appeared in Charlie Brooker’s cult hit series Black Mirror on Channel 4. Chloe plays ambitious Labour politician ‘Gwendolyn Harris’ in the episode Black Mirror: The Waldo Moment, about a failed comedian Jamie (Daniel Rigby) who now voices a cartoon character who interviews politicians for a satirical show.
Chloe’s other notable screen credits include: ‘Debbie’ in E4’s Misfits (2013), ‘Karla’ in SKY Atlantic’s The Last Panthers (2015); ‘Lara’ in BBC One drama The Living and the Dead (2016); ‘Hellie’ in ITV 1’s Brief Encounters (2016) and ‘Grace Matlock’ in BBC’s Death in Paradise (2016).
Pirrie is represented by Julian Belfrage Associates.
SANDRA SEACAT – “Josie Pyre”
Sandra Seacat is a distinguished acting coach, actor, and director with Broadway, film, and television credits to her name. As an acting coach and teacher she has worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, among them Mickey Rourke, Jessica Lange, Laura Dern, Ryan Gosling, Colin Farrell, Andrew Garfield, Michelle Williams, Common, Jesse Plemons and others.
Ms Seacat has appeared in a range of films since the 70’s. More recently she has acted in HBO’s You Don’t Know Jack (with Al Pacino) and Enlightened (Laura Dern), director Gia Coppola’s Palo Alto and Mainstream. Ms Seacat directed the film In the Spirit (Peter Falk, Elaine May, Marlo Thomas, Olympia Dukakis).
CHRISTOPHER HEYERDAHL – “Ammon Lafferty”
An award-winning Canadian actor, Christopher Heyerdahl co-stars in one of Amazon's number 1 series of 2021 Little Marvin's anthology series: Them, Chapelwaite for Epix, James Gunn's The Peacemaker, WGNA's Pure, USA's Damnation, Sky Atlantic's Tin Star, SyFy's Van Helsing and AMC's hit series Hell On Wheels, playing the enigmatic Swede. This post-Civil War drama debuted as the second highest rated original series in AMC history. He started 2021 shooting the feature Corner Office with director Joachim Back and has appeared in the feature films Sicario: Day of The Soldado, Adopt a Highway and co-starring in Robert Budreau's Stockholm.
the Stellar Cast Features Sam Worthington, Denise Gough, Wyatt Russell, Billy Howle, Gil Birmingham, Adelaide Clemens, Rory Culkin, Seth Numrich, Chloe Pirrie, Sandra Seacat and Christopher Heyerdahl
Created by Academy Award-Winner Dustin Lance Black Who Will Executive Produce with
Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Samie Kim Falvey, Anna Culp, Jason Bateman,
Michael Costigan, David Mackenzie and Gillian Berrie
Limited Series Inspired by Under the Banner of Heaven,
the #1 New York Times Bestseller by Jon Krakauer
Produced by FX Productions, the Series Will Be Available Exclusively on FX on Hulu
LOS ANGELES, August 26, 2021 – FX has set the cast for Under the Banner of Heaven, a limited series inspired by Jon Krakauer’s bestselling novel of the same name to be adapted by Academy Award-winner Dustin Lance Black. The stellar ensemble includes Sam Worthington, Denise Gough, Wyatt Russell, Billy Howle, Gil Birmingham, Adelaide Clemens, Rory Culkin, Seth Numrich, Chloe Pirrie, Sandra Seacat and Christopher Heyerdahl who join the previously announced leads, Andrew Garfield and Daisy Edgar-Jones.
Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller Under the Banner of Heaven, a devout detective’s faith is tested as he investigates a brutal murder that seems to be connected to an esteemed Utah family’s spiral into LDS fundamentalism and their distrust in the government.
Dustin Lance Black (Milk, When We Rise) created the series and will serve as an executive producer along with Brian Grazer (Genius, Friday Night Lights), Ron Howard (Genius, Arrested Development), Samie Kim Falvey and Anna Culp for Imagine Television; Jason Bateman (Ozark, The Outsider), Michael Costigan (A Teacher) of Aggregate Films; David Mackenzie (Hell or High Water, Perfect Sense), who will serve as director; and Gillian Berrie (Hell or High Water, Starred Up).
Produced by FX Productions, Under the Banner of Heaven will be available exclusively on FX on Hulu. Production recently got underway in Calgary.
