The Don’t Say Good Luck cast features Sunny Sandler, Melanie Lynskey and Max Greenfield. This info article contains minor spoilers and character details for Julia Hart’s 2026 Netflix movie. Check out more cast guides in Vague Visages’ Know the Cast category.

Don’t Say Good Luck examines the interpersonal dynamics of an American family. As a mother copes with a cancer diagnosis, her husband tries to keep everything together. The narrative follows the main protagonists as they support their teenage daughter. Here’s every actor and character in Don’t Say Good Luck.

Read More at VV — Know the Voice Cast: ‘Leo’

Don’t Say Good Luck Cast: Sunny Sandler as Sophie Birenbaum

Character Profile: A 16-year-old student. She is a theatre performer who lands the lead role in a school production. Sophie struggles with confidence issues while clashing with her parents.

Sandler’s Resume: Gracie in The Out-Laws (2023), Stacy Friedman in You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah (2023), Summer in Leo (2023), Vienna in Happy Gilmore 2 (2025), Daisy in Kinda Pregnant (2025)

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

Don’t Say Good Luck Cast: Melanie Lynskey as Elizabeth Birenbaum

Character Profile: Sophie’s mother. She looks after her family while dealing with terminal cancer. Elizabeth protects her daughter’s mental health.

Lynskey’s Resume: Rose in Two and a Half Men (2003-15), Julie Bingham in Up in the Air (2009), Michelle Pierson in Togetherness (2015-16), Molly Strand in Castle Rock (2018), Shauna in Yellowjackets (2021-)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Happy Gilmore 2’

Don’t Say Good Luck Cast: Max Greenfield as Ted Birenbaum

Character Profile: Sophie’s father and Elizabeth’s husband. He is a deli owner who deals with physical issues. Ted protects his family as his wife deteriorates from terminal cancer.

Greenfield’s Resume: Nick Pepper in Ugly Betty (2007-08), Schmidt in New Girl (2011-18), David in The Glass Castle (2017), Dave Johnson in The Neighborhood (2018-), Lev Levenson in Running Point (2025-)

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

Don’t Say Good Luck Cast: Stephanie Beatriz as Ms. Parker

Character Profile: A high school choir teacher. She oversees a musical production of Waitress. Ms. Parker selects Sophie as her lead actress.

Beatriz’s Resume: Rosa Diaz in Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-21), Gina Cazado in BoJack Horseman (2018-19), Carla in In the Heights (2021), Mirabel Madrigal in Encanto (2021), Didi Santos Cordero in A Man on the Inside (2024-25)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Little Brother’

Don’t Say Good Luck Cast: Bebe Neuwirth as Linda

Character Profile: Sophie’s grandmother. She gets upset about a musical production interfering with Mother’s Day plans. Linda’s personality contrasts with that of her easy-going husband.

Neuwirth’s Resume: Dr. Lilith Stern in Cheers (1986-93), Nora Shepherd in Jumanji (1995), Gloria in Summer of Sam (1999), Lana Jong in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003), Nadine Tolliver in Madam Secretary (2014-17)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Voicemails for Isabelle’

Don’t Say Good Luck Cast: Steve Buscemi as Dale

Character Profile: Sophie’s grandfather. He displays strong emotional intelligence while addressing familial issues. Dale supports Sophie’s theatre aspirations.

Buscemi’s Resume: Mr. Pink in Reservoir Dogs (1992), Carl Showalter in Fargo (1996), Seymour in Ghost World (2001), Tony Blundetto in The Sopranos (2004-06), Enoch “Nucky” Thompson in Boardwalk Empire (2010-14)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Office Romance’

The Don’t Say Good Luck cast also includes:

• Matan Friedman as Caleb Birenbaum
• Eitan Friedman as Ethan Birenbaum
• Scarlett Estevez as Carolyn Morales
• Emma McNulty as Erin
• Jack Champion as Jack Davis
• Elyse Bell as Mallory Sinclair
• Ethan Costanilla as TJ Everett
• Claire Scavone as Trista Hoyt
• Gabby Beredo as Audrey Brooks
• Ishita Bansal as Chandra

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