Based on Matt Ruff’s cult novel of the same name, Lovecraft Country is the critically acclaimed series about a black man discovering his own family legacy in magic and wizardry. Executive produced by horror maestro Jordan Peele, the show delves into the racist themes of H.P. Lovecraft’s original works, while also exploring multiple black narratives of the Jim Crow Era. The series is a dark, thrilling piece of historical fiction that will give an audience goosebumps, and not the R.L. Stein kind.
If you recognize any of the cast while watching the twisted adventures of Lovecraft Country, you’ll be interested to know that the Lovecraft crew are a distinctive bunch of actors. Here are 10 things to know about the cast of Lovecraft Country.
10 Jurnee Smollett-Bell Is The Second Jewish Actress To Play Black Canary
Jurnee Smollett-Bell, who plays Letitia in Lovecraft Country, also played DC superhero Black Canary in 2020’s Birds of Prey. Smollett-Bell is the second Jewish actress to portray Black Canary (previously played by Juliana Harkavy). In a 2016 interview, she told Conan O’Brien that she proudly identifies as “Blewish,” explaining that she’s half Black and half Jewish.
9 Jonathan Majors Finished His Last Semester of College On Set
Jonathan Majors, who plays the leading role in Lovecraft Country, is a Yale School of Drama graduate. In his final semester, he was chosen by Gus Van Sant to play a lead character in the popular miniseries When We Rise. In an interview with Backstage Magazine, he reveals that he finished his final semester of school in Vancouver while filming.
8 Michael K. Williams Worked As A Background Dancer
Michael K. Williams used to work for a pharmaceutical company in the early '90s. However, inspiration struck when he listened to Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814 album. He decided to quit his job, leave school, and pursue a career in dance. Thankfully, his passion and talent landed him a job as a background dancer for popular music artists, such as Kym Sims, George Michael, and Madonna.
7 Abbey Lee Kershaw Starred In 'Mad Max: Fury Road'
You may recognize Lovecraft Country’s evil sorceress as Australian model Abbey Lee Kershaw. Kershaw was also cast in George Miller’s 2015 mega-hit, Mad Max: Fury Road. After being invited to audition, she was subsequently cast as one of the Tyrant’s five wives, later liberated by Charlize Theron’s character, Furiosa.
6 Wunmi Mosaku Is Only The Second Black Actress To Receive A Second BAFTA
Nigerian-British actress, Wunmi Mosaku, is only the second black actress to receive a TV BAFTA. Her striking performance in the BBC TV-movie, Damilola, Out Loved Boy, earned her a BAFTA award in 2017. She’s best known to American audiences as the Black Mirror actress in the episode Playtest.
5 Aunjanue Ellis Is A Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Member
San Francisco native, Aunjanue Ellis, was a Delta Sigma Theta Sorority member, a historically African American-lettered sorority. Founded in 1913, the organization was established by college-educated women who were dedicated to public service within Black American communities. Other famous women among the Delta Sigma Theta membership include Angela Bassett, K. Michelle. Natalie Cole, and many more.
4 Courtney B. Vance Met His Wife, Angela Bassett, At Yale
Courtney B. Vance met his future wife, Angela Bassett, at the Yale School of Drama in the 1980s. However, it wasn’t exactly love at first sight, according to Vance. In a 2007 interview, he told Oprah that he didn’t even remember meeting her. It wasn’t until a decade later that they began to develop a a more “memorable” relationship. As of 2021, the Hollywood power couple have been an item for 27 years.
3 Jamie Chung Starred In 'Sucker Punch'
Before she was Ji-Ah on Lovecraft Country, Jamie Chung was a blogger, reality tv personality, and Sucker Punch cast member. In Zack Snyder’s fantasy action-thriller, Chung underwent extensive physical training with former Navy SEALS in preparation for her role. In an interview with MTV, the Sucker Punch cast revealed that each training session took a total of six hours.
2 Tony Goldwyn’s First Gig Was In An '80s Slasher Movie
Prior to playing President Dreamboat on Shonda Rhimes’ Scandal, Tony Goldwyn’s first movie role was in 1986’s Friday The 13th, Part VI: Jason Lives. As the sixth installment of the Friday The 13th franchise, Jason Lives is far from “critic’s choice,” but has grown to be a fan favorite of the series. Goldwyn plays one of Jason’s many victims and is killed off sooner than you can say “Olivia Pope.”
1 Jada Harris Was Cast As Toddler Mercedes On 'Glee'
Jada Harris, who plays Diana Freeman in Lovecraft Country, also played a young Mercedes Jones on an episode of Glee. Cast as “Toddler Mercedes,” Jada brought an energy to set that had the crew in hysterics, as seen in this behind-the-scenes clip. From glee club to fantastical horror, Harris has already established a bold acting career.