CBS 'Clarice' Full Cast List: Meet Rebecca Breeds, Kal Penn and rest of the stars of 'The Silence of the Lambs' TV sequel
On 'Clarice', CBS' new show, it is 1993. The fictional universe of the show is impacted by a series of real-life disasters that occurred around that time -- namely the tragedies of Waco and Ruby Ridge, and the first World Trade Center. The department is under tremendous pressure and Clarice and the other agents are under a lot of scrutiny and pressure to deliver on cases. Therefore, not only does Clarice have to deal with her continuing nightmares about Buffalo Bill but also pressure at work. She also has to interact with her dismissive male colleagues. But who are the actors playing Clarice Starling, her fellow agents, and the big shots of her world in this sequel to 'Silence of the Lambs'? Here is everything we know about the cast of the show.
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Rebecca Breeds is Clarice Starling
The series will star Rebecca Breeds as the titular character. The Aussie actress is known for much lighter fare like 'Pretty Little Liars', so it will be interesting to see how she will handle this heavier material. She has starred as Cassie Cometti in the third series of 'Blue Water High', as series regular Ruby Buckton in the soap opera 'Home and Away', as Aurora de Martel in 'The Originals' and as recurring character Nicole in seasons 6 and 7 of 'Pretty Little Liars'. Breeds also appeared in the 2013 Hindi-language film 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'. In 2009, Breeds began dating her 'Home and Away' co-star Luke Mitchell. The couple announced their engagement in May 2012 and got married in January 2013.
Kal Penn as Shaan Tripathi
Kal Penn plays Clarice's colleague, Shaan Tripathi, an agent with a Ph.D. in library science. Penn, in the past, co-created and starred in the NBC/Hulu comedy 'Sunnyside'. Penn previously appeared on the drama 'Designated Survivor' co-starring opposite Kiefer Sutherland. However, Penn is best known for his starring roles in 'House', 'How I Met Your Mother' and the 'Harold and Kumar' film franchise. Penn has also appeared in a number of independent films, including 'Sisterhood of Night', 'Outliving Emily' and Mira Nair’s 'The Namesake'. From 2009 to 2011, Penn took a sabbatical from acting and served as an Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. 'Clarice' is the biggest role he has taken up after his return to acting.
Devyn Tyler as Ardelia Mapp
Clarice’s best friend and roommate at the FBI Academy is Ardelia Mapp played by Devyn Tyler. Tyler is an actress, scholar, writer and teacher born and raised in New Orleans. Some of Tyler’s television credits include 'The Purge', 'Watchmen' 'Cloak & Dagger' 'Underground' 'The Gates' and 'NCIS: New Orleans'. Her film credits include '12 Years a Slave' 'Out of Blue' and 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'. She is a YoungArts Gold Winner in Theater, a Presidential Scholar in the Arts and speaks fluent French.
Michael Cudlitz as Paul Krendler
Michael Cudlitz plays Paul Krendler, Deputy Assistant Attorney General from the United States Justice Department. Krendler is Clarice's work nemesis, out to ruin her because he feels angry about her solving the Buffalo Bill case before he does and getting all the credit. Cudlitz is known for starring in both the critically acclaimed comedy 'The Kids Are Alright' and for portraying Abraham on AMC’s hit series 'The Walking Dead'. He also directed three episodes following his departure from the show. Cudlitz has also starred on TNT’s acclaimed drama 'Southland' which earned him a Critics Choice Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. His other television credits include 'Lost', 'Prison Break', 'Six Feet Under', 'Nip/Tuck', '24' and the Emmy Award-winning mini-series 'Band of Brothers'. Cudlitz has appeared in more than 20 films, like 'A River Runs Through It' and 'Gross Pointe Blank'. More recently, he starred in the independent film 'Driven'.
Nick Sandow as Agent Murray Clark
Field agent Murray Clark, who is stuck in a bit of a career rut despite his competence, is played Nick Sandow. Sandow is an American actor, writer, producer and director, perhaps best known for his role as Joe Caputo in 'Orange Is the New Black', which earned him three SAG Awards. He is also known for his recurring role as Waxey Gordon on 'Boardwalk Empire'. His film credits include 'Patti Cake$' 'The Sitter' and 'Meadowland' among others. His writing and producing credits include his first feature film 'Ponies' as well as multiple episodes of 'Orange Is The New Black'. Sandow wrote and directed the crime drama 'The Wannabe', executive produced by Martin Scorsese. Teaming up with Jay-Z, he created the documentary-series 'TIME: The Kalief Browder Story', which won a Peabody Award in 2018. Sandow also produced Paramount Network’s 'Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story'.
Lucca De Oliveira as Tomas Esquivel
Lucca De Oliveira plays Tomas Esquivel, another FBI agent. He too sees Clarice as someone who got lucky and doesn't trust her due to her limited experience in the bureau. The character is a former Dartmouth scholar, who was also a counter-sniper during Operation Desert Storm. Oliveira as an actor has been on other CBS shows such as the military drama 'SEAL Team', 'Instinct' and 'BULL'. His film credits include 'I Love You Daddy' and '3 Generations'. He also appeared on 'Animal Kingdom', 'Happyish' and 'The Punisher'.
Marnee Carpenter as Catherine Martin
Marnee Carpenter will play Catherine Martin, who was abducted and held hostage by Buffalo Bill in 'Silence of the Lambs' and ultimately rescued by Clarice Starling. Carpenter's notable credits include 'Criminal Minds' and 'Good Girls'. She has also appeared in a supporting role in the indie feature 'Wild Oats' opposite Jessica Lange and Shirley MacLaine. Carpenter can also be seen in the upcoming short film 'Urges' currently making the festival circuit rounds.
Watch the trailer of 'Clarice' below.
'Clarice' is set to premiere on February 11, 2021, at 10 pm on CBS.