The Starling cast features Melissa McCarthy, Chris O’Dowd and Kevin Kline. This info article contains minor spoilers and song details for Theodore Melfi’s 2021 Netflix movie. Visit the Vague Visages Know the Cast section for more movie guides.

In The Starling, a married couple grieves the death of their daughter. Lilly Maynard receives therapy from a local veterinarian, while her husband Jack attempts to make sense of his experiences at a recovery center. The protagonists hope to re-build their lives together but must first re-pair themselves as individuals. Here’s every main performer and character in The Starling, a 2021 film written by Matt Harris.

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘The Terminal List’

The Starling Cast: Melissa McCarthy as Lilly Maynard

Character Profile: An artist and Save Everyday! employee whose daughter passes away from SIDS. One year later, she receives therapy from a veterinarian. Lilly visits her husband in a recovery center and tries to find meaning in a starling that roams about her yard.

McCarthy’s Resume: Molly Flynn in Mike & Molly (2010-16), Megan in Bridesmaids (2011), Mullins in The Heat (2013), Lee Israel in Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018), Frances Welty in Nine Perfect Strangers (2021)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘The Princess’

The Starling Cast: Chris O’Dowd as Jack Maynard

Character Profile: Lilly’s husband, a grade school art teacher. He tried to kill himself after his daughter Katie’s death. Jack resents Lilly, if only because she reminds him of painful memories, but knows that he must forgive himself for feeling guilty.

O’Dowd’s Resume: Roy Trenneman in The IT Crowd (2016-13), Rhodes in Bridesmaids (2011), Sean Murphy in Moone Boy (2012-15), Tommy “Zook” Zucarello in Mascots (2016), Miles Daly in Get Shorty (2017-19)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Blasted’

The Starling Cast: Kevin Kline as Larry Fine

Character Profile: A former therapist and current veterinarian at Best Friends Clinic. He provides advice to Lilly about “the bird.” Just as Jack seems ready to give up on life, Dr. Larry similarly appears ready to give up on people, which leads to a confrontation with Lilly.

Kline’s Resume: Otto in A Fish Called Wanda (1988), Dave Kovic/Bill Mitchel in Dave (1993), Luc Teyssier in French Kiss (1995), Howard Brackett in In & Out (1997), Mr. Fischoeder in Bob’s Burgers (2011-2020)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Beauty’

The Starling Cast: Timothy Olyphant as Travis Delp

Character Profile: Lilly’s Save Everyday! boss. He worries about her efficiency. Travis provides comic relief in The Starling.

Olyphant’s Resume: Mickey in Scream 2 (1997), Seth Bullock in Deadwood (2004-06), Raylan Givens in Justified (2010-15), Joel Hammond in Santa Clarita Diet (2017-2019), Dick “Deafy” Wickware in Fargo (2020)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘The Man from Toronto’

The Starling Cast: Daveed Diggs as Ben

Character Profile: An art therapist at New Horizons. He works with Jack and observes his behavior. Ben notices a positive change in O’Dowd’s character after a couple setbacks.

Diggs’ Resume: Mr. Browne in Wonder (2017), Dos in Ferdinand (2017), Collin in Blindspotting (2018), Andre Layton in Snowpiercer (2020-), Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson in Hamilton (2020)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘The Old Man’

The Starling Cast: Skyler Gisondo as Dickie

Character Profile: Lilly’s co-worker. He suggest that hummingbird sugar water is a hot commodity for animals. Dickie observes a starling attack at Lilly’s home.

Gisondo’s Resume: Young Shawn in Psych (2010-12), Howard Stacy in The Amazing Spider-Man (2012), Nick Daley in Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (2014), James Griswold in Vacation (2015), Eric Bemis in Santa Clarita Diet (2017-19)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘The Bear’

The Starling Cast: Loretta Devine as Velma

Character Profile: A New Horizons client who argues about the therapy techniques. She also doesn’t enjoy all the talking. Velma’s demeanor changes after hearing Jack speak positively about his wife and the future.

Devine’s Resume: Gloria Matthews in Waiting to Exhale (1995), Marla Hendricks in Boston Public (2000-04), Shaniqua in Crash (2004), Adele Webber in Grey’s Anatomy (2005-), Amelia “M’Dear” McKellan in Family Reunion (2019-)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Heart Parade’

The Starling Cast: Laura Harrier as Sherri

Character Profile: Lilly’s co-worker. She likes to take selfies at work. Sherri’s scenes complement Travis’ comedic appearances.

Harrier’s Resume: Destiny Evans in One Life to Live (2013), Amber in Unforgettable (2014), Liz in Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Patrice Dumas in BlacKkKlansman (2018), Camille Washington in Hollywood (2020)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Love & Gelato’

The Starling Cast: Rosalind Chao as Fawn

Character Profile: A receptionist at Best Friends Clinic. She tells Lilly that the main veterinarian is known as Dr. Larry. Fawn apologizes for a dog’s behavior in the waiting area.

Chao’s Resume: Rose in The Joy Luck Club (1993), Keiko O’Brien in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993-1999), Mrs. Wu in Sin City Saints (2015), Gu Kailai in The Laundromat (2019), Li in Mulan (2020)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Doom of Love’

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The Starling cast also includes Jesse Garcia (Quinceañera, The Avengers), Edi Patterson (Knives Out, The Righteous Gemstones), Emily Tremaine (The Wolf of Wall Street, Mr. Corman), D.A. Obahor (Bad Moms, Queen & Slim), Ravi Kapoor (Crossing Jordan, Ad Astra) and Kimberly Quinn (St. Vincent, Hidden Figures).

Q.V. Hough (@QVHough) is Vague Visages’ founding editor.