---CAST BIOS---
SAM WORTHINGTON – “Ron Lafferty”
Sam Worthington starred in James Cameron’s Avatar, the highest grossing film of all time at over $2.8 billion worldwide. Additional credits include Oscar-nominated Hacksaw Ridge with Andrew Garfield, The Shack (based on the best-selling faith-based book and which has grossed almost $100 million worldwide), Everest, Cake, The Debt, Clash of the Titans and Somersault. Recent credits include the limited series, Manhunt: Unabomber and Brad Anderson’s Fractured for Netflix, which premiered as the #1 film for the streaming service with 24 million views in the first week.
In addition to James Cameron’s much-anticipated sequels Avatar 2 and 3 in which he reprises his lead role as “Jake Sully,” Sam can be seen next in Tim Sutton’s western The Last Son with Machine Gun Kelly and the independent film Nine Bullets opposite Lena Headey.
Worthington is represented by CAA, Anonymous Content and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller & Gellman.
DENISE GOUGH – “Dianna Lafferty”
Irish actress Denise Gough made headlines in 2016 starring in Duncan MacMillan’s award-winning play, People Places and Things, which earned her an Olivier Award and a Critics Circle Theatre Award for ‘Best Actress’. Her central performance, hailed as a ‘tour de force’, united critics who heaped praise on her harrowing portrayal of a young addict in rehab. It’s a role that firmly positioned Denise as one of the most promising actors of her generation. The play, directed by Jeremy Herrin, transferred from the National Theatre to the West End Wyndham’s Theatre. It fast became the hottest ticket in town, so much so that it transferred to New York at St Ann’s Warehouse and ran for an extended period in 2017, earning Denise a Drama Desk Nomination for ‘Outstanding Actress in a Play’.
Denise returned to the National Theatre in 2018 for the new production of Tony Kushner’s multi-award-winning two-part play Angels in America where she won her second Olivier Award, for ‘Best Supporting Actress’. The play, set in the mid-1980s during the AIDS crisis and a conservative Reagan administration, shows New Yorkers grappling with life and death, love and sex, heaven and hell. It’s directed by Olivier and Tony award winner Marianne Elliott (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and War Horse). Denise played ‘Harper Pitt’ and starred opposite Andrew Garfield, Nathan Lane, James McArdle and Russell Tovey. Angels in America is shown in its respective two parts (Part One: Millennium Approaches and Part Two: Perestroika). It also earned an Olivier Award for ‘Best Play Revival’. The production transferred to Broadway, to great critical acclaim. Denise earned a Tony & Outer Circle nomination for ‘Best Featured Actress in a Play’, amongst the play’s many nominations including ‘Best Revival of a Play’.
Denise has recently finished shooting the Cassian Andor Disney Plus ‘Rogue One’ prequel series. The cast includes Diego Luna, Stellan Skarsgard, Kyle Soller and Genevieve O’Reilly. The highly anticipated 12-part show will launch in 2022.
Denise’s film credits include director Argyris Papadimitropoulos’ most recent feature Monday starring opposite Sebastian Stan, which follows two Americans in their mid-thirties who meet in the heat of the summer in Athens, Colette, a film directed by Wash Westmoreland and starring Keira Knightley that tells the true story of one of France’s leading female writers in the 1900s, Joe Cornish’s The Kid Who Would Be King, director Malgorzata Szumowska’s The Other Lamb, Jesse Peretz’s musical comedy Juliet, Naked, Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood, Ken Loach’s Jimmy’s Hall and the BAFTA nominated ’71 from director Yann Demange, A Dark Place, Hollows, Complicit, The Kid, Desire and Lecture 21.
Her television credits include the three-part psychological thriller Too Close, starring opposite Emily Watson, the title-lead role in the BBC2 thriller series Paula from Conor McPherson in his first original television series, John Ridley’s six-part mini-series Guerrilla, BBC Two drama Apple Tree Yard, an adaptation of Louise Doughty’s best-selling psychological thriller, The Fall starring Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan, Sky’s hit comedy Stella, Neil Gaimen’s Likely Stories from director Iain Forsyth, What Remains, Cuffs, New Tricks, Musketeers, Titanic: Blood and Steel, Waking the Dead, Silent Witness, Tom Hurndall, Messiah V, The Commander, Inspector Lynley Mysteries, Tell Me Lies and Stan Lee’s Lucky Man.
