Hulu’s The Girl From Plainville takes a look into the 2014 suicide of Conrad Roy, an eighteen-year-old boy from Massachusetts. Detectives found texts between him and his girlfriend Michelle Carter telling him to “...just do it, babe”, making them examine further. In June 2017, Carter was found guilty of assisting in Roy’s death and sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison.
The Girl From Plainville is not only realistic in the tone of the series, but the casting is impeccable. Most of the characters are based on real people, with a few exceptions in changing their names. The impressive casting makes the mini-series even more convincing.
It’s been eight years since the death of Conrad Roy, but his memory lives on. Something unique about the series is that while it of course delves into Roy’s death, it also provides a look at his life, family, and friends. Here is a cast guide of the true-crime series The Girl From Plainville and what the characters look like in real life.
Elle Fanning as Michelle Carter
Elle Fanning takes on the leading role of Michelle Carter. Fanning is known for being the younger sister of Dakota Fanning and starring in several films as a child. More recently, fans will recognize Fanning from her role as Catherine in the Hulu original The Great (2020).
Colton Ryan as Conrad Roy
Colton Ryan plays Conrad “Coco” Roy, mainly shown in flashbacks. Ryan is most well-known for his lead role as Connor Murphy in Dear Evan Hansen (2021). He is also known for playing Gene Laine in the musical Girl From The North Country.
Chloë Sevigny as Lynn Roy
Lynn Roy is the mother of Conrad, portrayed by Chloë Sevigny. She began her career in indie films such as Kids (1995) and Gummo (1997). More recently, Sevigny has had roles in The Act (2019).
Norbert Leo Butz as Conrad “Co” Roy II
Norbert Leo Butz portrays Conrad “Co” Roy II, the father of Conrad, and the series delves into their complicated relationship. The multi-talented actor is best known for his work on Broadway. He starred as Jack in Dead s Opened (2012) and as Alfred P. Doolittle in My Fair Lady (2018).
Cara Buono as Gail Carter
Portraying Michelle’s mother, Gail Carter, is actress Cara Buono. Buono is best known for playing Dr. Faye Miller in season 4 of Stranger Things (2016).
Kai Lennox as David Carter
Playing Michelle’s father is actor Kai Lennox. Lennox is well-known for his roles in the horror film Green Room (2015).
Kelly AuCoin as Scott Gordon
Detective Scott Gordon is responsible for discovering the infamous texts between Michelle and Conrad, which was a major contributor in Michelle's conviction. Gordon was the real detective on the case, working for the Fairhaven Police Department. He is portrayed by Kelly AuCoin, who is well-known for his role as “Dollar” Bill Sterns on Billions (2016) and Pastor Tom on The Americans (2013-2018).
Girl From Plainville ing Cast & Characters
Michelle’s friends- Ella Rubin (The Chair) stars as Michelle’s best friend Natalie Gibson, who Michelle confides in about convincing Conrad to get into the truck. Portraying Cassie Wilkins, a friend of Michelle’s who testifies against her in court is Kylie Liya Page (Gossip Girl, Ninja Assassin). Pearl Amanda Dickson (Lucy In The Sky) stars as Susie Pierce, whom Michelle met at a softball tournament.
Conrad’s sisters- Conrad’s younger sisters in the series are heavily inspired by his real-life siblings. Their names are Sydney and Paige in the series, portrayed by Ella Kennedy Davis (Perry Mason) and Leah Thompkins (Unaware), respectively. In real life, Conrad’s younger sisters are named Camdyn and Morgan.
Jeff Wahlberg as Rob Mahoney- Rob Mahoney is Conrad’s best friend; Mahoney is also one of the characters whose actual name was changed, as he is based on Conrad’s real-life friend Tom Gammell. Rob is portrayed by Jeff Wahlberg, best known for Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019) and Cherry (2021).
Aya Cash as Katie Rayburn- Aya Cash portrays Katie Rayburn, the district attorney who prosecuted Carter’s case. Cash is likely most recognized for her roles as Gretchen Cutler in You're the Worst (2014) and as Stormfront in the series The Boys (2019).
Michael Mosley as Joseph Cataldo- Michael Mosley stars as Joseph Cataldo in The Girl From Plainville, based on Michelle’s real-life defense attorney. Mosley is best known for his role as Drew Suffin on the series Scrubs (2001-2010).