When Tulsa King premiered, it quickly grabbed attention with its gripping storyline and a stellar cast. Created by Taylor Sheridan, known for hits like Yellowstone, the series offers a compelling mix of crime drama, humor, and character development. At its heart is Sylvester Stallone, making his streaming debut, supported by an exceptional ensemble. This blog dives deep into the cast of Tulsa King, their characters, and what makes them shine.
Sylvester Stallone as Dwight “The General” Manfredi
The legendary Sylvester Stallone takes center stage as Dwight Manfredi, a mob capo recently released from prison.
- Character Overview: Dwight is sent to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to establish a criminal operation, showcasing his adaptability and old-school charm.
- Stallone’s Performance: Stallone brings a unique charisma to the role, blending toughness with vulnerability, proving why he remains a Hollywood icon.
This role marks Stallone’s first significant venture into television, and he delivers a performance that resonates deeply with fans.
Andrea Savage as Stacy Beale
Andrea Savage portrays Stacy Beale, an ATF agent who becomes entangled with Dwight.
- Character Traits: Stacy is intelligent, resourceful, and carries her own emotional baggage.
- Savage’s Range: Known for her comedic chops in I’m Sorry, Savage showcases her dramatic skills in Tulsa King, adding layers to her character.
Her chemistry with Stallone brings an intriguing dynamic to the series.
Martin Starr as Bodhi
Martin Starr plays Bodhi, a dispensary owner whose quiet life changes when Dwight recruits him into his criminal enterprise.
- Character’s Role: Bodhi provides comic relief while navigating the moral dilemmas of his newfound life.
- Starr’s Touch: Best known for Silicon Valley, Starr’s deadpan humor and nuanced acting make Bodhi a fan favorite.
Bodhi’s arc highlights the unexpected friendships that emerge in Dwight’s unconventional crew.
Jay Will as Tyson
Jay Will steps into the role of Tyson, a young and ambitious driver who becomes Dwight’s right-hand man.
- Character Development: Tyson starts as a local hustler but evolves into a loyal and resourceful ally.
- Jay Will’s Impact: Will brings authenticity to Tyson, portraying him with a mix of street smarts and vulnerability.
Tyson’s growth under Dwight’s mentorship adds depth to the storyline.
Max Casella as Armand Truisi
Max Casella plays Armand, a character with a shady past and complex motivations.
- Role in the Story: Armand’s interactions with Dwight create tension and intrigue.
- Casella’s Versatility: Known for Boardwalk Empire, Casella’s performance in Tulsa King is a masterclass in subtlety and intensity.
Armand’s unpredictable nature keeps viewers guessing about his true intentions.
Domenick Lombardozzi as Charles “Chickie” Invernizzi
Domenick Lombardozzi portrays Chickie, a key figure in the New York mob.
- Character Background: Chickie is both an ally and a potential rival to Dwight, adding layers to the mob dynamics.
- Lombardozzi’s Strengths: With roles in The Wire and Boardwalk Empire, Lombardozzi brings gravitas and authenticity to the character.
Chickie’s presence underscores the challenges Dwight faces in balancing loyalty and survival.
Annabella Sciorra as Joanne
Annabella Sciorra takes on the role of Joanne, Dwight’s estranged daughter.
- Emotional Arc: Joanne’s relationship with Dwight explores themes of reconciliation and redemption.
- Sciorra’s Performance: Sciorra delivers a heartfelt portrayal, adding emotional depth to the series.
Their interactions highlight the personal stakes in Dwight’s journey.
Garrett Hedlund as Mitch Keller
Garrett Hedlund plays Mitch Keller, a former rodeo star and bar owner who becomes an unexpected ally to Dwight.
- Character Insight: Mitch is a man of principles, offering wisdom and occasional comic relief.
- Hedlund’s Role: Hedlund’s charm and authenticity make Mitch a standout character, complementing Stallone’s performance.
Mitch represents the small-town dynamics that Dwight must navigate.
Vincent Piazza as Vince Antonacci
Vincent Piazza portrays Vince, another key mob figure with ambitions that clash with Dwight’s.
- Antagonistic Role: Vince’s power plays create tension within the mob hierarchy.
- Piazza’s Delivery: Known for Boardwalk Empire, Piazza excels in bringing Vince’s cunning and ruthlessness to life.
Vince’s conflicts with Dwight drive much of the series’ drama.
The Supporting Cast: Adding Flavor to the Story
Beyond the main players, Tulsa King features a talented supporting cast that enriches the narrative:
- AC Peterson as Pete Invernizzi: A mob boss grappling with loyalty and legacy.
- Dana Delany as Margaret: A socialite who offers a different perspective on Tulsa’s community.
- Ritchie Coster as Caolan Waltrip: A biker gang leader whose dealings with Dwight escalate the stakes.
These characters add layers to the story, creating a rich and dynamic world.
Behind-the-Scenes Talent: Taylor Sheridan’s Vision
Tulsa King owes much of its success to creator Taylor Sheridan, who brought his signature storytelling style to the series.
- Sheridan’s Influence: Known for hits like Yellowstone and 1883, Sheridan excels at crafting compelling characters and intricate plots.
- Collaborative Effort: The ensemble cast and crew worked seamlessly to bring Sheridan’s vision to life.
The result is a show that balances gritty crime drama with moments of humor and humanity.
Why Tulsa King Resonates with Audiences
The success of Tulsa King can be attributed to its relatable characters, engaging plot, and stellar performances.
- Themes: The show explores loyalty, redemption, and the clash between old-school and modern values.
- Appeal: With its mix of drama, humor, and action, Tulsa King offers something for everyone.
The cast’s chemistry and Sheridan’s storytelling make it a standout in the crowded streaming landscape.
Conclusion
The cast of Tulsa King brings Taylor Sheridan’s vision to life with exceptional performances. Led by Sylvester Stallone, the ensemble showcases a perfect blend of talent, making the show a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and character-driven stories. Each actor contributes to the rich tapestry of the series, ensuring its place as one of the most engaging new shows in recent years.
Whether you’re drawn to Stallone’s commanding presence, the intricate mob dynamics, or the humor and heart in every episode, Tulsa King is a series that delivers on all fronts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who plays the lead role in Tulsa King?
A1: Sylvester Stallone stars as Dwight “The General” Manfredi, the central character of the series.
Q2: Who created Tulsa King?
A2: The show was created by Taylor Sheridan, known for his work on Yellowstone.
Q3: What is Andrea Savage’s role in Tulsa King?
A3: Andrea Savage plays Stacy Beale, an ATF agent who becomes involved with Dwight.
Q4: Is Tulsa King Stallone’s first TV series?
A4: Yes, Tulsa King marks Sylvester Stallone’s first major role in a television series.
Q5: Where can I watch Tulsa King?
A5: Tulsa King is available for streaming on Paramount+.