On stage, Denise played the Cardinal’s mistress ‘Julia’ in Dominic Dromgoole’s production of The Duchess of Malfi, starring opposite Gemma Arterton at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse Theatre. At The Royal Court, Denise starred in a production of Adler and Gibb, a high concept satire on the cult of the artist. Under Tim Crouch’s direction, Denise received rave reviews for her portrayal of student lecturer ‘Louise’.
In 2012, her performance in the Lyric Hammersmith’s production of Desire Under the Elms saw her win the ‘Most Promising Newcomer’ at the Critics Circle Theatre Awards. Denise also earned a nomination for an Evening Standard Theatre Awards ‘Outstanding Newcomer’ for her portrayal of Annie, in the Bush Theatre’s production of Our New Girl starring as an Irish nanny with a jealous envy for her host family. Denise’s other theatre credits include The Arcola’s production of The Painter, Conor McPherson’s The Birds, The Royal Court’s Oh Go My Man and the RSC’s production of Ahasverus.
Other theatre credits include The Plough and the Stars , The Birds at the Gate in Dublin, The Grouch at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, Someone Else’s Shoes at Soho Everything is Illuminated at Hampstead, The Kindness of Strangers at the Liverpool Everyman Theatre. Robbers at the Tristan Bates Theatre, Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train at Trafalgar Studios, Six Characters in Search of an Author at the Chichester Festival Theatre and As You Like it and By the Bog of Cats at the Wyndham Theatre.
Outside of her theatrical career, Denise has been an enthusiastic supporter of ERA (The Equal Representation for Actresses) a collective of actresses that want to see women represented on screen, in television and theatre in equal measures the men.
Denise is represented by UTA, Independent & Tapestry.
WYATT RUSSELL – “Dan Lafferty”
Currently, Wyatt is in production to star in and executive produce the new QCode action podcast series Classified. The series is created by producer-writer-director duo Spenser Cohen and Anna Halberg and will follow Ivan (Russell), who arrives at the mysterious Ravenholm Institute to be treated when Lark, the voice in his head, says he can help Ivan break out. He and Lark then organize the other eclectic patients to escape and take down Doctor Bell, the shadowy woman in charge of their “recovery.” Earlier this year, Wyatt was seen in the Disney+ series, Falcon and the Winter Soldier, alongside Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie and Emily VanCamp. The series is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe where Wyatt is seen in the role of the US CIA Agent ‘John Walker.’
Most notably, in 2016, Wyatt starred in Richard Linklater’s Everybody Wants Some!! The film is set in 1980 where a group of college baseball players navigate their way through the freedoms and responsibilities of unsupervised adulthood. The critically acclaimed movie was nominated for a Gotham Award in the category of Best Feature. Additionally, that same year, he starred in, wrote and played all live guitar performances in Jeff Grace’s Folk Hero & Funny Guy opposite Meredith Hagner, Melanie Lynskey and Alex Karpovsky. It debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival and received a nomination in the category of “Best Narrative Drama.”
Prior film credits include Joe Wright’s Hitchcockian drama, The Woman in the Window opposite Amy Adams; Julius Avery’s Overlord, opposite Pilou Asbaek and Jovan Adepo; Ethan Hawke’s Blaze alongside Sam Rockwell and Kris Kristofferson; Jay Baruchel’s Goon: Last of the Enforcers opposite Liev Schreiber; Matt Spicer’s Ingrid Goes West opposite Elizabeth Olsen and Aubrey Plaza; Oren Uziel’s Shimmer Lake opposite Ron Livingston, Rob Corddry and Mark Rendall; Jeffrey Blitz’s Table 19 opposite Anna Kendrick and Lisa Kudrow; Phil Lord and Christopher Miller’s 22 Jump Street opposite Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill; Jim Mickle’s Cold in July opposite Sam Sheppard, Don Johnson, and Michael C. Hall; Jim Mickle’s We Are What We Are opposite Kassie Wesley DePavia and Julia Garner; Judd Apatow’s This Is 40; Jon Favreau’s Cowboys & Aliens; John Stalberg Jr.’s High School; and Marius A. Markevicius’ The Last Supper.
On television, previous credits include Showtime’s limited series, The Good Lord Bird alongside Ethan Hawke; starring in AMC’s Lodge 49 which Wyatt reprised his role for both seasons; and Netflix’s critically acclaimed anthology series Black Mirror.
