If audiences want a somewhat light-hearted show to watch this summer, Netflix's Sweet Magnolias can fulfill that need. The show centers on the strong friendship between Maddie, Dana Sue, and Helen, as they navigate through life challenges. The three are well-liked (for the most part) in the community and nicknamed, "sweet magnolias." The friends help each other get through heartbreak and other struggles, proving that their friendship is as strong in adulthood as it was in their childhood.
In watching this show, viewers might find themselves taking second-glances at certain actors. While all of these actors have credits to their names, there are some actors who may stand out more than others.
10 Allison Gabriel (formerly Allison King) as Mary Vaughn Lewis
Gabriel stars as the resident mean girl. Yet, fans can also see that Mary Vaughn is mean due to jealousy and hurt. The Sweet Magnolia trio is so well-loved, and Mary Vaughn may be wealthy, but she's not very well-loved or popular.
Prior to playing this role, viewers may recognize Gabriel from Better Call Saul and Drop Dead Diva.
9 Dion Johnstone as Erik Whitley
Johnstone plays Dana Sue's friend and coworker in her restaurant. He is there to help her out and to recognize what she tries to hide from others. He also recognizes her friend, Helen, as someone he's interested in, so he serves as a potential love interest for Helen. One that fans definitely ship.
Previously, Johnstone may be recognized for his stage work, such as in The Tempest, and in the Stratford Shakespeare Festival (Richard III and Titus Andronicus). He also is known for work on sci-fi shows, such as Stargate SG-1.
8 Adam Fristoe as Brad Wellington
While not in many episodes, Fristoe does pack a punch in the episodes he is in. He stars as Brad Wellington, the creative (but addicted) chef at Dana Sue's restaurant. After having to fire him, Brad acts out by threatening her and then trying to sue her. Fristoe plays this less-than-stellar character well.
Before this role, fans most likely recognize him for his work in Teen Wolf as Adrian Harris, the chemistry teacher who met a violent end.
7 Caroline Lagerfelt as Paula Vreeland
Lagerfelt plays a very different kind of matriarch in Netflix's Sweet Magnolias than she was known for in Gossip Girl. As Paula (Maddie's mom), Lagerfelt is kind, quirky, sweet, and supportive. She's artistic and wants the best for her daughter. However, as Cece (Serena's grandmother on Gossip Girl), Lagerfelt is cold, manipulative, and shallow.
They are complete opposite characters, and Lagerfelt plays them both with grace, making viewers marvel at her range.
6 Justin Bruening as Cal Maddox
Bruening stars as Cal, the sensitive coach who knows that Maddie is a catch. He proceeds to woo her in a way that she deserves after such a tough divorce. Bruening has been an active and recognized actor from his All My Children days when he actually won a Soap Opera Digest Award.
Most will know him from his role on Grey's Anatomy though as Paramedic Matt, April's other love interest (besides Jackson). Bruening plays the good guy like a charm, and fans root for Cal and Maddie to work out.
5 Jamie Lynn Spears as Noreen Fitzgibbons
Spears had stepped out of the spotlight for years. Before that, she was known as Britney Spears' little sister. Her most famous television role was the title character in Zoey 101. Unfortunately, Spears received a lot of unnecessary public attention at a young age.
Fans are happy to see her back to acting. She stars as Noreen, a very sweet woman who Maddie's ex-husband (Bill) had an affair with and is marrying, partly due to her pregnancy. Although Noreen is sweet, she isn't willing to sacrifice her self and wants for Bill. She leaves to begin her next adventure back with her family who love her for who she is, not who they want her to become.
4 Chris Klein as Bill Townsend
Klein stars as Maddie's cheating husband. The show begins with their divorce and the mixture of feelings that come from it. Bill is painted as a villain in the show since Maddie is the town's sweetheart. However, Klein often played heartthrob-like characters.
He is most known for playing Oz on American Pie, the most romantic character in the group of guys. He also was in other movies from that time like Here On Earth where he plays another good guy. More recently, he has played some darker roles like the Cicada in Flash.
3 Brooke Elliot as Dana Sue Sullivan
Elliot is Dana Sue, one of the three sweet magnolias. Her character is a strong woman, who doesn't always know the best way to communicate to her loved ones. Fearful for her daughter's safety, she's short with her. Luckily, her best friends and Erik can call her out on her behavior and get her to admit what really is going on.
Before this, Elliot often worked on stage and Broadway in well-known musicals like Wicked. Most likely, she is more known for her work on Drop Dead Diva as the title character.
2 Heather Headley as Helen Decatur
Headley has done a lot. She is well-known for her musical career where she sang R&B and Gospel, and she received a Grammy. Headley also is a renowned Broadway actress and received a Tony. She actually returned to Broadway in 2016 after 15 years away, no doubt a difficult task to do, and she still rose to the top. She also has worked in television on shows like Chicago Med.
Now, as Helen, she stars as one of the three sweet magnolias. Helen is a kind and driven person, a lawyer with a heart of gold, and someone who deserves a very happy ending.
1 JoAnna Garcia (Swisher) as Maddie Townsend
Garcia is a well-known television darling. She has a long acting career featuring cult classics like Freaks and Geeks and newer-beloved shows like Once Upon a Time. Perhaps viewers can best identify her for her guest spot on The Mindy Project where she was Sally, Danny's brief romantic interest, or on Gossip Girl when she was Nate's romantic interest.
Now, in Netflix's Sweet Magnolias, she gets a romance all of her own. She is one of the leads, and she's working through a tough divorce and a potential new romance. In this role, she's able to play more of a range, and she's able to play a character for whom friendship is of the utmost importance.
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