2020s

Know the Cast: ‘King Richard’

King Richard Cast - Every Performer and Character in the 2021 Movie

The King Richard cast features Will Smith, Aunjanue Ellis and Jon Bernthal. This info article contains minor spoilers and character details for Reinaldo Marcus Green’s 2021 movie. Check out more streaming guides in Vague Visages’ Know the Cast section.

King Richard focuses on Richard Williams, the father of tennis players Venus and Serena Williams. In the early 90s, the protagonists deal with gang activity in their neighborhood and look for professional opportunities elsewhere. Venus joins the USTA Junior Circuit and dominates the competition, but then takes a prolonged break from match play before turning professional at age 14. Written by Zach Baylin (Creed III), the 138-minute film thematically underlines the importance of patience, family and education. Here’s every main performer and character in King Richard.

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King Richard Cast: Will Smith as Richard Williams

King Richard Cast - Will Smith as Richard Williams

Character Profile: A native of Cedar Grove, Louisiana who lives in Compton, California. Richard raises his two daughters with Brandy Price to be professional tennis players. He vows to protect his family at all costs and predicts that the world will respect Venus and Serena.

Smith’s Resume: A Founding Member of DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince — Also, Will Smith in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-96), Steven Hiller in Independence Day (1996), Cassius Clay/Muhammad Ali in Ali (2001), Genie/Mariner in Aladdin (2019)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘X’

King Richard Cast: Aunjanue Ellis as Oracene “Brandy” Price

King Richard Cast - Aunjanue Ellis as Oracene "Brandy" Price

Character Profile: Richard’s wife, the mother of Venus and Serena. She warns her husband about his ego and stern ways. Brandy wants to ensure that Venus and Serena enjoy their tennis accomplishments.

Ellis’ Resume: Jo in Men of Honor (2000), Sistah Girl in Undercover Brother (2002), Mary Ann Fisher in Ray (2004), Yule Mae Davis in The Help (2011), Hippolyta Freeman in Lovecraft Country (2020)

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King Richard Cast: Jon Bernthal as Rick Macci

King Richard Cast - Jon Bernthal as Rick Macci

Character Profile: An American tennis coach. He is contacted by Richard because of his professional success with Jennifer Capriati. Rick trains Venus and Serena as they join the USTA Junior Circuit.

Bernthal’s Resume: Shane Walsh in The Walking Dead (2010-18), Brad in The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), Matt Rayburn in Wind River (2017), Frank Castle/Punisher in The Punisher (2017-19), Ethan in Those Who Wish Me Dead (2021)

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King Richard Cast: Saniyya Sidney as Venus Williams

King Richard Cast - Saniyya Sidney as Venus Williams

Character Profile: Richard and Brandy’s oldest daughter. She receives free training from Pete Sampras’ coach, Paul Cohen. Venus competes against the top female player in the world, Arantxa Sánchez Vicario, in her first professional tournament at age 14.

Sidney’s Resume: Flora Harris TV in American Horror Story (2016), Raynell in Fences (2016), Constance Johnson in Hidden Figures (2016), Lila in Fast Color (2018), Amy Bellafonte in The Passage (2019)

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King Richard Cast: Demi Singleton as Serena Williams

King Richard Cast - Demi Singleton as Serena Williams

Character Profile: Venus’ sister. She isn’t immediately recognized as the Williams family’s most talented tennis player, but she progressively improves while supporting her sibling. Serena plays in the USTA Junior Circuit but doesn’t compete professionally in the movie. In the present, she’s widely recognized as the greatest tennis player ever.

Singleton’s Resume: Margaret Johnson in Godfather of Harlem (2019-), Demi in Goldie (2019)

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King Richard Cast: Tony Goldwyn as Paul Cohen

King Richard Cast - Tony Goldwyn as Paul Cohen

Character Profile: A tennis coach who works with John McEnroe and Pete Sampras. He agree to train Venus for free. Paul clashes with Richard about various tennis techniques.

Goldwyn’s Resume: Carl Bruner in Ghost (1990), Colonel Bagley in The Last Samurai (2003), John in The Last House on the Left (2009), Dean in The Mechanic (2011), Fitzgerald Grant in Scandal (2012-18)

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King Richard Cast: Mikayla LaShae Bartholomew as Tunde Price

King Richard Cast - Mikayla LaShae Bartholomew as Tunde Price

Character Profile: Venus and Serena’s half-sister. She is harassed by men at the beginning of the movie. Richard risks his life to protect Tunde.

Bartholomew’s Resume: Celeste in Pure (2021), Jackie in Red Riding Hoods (2021)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Senior Year’

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The King Richard cast also includes Danielle Lawson (Young Sheldon, Good Trouble), Layla Crawford (NCIS: Los Angeles, Truth Be Told), Erika Ringor (Love & Basketball, The Morning Show), Noah Bean (12 Monkeys, 9-1-1), Craig Tate (12 Years a Slave, Greyhound), Kevin Dunn (Transformers, Veep), Rich Sommer (Mad Men, In the Dark) and Dylan McDermott (The Practice, Law & Order: Organized Crime).

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