Full Cast of The Greatest Showman: Every Major Actor and Character Explained
The full cast of The Greatest Showman is led by Hugh Jackman as ambitious entertainer P.T. Barnum. He is joined by Zac Efron, Zendaya, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson and Keala Settle in the colorful 2017 musical.
Directed by Michael Gracey, the film was released on December 20, 2017. It presents a highly fictionalized musical story inspired by Barnum’s rise in the entertainment business. The official 20th Century Studios page lists a runtime of approximately one hour and 44 minutes.
Full Cast of The Greatest Showman
Here are the film’s principal actors and their characters:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Hugh Jackman | P.T. Barnum |
| Michelle Williams | Charity Barnum |
| Zac Efron | Phillip Carlyle |
| Zendaya | Anne Wheeler |
| Rebecca Ferguson | Jenny Lind |
| Keala Settle | Lettie Lutz |
| Yahya Abdul-Mateen II | W.D. Wheeler |
| Paul Sparks | James Gordon Bennett |
| Sam Humphrey | Charles Stratton, also known as Tom Thumb |
| Austyn Johnson | Caroline Barnum |
| Cameron Seely | Helen Barnum |
| Eric Anderson | Mr. O’Malley |
| Ellis Rubin | Young P.T. Barnum |
| Skylar Dunn | Young Charity Hallett |
| Natasha Liu Bordizzo | Deng Yan |
| Daniel Everidge | Lord of Leeds |
| Radu Spinghel | O’Clancy |
| Yusaku Komori | Chang Bunker |
| Danial Son | Eng Bunker |
| Will Swenson | Philo Barnum |
| Linda Marie Larson | Mrs. Stratton |
| Fredric Lehne | Benjamin Hallett |
| Kathryn Meisle | Hannah Hallett |
| Byron Jennings | Mr. Carlyle |
| Betsy Aidem | Mrs. Carlyle |
| Damian Young | Mr. Winthrop |
| Tina Benko | Mrs. Winthrop |
| Timothy Hughes | Strong Man |
| Gayle Rankin | Queen Victoria |
| Arnie Burton | Court Herald |
| Luciano Acuna Jr. | Dog Boy |
| Shannon Holtzapffel | Prince Constantine |
| Jonathan Redavid | Three-Legged Man |
| Kenneth Wong Chan | Human Cannonball |
The movie’s extended credits also include numerous dancers, circus performers, protesters, theatergoers and background characters. A more extensive credited list is available through the film’s Plex cast page.
Hugh Jackman as P.T. Barnum
Hugh Jackman plays Phineas Taylor Barnum, the central character whose determination to build an extraordinary show drives the story.
Jackman combines acting, singing and dancing throughout the film. He performs in several major musical numbers, including “The Greatest Show,” “A Million Dreams,” “Come Alive,” “The Other Side” and “From Now On.”
Although Barnum was a real historical showman, the film takes substantial creative liberties with his life. It is designed as an uplifting musical spectacle rather than a strictly accurate biography.
Michelle Williams as Charity Barnum
Michelle Williams portrays Charity Hallett Barnum, Barnum’s wife and childhood sweetheart.
Charity supports her husband’s ambitions but becomes concerned when his pursuit of success begins separating him from his family. Williams also performs “Tightrope,” a song expressing Charity’s commitment to Barnum despite the risks and uncertainty surrounding their relationship.
Skylar Dunn plays Charity as a child, while Fredric Lehne and Kathryn Meisle portray her parents, Benjamin and Hannah Hallett.
Zac Efron as Phillip Carlyle
Zac Efron plays Phillip Carlyle, a wealthy playwright who becomes Barnum’s business partner.
Barnum recruits Carlyle during “The Other Side,” one of the movie’s best-known duets. Carlyle initially hesitates because joining the circus could damage his reputation among New York’s upper class.
The character also falls in love with Anne Wheeler, despite the prejudice and social pressure surrounding their relationship. Phillip Carlyle was created for the film and was not a real partner of P.T. Barnum.
Zendaya as Anne Wheeler
Zendaya portrays Anne Wheeler, a talented trapeze artist who performs alongside her brother, W.D. Wheeler.
Anne’s romance with Phillip Carlyle provides one of the movie’s central emotional storylines. Zendaya and Zac Efron perform “Rewrite the Stars,” an aerial musical sequence about two people questioning whether they can overcome the barriers keeping them apart.
