The Happiness for Beginners cast features Ellie Kemper, Luke Grimes and Nico Santos. This info article contains minor spoilers and character details for Vicky Wight’s 2023 Netflix movie. Check out more streaming guides in Vague Visages’ Know the Cast section.

Happiness for Beginners centers on a Pittsburgh teacher who joins a hiking group in Connecticut. As Helen emotionally recovers from a divorce, she bonds with her brother’s best friend. The narrative follows the main protagonists as they discuss their hopes and fears. Here’s every actor and character in Happiness for Beginners.

Read More at VV — Know the Cast & Characters: ‘Seasons’

Happiness for Beginners Cast: Ellie Kemper as Helen

Character Profile: An English teacher from Pittsburgh. She is a divorced woman who tries to stop breaking promises. Helen opens up to her brother’s best friend during a hiking trip.

Kemper’s Resume: Erin Hannon in The Office (2009-13), Becca in Bridesmaids (2011), Ms. Griggs in 21 Jump Street (2012), Kimmy Schmidt in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015-19), Phyllis in The Lego Batman Movie (2017), Jenna Jones in The Stand In (2020)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast & Characters: ‘They Cloned Tyrone’

Happiness for Beginners Cast: Luke Grimes as Jake

Character Profile: A doctor who studies whales. He joins a hiking group with Helen. Jake worries about permanently losing his vision.

Grimes’ Resume: Jake in All the Boys Love Mandy Lane (2006), Marc Lee in American Sniper (2014), Elliot Grey in Fifty Shades of Grey (2015), Teddy Q in The Magnificent Seven (2016), Kayce Dutton in Yellowstone (2018-23)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast & Characters: ‘Survival of the Thickest’

Happiness for Beginners Cast: Nico Santos as Hugh

Character Profile: A member of Helen’s hiking group. He is a gay man and aspiring actor. Hugh gets injured during a hiking trip.

Santos’ Resume: Nick in Go-Go Boy Interrupted (2014), Mateo in Superstore (2015-21), Heath in Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (2015), Oliver T’sien in Crazy Rich Asians (2018), Recorder Theel in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast & Characters: ‘Bird Box: Barcelona’

Happiness for Beginners Cast: Blythe Danner as Gigi

Character Profile: Helen’s grandmother. She offers advice before a hiking trip. Gigi raised Helen and her brother.

Danner’s Resume: Dina Byrnes in Meet the Parents (2000), Marilyn Truman in Will & Grace (2001-20), Anna in The Last Kiss (2006), Tara Walton in Paul (2011), Carol Petersen in I’ll See You in My Dreams (2015)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast & Characters: ‘The Out-Laws’

Happiness for Beginners Cast: Ben Cook as Beckett

Character Profile: A hiking guide. He is a strict leader who initially teases Helen. Beckett reveals that he feels most comfortable in the wilderness.

Cook’s Resume: Young Jack in 30 Rock (2010), Aaron Fisher in Paterno (2018), Steven Ford in The First Lady (2022), Mouthpiece in West Side Story (2021), Henry in Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin (2022)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast & Characters: ‘Nimona’

Happiness for Beginners Cast: Shayvawn Webster as Windy

Character Profile: A member of Helen’s hiking group. She is a psychologist who studies happiness. Windy develops romantic feelings for Jake.

Webster’s Resume: Grace in Instinct (2018), Patrice in FBI (2019), Ronnie in Devs (2020), Jules Sarina in Blue Bloods (2020), Detective Dani Vertiz in Law & Order (2022)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast & Characters: ‘Make Me Believe’

The Happiness for Beginners cast also includes:

• Julia Shiplett as Sue
• Gus Birney as Kaylee
• Esteban Benito as Mason
• Alexander Koch as Duncan
• Aaron Roman Weiner as Mike
• Mary Neely as Lulu
• Joel Blum as Ricky
• Asher Shovilin as Nathan

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