Wyatt was a former professional ice hockey player and currently resides in Los Angeles, CA.
Wyatt is represented by UTA and Jackoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer Mandelbaum Morris Bernstein Trattner & Klein.
BILLY HOWLE – “Allen Lafferty”
Most recently, Billy wrapped production as the lead of the TV series Chloe for Amazon. He also recently wrapped survival thriller Infinite Storm opposite Naomi Watts. Billy can be seen in the BritBox series The Beast Must Die, an adaptation of Cecil Day-Lewis book, in which he stars opposite Jared Harris. Billy also holds a lead role in The Serpent for BBC and Netflix, which aired earlier this year. In 2019, he starred in MotherFatherSon opposite Richard Gere, also at the BBC, to rave reviews.
Previously, Billy starred opposite Chris Pine, Florence Pugh and Aaron Taylor-Johnson in Outlaw King for director David Mackenzie, and starred opposite Saoirse Ronan in both On Chesil Beach and The Seagull.
Billy attended Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and has been directed on stage by Joe Wright, Richard Eyre and, most recently, Michael Longhurst at the Donmar in Europe last year.
GIL BIRMINGHAM – “Bill Taba”
Award-winning actor Gil Birmingham is known for his work in over 60 film and television productions. Birmingham co-starred alongside Academy Award nominee Jeremy Renner in Taylor Sheridan’s critically acclaimed film Wind River, in which he is receiving praise for his performance as Martin Hanson. He previously collaborated with Taylor Sheridan in the critically acclaimed film Hell or High Water, costarring alongside Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges. Birmingham’s powerful performance in Hell or High Water continues to be singled out and highlighted by notable film reviewers, and the film itself is nominated for Best Picture in the 2017 Academy Awards.
Birmingham generated public acclaim for his portrayal of Billy Black in the blockbuster films Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn, based on the best-selling books by Stephenie Meyer. He costarred in the film The Love Ranch (2010) with Helen Mirren and Joe Pesci, directed by Taylor Hackford and voiced Wounded Bird in the Oscar winning film Rango (2011) with Johnny Depp. Additional film credits include roles in Shouting Secrets, End of the Spear, Dreamkeeper, Gentle Ben, The Doe Boy, Love's Long Journey, Te Ata, Crooked Arrows, and The Lone Ranger alongside Johnny Depp. Gil most recently filmed the feature film The Marsh King’s Daughter with Daisy Ridley and Ben Mendelsohn.
On TV, Birmingham’s powerful portrayal of Dogstar in Steven Spielberg's six-part TV miniseries, Into the West, captured the attention of audiences worldwide. Birmingham has guest starred in several episodes of Wilfred alongside Elijah Wood, and he can be seen on The Lying Game, Castle, The Mentalist, Nip/ Tuck, and Veronica Mars. He was a recurring guest star on Banshee and House of Cards and on The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, playing Jane Krakowski’s father. Birmingham most recently recurred in Freeform’s Siren and TNT’s Animal Kingdom. Gil recently wrapped five episodes of the limited Netflix series Pieces of Her opposite Toni Collette.
Birmingham reunited with Taylor Sheridan in the critically acclaimed Paramount series Yellowstone alongside Academy Award winner Kevin Costner, Wes Bentley, Kelly Reilly, Luke Grimes, and Kelsey Asbille. The series fourth season shall air this fall 2021.
In addition to acting, Gil is an accomplished guitar player and singer, and performs for fans in a variety of venues with his blues/rock style. For his complete filmography, visit www.gilbirmingham.com.
Gil Birmingham is represented by Amsel, Eisenstadt, Frazier & Hinojosa.
ADELAIDE CLEMENS – “Rebecca Pyre”
Adelaide Clemens is an Australian actress who began her career over a decade ago on the acclaimed Australian television show Love My Way. She recently completed filming the feature film, The Swearing Jar opposite Patrick J. Smith and Kathleen Turner, and can be seen in the CBS series, Tommy. Before that she appeared as leads in the AMC series Rectify, and the HBO miniseries Parade’s End, written by Sir Tom Stoppard.
Her other film credits include Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby, The Automatic Hate for director Justin Lerner, and several other independent films, including the recent Sundance-entry, To the Stars, from director Martha Stephens.