Zendaya performed much of the aerial work required for the role after undergoing trapeze training.
Rebecca Ferguson as Jenny Lind
Rebecca Ferguson plays Jenny Lind, a celebrated Swedish singer whom Barnum invites to tour the United States.
Barnum sees Lind as an opportunity to gain respect from the social elite. However, his growing focus on her tour creates problems with both his family and circus company.
Ferguson portrays Lind onscreen, but the character’s singing voice—most notably on “Never Enough”—was supplied by vocalist Loren Allred. Allred describes herself as the voice behind the song on her official website.
Keala Settle as Lettie Lutz
Keala Settle plays Lettie Lutz, the Bearded Lady and one of the most prominent members of Barnum’s performing company.
Lettie becomes a leader among the performers, particularly after they experience rejection and discrimination. Settle delivers the film’s empowerment anthem “This Is Me,” which became one of the soundtrack’s defining songs.
“This Is Me,” written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as W.D. Wheeler
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II portrays W.D. Wheeler, Anne’s brother and fellow acrobat.
W.D. is protective of Anne and understands the hostility she may face because of her relationship with Phillip. He also becomes an important member of the circus company and participates in several ensemble sequences.
Sam Humphrey as Tom Thumb
Sam Humphrey plays Charles Stratton, better known by his stage name General Tom Thumb.
Stratton initially lacks confidence about appearing before an audience. Barnum persuades him to embrace the stage, and he eventually becomes one of the show’s most recognizable performers.
The character is based on a real entertainer who worked with Barnum and achieved international fame during the 19th century.
The Barnum Children
Austyn Johnson and Cameron Seely play Barnum and Charity’s daughters:
- Austyn Johnson as Caroline Barnum: The couple’s older daughter, who studies ballet and faces criticism from wealthier classmates.
- Cameron Seely as Helen Barnum: Caroline’s younger sister, who shares her family’s excitement over Barnum’s early success.
The girls participate in the reprise of “A Million Dreams” and remain central to Barnum’s eventual realization that his family matters more than social status.
The Circus Performers
Several supporting actors and dancers bring Barnum’s performing company to life:
- Daniel Everidge plays the Lord of Leeds.
- Radu Spinghel portrays O’Clancy.
- Timothy Hughes appears as the Strong Man.
- Luciano Acuna Jr. plays the Dog Boy.
- Yusaku Komori and Danial Son portray Chang and Eng Bunker.
- Jonathan Redavid appears as the Three-Legged Man.
- Shannon Holtzapffel portrays Prince Constantine, the Tattooed Man.
- Natasha Liu Bordizzo plays Deng Yan.
- Kenneth Wong Chan appears as the Human Cannonball.
The ensemble also includes dancers Jeremy Hudson, Taylor James, Chelsea Caso, Caoife Coleman, Mishay Petronelli, Khasan Brailsford, Alex Wong, Julius Anthony Rubio and several additional performers.
Who Plays Young P.T. Barnum?
Ellis Rubin portrays the young P.T. Barnum during the film’s opening section. However, the young Barnum’s singing voice in “A Million Dreams” is provided by Ziv Zaifman.
The official soundtrack credits “A Million Dreams” to Zaifman, Hugh Jackman and Michelle Williams.
Who Sings “Never Enough”?
Loren Allred performs the vocals for “Never Enough,” while Rebecca Ferguson portrays Jenny Lind onscreen.
This distinction sometimes causes confusion because Ferguson’s performance is carefully synchronized with Allred’s recording. Allred also performs the reprise heard later in the film.
Who Directed The Greatest Showman?
The Greatest Showman was directed by Michael Gracey. The screenplay was written by Jenny Bicks and Bill Condon, with the original story credited to Bicks.
Benj Pasek and Justin Paul wrote the movie’s songs, while John Debney and Joseph Trapanese composed its instrumental score. The principal credited producers were Laurence Mark, Peter Chernin and Jenno Topping.
Why the Cast Remains Popular
The cast of The Greatest Showman combines established film stars with Broadway performers, dancers and recording artists. Hugh Jackman’s theatrical experience anchors the production, while Zendaya and Zac Efron bring pop appeal to the romantic storyline.
Keala Settle’s performance of “This Is Me,” Loren Allred’s vocals on “Never Enough” and the chemistry among the ensemble helped turn the soundtrack into a lasting success. Years after its release, the movie remains closely associated with its energetic performances and message of acceptance.