Here’s a quick guide to the cast of My So-Called Life and the characters they played. Created by Winnie Holzman (co-writer of musical teen drama considered groundbreaking and ahead of its time when it aired in the mid-1990s. Set in suburban Pittsburgh, the show followed the trials and tribulations of a teenage girl and her circle of friends and garnered critical acclaim for its realistic handling of issues like homophobia, substance abuse and school violence.
Although My So-Called Life aired for just one season before it was cancelled the show has since gained a cult following thanks to regular reruns that lured in a whole new generation of viewers. The teen drama also helped kickstart the careers of future stars like Oscar winner Homeland actress Claire Danes, who won her first Golden Globe for her performance as My So-Called Life protagonist.
Alongside Danes and Leto, here’s a who’s who guide to My So-Called Life’s cast and their characters.
Claire Danes – Angela Chase
Claire Danes was just 13 when she started playing My So-Called Life’s protagonist Angela Chase. Angela is a 15-year-old sophomore at the fictional Liberty High School who – in the midst of a teenage rebellion – dyes her hair red and ditches her childhood best friend for a cooler crowd.
A. J. Langer – Rayanne Graff
While free-spirited and rebellious, Angela’s new best friend Rayanne Graff is a troubled teen with alcohol and drug abuse issues. She’s played by A. J. Langer who went on to play Erica Warner in Private Practice.
Wilson Cruz – Enrique “Ricky” Vasquez
Wilson Cruz, who currently plays Dr. Hugh Culber on Star Trek: Discovery, took the role of Angela’s other new best pal Enrique “Ricky” Vasquez. Openly gay, Ricky lived with his abusive and homophobic uncle until a teacher took him in.
Devon Odessa – Sharon Cherski
Played by Devon Odessa, Sharon Cherski was Angela’s childhood best friend – an archetypal “good girl” that was involved in a ton of high school activities and dated football jock Kyle Vinnovich (Johnny Green).
Devon Gummersall – Brian Krakow
Socially awkward, straight A student Brian Krakow has known Angela since childhood and has an unrequited crush on The Last Ship.
Jared Leto – Jordan Catalano
Jared Leto’s role as Jordan Catalano in My So-Called Life was one of his earliest acting gigs. A high school junior with a bad boy image and undiagnosed dyslexia, Jordan was the object of Angela’s affection on the show.