In 2016, Adelaide starred opposite Timothy Olyphant for the Atlantic Theatre Company’s production of Hold On To Me Darling for director Kenny Lonergan. Adelaide recenly performed the leading role of “Hilary” in The Lincoln Center Theater’s production of Sir Tom Stoppard’s The Hard Problem.
Clemens is represented by UTA and Mosaic.
RORY CULKIN – “Samuel Lafferty”
On television, Rory Culkin notably starred as “David Thibodeau” in Waco, a six-part event series for Paramount Network. He most recently appeared as “Joel Schumacher” in Ryan Murphy’s limited series Halston for Netflix. In film, Culkin received a Gotham Award nomination for his performance in Lou Howe’s Gabriel and an Independent Spirit Award nomination for his performance in Kenneth Lonergan’s You Can Count on Me. More recently he starred in Jonas Akerlund’s Lords of Chaos.
Culkin is represented by Brookside Artist Management and Paradigm Talent Agency.
SETH NUMRICH – “Robin Lafferty”
Seth Numrich most recently starred in the Broadway revival of Travesties to some of the best reviews of his theater career and is best known for his critically acclaimed performance in AMC’s original series Turn.
Seth starred alongside Daniel Radcliffe in the independent film Imperium about domestic terrorism and the neo-Nazi moment in the United States. He previously starred in the films Private Romeo, a retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliette, and MacBeth Unhinged. In television, prior to Turn, he was series regular in the dark comedy Gravity for Starz. Additionally, Seth had recurring roles on Showtime’s award-wining drama series Homeland and CBS’ The Good Wife and Madam Secretary.
Seth made his Broadway debut opposite Al Pacino in The Merchant of Venice and originated the role of Albert for New York audiences in the Tony Award winning play, War Horse, for which he received The Dorothy Loudon Award for Excellence in Theater as well as Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk Award nominations. Both plays won respective Tony awards for Best Revival of a Play and Best Play the same year. Seth returned to the stage in the 75th anniversary production of Clifford Odets’ Golden Boy directed by Tony-winner Bartlett Sher. Seth made his West End debut in Tennessee Williams’ Sweet Bird of Youth at the Old Vic Theatre for which he earned the Milton Shulman Award for Outstanding Newcomer at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards, and he returned to The West End where he starred in Fathers and Sons at The Donmar Warehouse for director Lyndsey Turner.
Seth most recently starred in the Broadway revival of Travesties to some of the best reviews of his theater career and is best known for his critically acclaimed performance in AMC’s original series Turn.
Seth is a native of St. Paul, Minnesota and at the age of sixteen, he became the youngest graduated of The Juilliard School’s Theater Department. #January 2020
Numrich is represented by Principal Entertainment LA and Innovative Artists.
CHLOE PIRRIE – “Matilda Lafferty”
BAFTA Breakthrough British actress and Screen International Star of Tomorrow Chloe first caught the industry’s attention with her breakout feature film debut in Shell, a performance for which she won the British Independent Film Award for ‘Most Promising Newcomer’. With each carefully chosen role, every part she plays continues to firmly establish her internationally as a unique acting talent to watch.
Coming up, Chloe will appear in Season 3 of Amazon’s Hanna; the action series follows the journey of an extraordinary young girl raised in the forest, as she evades the relentless pursuit of an off-book CIA agent and tries to unearth the truth behind who she is. She will also star in David Luke Rees’ directorial debut Look the Other Way And Run with Jonas Armstrong and Ken Nwosu. Shot in Yorkshire, the film follows two survivors and their story after the collapses of the UK society.
Chloe was most recently seen in IFC Midnight’s psychological thriller Kindred opposite Fiona Shaw, Jack Lowden and Tamara Lawrance. Written and directed by Joe Marcantonio, it tells the story of a mother-to-be and her mysterious hallucinations after the death of her boyfriend in a work accident. The film was released in select theatres and on VOD and digital platforms on 6th November 2020 in the US.
In October 2020, Netflix’s mulite award winning limited series The Queen’s Gambit premiered globally to critical acclaim, breaking viewership records for the streaming service. Chloe stars as ‘Alice Harmon’, mother to Anya Taylor-Joy’s ‘Beth Harmon’ in flashback sequences of Beth’s childhood. Based on Walter Tevis’s 1983 novel of the same name, the show is set during the Cold War era and follows an orphan chess prodigy and her journey to become a Grandmaster while struggling with her addiction and alcoholism. Also starring Moses Ingram, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Harry Melling and Marielle Heller, the series was directed, written and executive-produced by Scott Frank. Earlier on in the year, Chloe played ‘Isabella Knightley’ in Autumn de Wilde’s adaptation of Emma, based on Jane Austin’s original novel of the same name. Appearing opposite Anya Taylor-Joy again, Mia Goth, Bill Nighy, Josh O’Connor and Johnny Flynn also starred in the Working Title film, which was released in February in the UK followed by a US release in March.
