The Joy features Thomasin McKenzie, James Norton and Bill Nighy. This info article contains minor spoilers and character details for Ben Taylor’s 2024 Netflix movie. Check out more cast guides in Vague Visages’ Know the Cast category.

Joy takes place during the 1960s and 1970s. When an American nurse lands a job in Cambridge, Massachusetts, she works on a unique project with a male scientist. The narrative follows the main protagonists as they develop the first in vitro fertilization baby with an obstretician. Here’s every actor and character in Joy.

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Emilia Pérez’

Joy Cast: Thomasin McKenzie as Jean Purdy

Character Profile: An American nurse. She moves to Cambridge for a lab manager position. Jean suffers from severe endometriosis.

McKenzie’s Resume: Tom in Leave No Trace (2018), Elsa in Jojo Rabbit (2019), Maddox in Old (2021), Eloise Turner in Last Night in Soho (2021), Eileen Dunlop in Eileen (2023)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Hot Frosty’

Joy Cast: James Norton as Bob Edwards

Character Profile: A biologist. He teaches students in Cambridge. Bob “can’t make people see” his scientific visions for the future.

Norton’s Resume: Tommy Lee Royce in Happy Valley (2014-23), John Brooke in Little Women (2019), Gareth Jones in Mr. Jones (2019), Hugo Swan in The Nevers (2021-23), Chris Blackwell in Bob Marley: One Love (2024)

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

Joy Cast: Bill Nighy as Patrick Steptoe

Character Profile: An obstetrician. He is a Navy veteran who is well known for publishing a laparoscopy guide. Patrick develops an in vitro fertilization baby with Bob and Jean.

Nighy’s Resume: Billy Mack in Love Actually (2003), Davy Jones in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006), Johnny Worricker in Page Eight (2011), Dad in About Time (2013), Williams in Living (2022)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Meet Me Next Christmas’

Joy Cast: Joanna Scanlan as Gladys

Character Profile: Jean’s mother. She is a religious woman who values her reputation. Gladys clashes with Jean upon learning about Patrick’s abortion procedures.

Scanlan’s Resume: Tanneke in Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003), Sue Hodge in Notes on a Scandal (2006), Mormo in Stardust (2007), Sister Den Flixter in Getting On (2009-12), Moira Tregorian in Slow Horses (2024)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Time Cut’

Joy Cast: Charlie Murphy as Trisha

Character Profile: Patrick’s patient. She desperately wants a baby. Trisha confides in Jean about physical abuse.

Murphy’s Resume: Siobhan in Love/Hate (2010-14), Ann Gallagher in Happy Valley (2014-23), Jessie Eden in Peaky Blinders (2017-19), Makee in Halo (2022-24), Anna Barton in Obsession (2023)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Don’t Move’

Joy Cast: Tanya Moodie as Muriel

Character Profile: A nurse. She demands to be called “Matron.” Muriel believes that all women should be in control of their bodies.

Moodie’s Resume: Agatha Wilson in A Discovery of Witches (2018-22), Meg in Motherland (2019-22), General Parnadee in Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019), Delia in Empire of Light (2022), Judge Mary Meadows in Silo (2023-)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Woman of the Hour’

The Joy cast also includes:

• Rish Shah as Arun
• Adrian Lukis as Professor Mason
• Toby Williams as Mr. Miller
• Ruth Madeley as Maggie
• Jemima Rooper as Ruth Edwards
• Carla Harrison-Hodge as Alice
• Elliot Bird as Neil Robinson
• Oliver Llewellyn Jenkins as Neil
• Harriet Cains as Gail
• Heather Agyepong as Kathy Gibson

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