2019 was a busy year: Chloe was on television screens playing ‘Karen’ in SKY original series Temple, alongside Mark Strong, Carice Van Houten and Daniel Mays. Inspired by the critically acclaimed Norwegian drama series Valkyrien, the eight-part series follows a surgeon who is driven by personal tragedy, determined to save his dying wife. It was broadcast in September 2019 on Sky One. In August, audiences saw Chloe take on the role of ‘Dahlia’ in original Amazon Studio series Carnival Row opposite Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne. The series is set in a neo-Victorian city as it is overrun by mythical creatures fleeing their war-torn homeland. Written and executively produced by Rene Echevarria, the eight-episode series released in August with a second season underway. In April, Chloe appeared in BBC One’s four-part legal thriller The Victim. Created by Rob Williams, it tells the story of a mother who is seeking the whereabouts of her son's killer after he is released from prison, unleashing a series of events that surface tragic memories and unexpected consequences. Chloe plays lawyer, ‘Ella Mackie’ alongside Kelly Macdonald and James Harkness.
In early 2018, Chloe starred in the BBC/Netflix coproduction Troy: Fall of a City. Written by David Farr and directed by Owen Harris the drama centres on the collapse of Troy from the citizens point of view, set against the backdrop of the war between Ancient Greece and Troy. Chloe plays ‘Andromache’, ‘Hector’s’ wife, alongside Joseph Mawle, Frances O Connor, David Threfall and Jonas Armstrong. The eight-part series was broadcast on BBC One in the UK and released globally on 6th April on Netflix.
Before this, Chloe was seen taking on the role of ‘Eileen Parker’ in the second series of global hit Netflix Original drama series The Crown. Directed by Stephen Daldry and written by Peter Morgan, based on his award-winning play “The Audience”, the series chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II from the 1940s to modern times and stars Claire Foy and Matt Smith. The first series premiered in November 2016 on Netflix to international critical acclaim, and the second series premiered in December 2017.
December 2016 saw Chloe star as ‘Emily Bronte’, author of the classic novel “Wuthering Heights”, in BBC drama To Walk Invisible. Created and directed by Sally Wainwright, the two-hour film for television details the lives of the three iconic and remarkable women who produced some of the greatest novels in the English language. Charlie Murphy, Finn Atkins, Jonathan Pryce and Adam Nagaitis also star. Sunday Times Culture called Chloe the “standout star”, The Observer said she “dominated every frame with her presence, her anger, her tenderness”, the Mail noted she was “superb”, the Times called her turn as ‘Emily’ “astonishing” while the Guardian raved “Emily’s… uncompromising nature and capacity for absolute fury is captured perfectly… by Chloe Pirrie’s performance”
Chloe took on the role of articulate and damaged ‘Alex’, alongside an exciting young British cast, including Laura Carmichael, Jack Farthing and Joe Dempsie, in the melancholic comedy Burn Burn Burn. Directed by Chanya Button, the independent film follows two best friends as they travel across the UK spreading the ashes of their recently deceased friend. The film, distributed globally by Netflix, was released in the UK in October. Screen International wrote: “Pirrie registers vividly, with a screen presence somewhat redolent of Rebecca Hall” and The List observed that her performance was “fantastic”.
At the 2016 Academy Awards, Benjamin Cleary’s short film Stutterer won the Oscar for ‘Best Live Action Short’. Pirrie starred as ‘Ellie’ opposite Matthew Needham in the moving story about a man with a speech impediment facing his greatest fear. She also appeared in Paolo Sorrentino’s Oscar nominated comedy drama Youth in January 2016, opposite Michael Caine, Rachel Weisz and Paul Dano. In January of the same year, Chloe portrayed ‘Julia Karegina’ in BBC production War and Peace. The epic six-episode drama, adapted from Tolstoy’s classic novel of the same name, also stars Aneurin Barnard, Jessie Buckley, Paul Dano, Lily James and James Norton. Set at the time of Russia’s wars with Napoleon and revolving around five aristocratic families during the reign of Alexander I, the series was broadcast on BBC One in the UK and on A&E, Lifetime and The History Channel in the US.
Chloe was seen in BBC One’s adaptation of JB Priestley’s detective thriller An Inspector Calls as ‘Sheila Birling’ alongside David Thewlis, Miranda Richardson and Ken Stott in September 2015. The ninety-minute thriller television film, written by Helen Edmundson, was broadcast on BBC One. In 2014, Chloe appeared BBC Two’s espionage thriller series, The Game as ‘Wendy Straw’, alongside Brian Cox and Tom Hughes. The six-part drama takes place in 1970 and addresses the invisible war fought by MI5 to protect the nation from the threats of the Cold War and premiered on BBC Two in the UK in April and on BBC America in November 2015.
In March 2013, Chloe made her feature film debut in Scott Graham’s critically acclaimed Shell, with Iain De Caestecker and Joseph Mawle. Chloe played the protagonist ‘Shell’ in the drama about a young girl who lives with her father in the Scottish Highlands. The film was nominated for a BAFTA Award in 2014 and Chloe won the British Independent Film Award for ‘Most Promising Newcomer in 2013 and was nominated in the category of ‘Best British Newcomer’ at the 2012 London Film Festival. Chloe’s performance was singled out by the critics: Eye for Film noted her “performance… will surely lead to many more”, The Guardian observed “the best thing about this … movie is the performance of Chloe Pirrie” while Hey You Guys raved “Shell is an excellent film, featuring some truly fantastic performances, least not lead actress Chloe Pirrie as the eponymous lead”, Cine Outsider wrote “Pirrie's is… (an) astonishingly accomplished debut” and The Telegraph noted “in the title role, Pirrie gives us just enough to latch on to, while remaining teasingly unknowable.” More accolades followed: The Evening Standard called her "the excellent Chloe Pirrie", The Independent raved "Chloe Pirrie is exceptional", the role was "beautifully acted" and "she shines" and The Times remarked the character was played "played with uncanny strength by Chloe Pirrie." In February of the same year, Chloe appeared in Charlie Brooker’s cult hit series Black Mirror on Channel 4. Chloe plays ambitious Labour politician ‘Gwendolyn Harris’ in the episode Black Mirror: The Waldo Moment, about a failed comedian Jamie (Daniel Rigby) who now voices a cartoon character who interviews politicians for a satirical show.
Chloe’s other notable screen credits include: ‘Debbie’ in E4’s Misfits (2013), ‘Karla’ in SKY Atlantic’s The Last Panthers (2015); ‘Lara’ in BBC One drama The Living and the Dead (2016); ‘Hellie’ in ITV 1’s Brief Encounters (2016) and ‘Grace Matlock’ in BBC’s Death in Paradise (2016).
Pirrie is represented by Julian Belfrage Associates.
SANDRA SEACAT – “Josie Pyre”
Sandra Seacat is a distinguished acting coach, actor, and director with Broadway, film, and television credits to her name. As an acting coach and teacher she has worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, among them Mickey Rourke, Jessica Lange, Laura Dern, Ryan Gosling, Colin Farrell, Andrew Garfield, Michelle Williams, Common, Jesse Plemons and others.
Ms Seacat has appeared in a range of films since the 70’s. More recently she has acted in HBO’s You Don’t Know Jack (with Al Pacino) and Enlightened (Laura Dern), director Gia Coppola’s Palo Alto and Mainstream. Ms Seacat directed the film In the Spirit (Peter Falk, Elaine May, Marlo Thomas, Olympia Dukakis).
CHRISTOPHER HEYERDAHL – “Ammon Lafferty”
An award-winning Canadian actor, Christopher Heyerdahl co-stars in one of Amazon's number 1 series of 2021 Little Marvin's anthology series: Them, Chapelwaite for Epix, James Gunn's The Peacemaker, WGNA's Pure, USA's Damnation, Sky Atlantic's Tin Star, SyFy's Van Helsing and AMC's hit series Hell On Wheels, playing the enigmatic Swede. This post-Civil War drama debuted as the second highest rated original series in AMC history. He started 2021 shooting the feature Corner Office with director Joachim Back and has appeared in the feature films Sicario: Day of The Soldado, Adopt a Highway and co-starring in Robert Budreau's Stockholm.
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