Kindred

26-year-old "Dana James," portrayed by Mallori Johnson, is embarking on a new life in Los Angeles determined to realize her dream of becoming a television writer. Barely settled in her new home, Dana’s fresh start is upended as she finds herself being pulled violently back and forth in time to a nineteenth-century plantation with which she and her family are surprisingly and intimately linked.

Career Highlights

Mallori landed the highly coveted lead role of Dana in the FX series Kindred shortly after graduating from Juilliard. The series is based on the seminal novel by Octavia E. Butler and was adapted by Executive Producer and showrunner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins.&nbsp;The pilot was directed by Janicza Bravo. Mallori was seen opposite Anne Hathaway in the Apple+ series WeCrashed.&nbsp; She’s awaiting the release of her independent Feature The Other Zoey.

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Dana’s fresh start is upended as she finds herself being pulled violently back and forth in time to a nineteenth-century plantation.

Mallori Johnson grainy filtered headshot in collared blue denim top, looking up toward soft light shining down on face

Mallori Johnson as Dana James in Kindred

Mallori Johnson as Dana James in Kindred | FX

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"Kevin Franklin," portrayed by Micah Stock, is an LA waiter and musician who, despite struggles with his own personal demons, maintains his strong sense of humor and disarming wit. He is instantly drawn to Dana upon their first chance meeting. It’s an encounter that changes his life in unimaginable ways.

Micah Stock headshot of side profile, standing in front of house window at night with soft peach light shining on top of face

Owner and master of the tobacco farm that has been in his family for generations, "Tom," portrayed by Ryan Kwanten, is hardworking and ambitious but disappointed by his current lot in life. Weathered by heavy drinking and heartbreak, he’s capable of harsh cruelty and feared by both the slaves on his farm and the family in his home.

Ryan Kwanten headshot in plantation style brown suit with white neck tie scarf, with long yellow pipe hanging across chest

"Margaret," portrayed by Gayle Rankin, who’s marriage to Tom raised her social status, is still striving to establish herself among polite society. As she constantly battles the ghost of Tom’s first wife, he is frequently cold and dismissive of her. Margaret’s true source of joy is their only child, Rufus. She is a doting, overprotective mother and feels threatened by anyone who may divert his affections.

Gayle Rankin headshot in dark green velvet high neck dress, with hair up in bun with ringlets hanging down either side

"Luke," portrayed by Austin Smith, is an enslaved foreman on the Weylin plantation. Though his elevated position affords him a level of some authority, the single father of son Nigel, is not spared personal loss or Tom Weylin’s unpredictable intentions.

Austin Smith headshot in yellow checkered shirt, holding bundle of rope on right shoulder and looking over to the side 

"Rufus," portrayed by David Alexander Kaplan, is the only child of Tom and Margaret. Raised in a dysfunctional household by a father who shows frustration and disappointment towards his son, and an overbearing protective mother, he sometimes acts out with petulance and puckishness but deep down he’s isolated and lonely. Desperate for companionship, and at times life-saving help, he extends a long reach to find it.

David Alexander headshot in red blazer and red satin vest with white neck tie, looking up to the side in room with white wall

"Sarah," portrayed by Sophina Brown, is head of the plantation cookhouse and the last enslaved holdover from the previous owner, Tom Weylin’s father. Where she once held a place of privilege, she is now forbidden to set foot in the main house.&nbsp;Sarah puts family first and her maternal devotion to her daughter Carrie drives her decisions and actions.

Sophina Brown headshot in blue peasant top with yellow headband, with grass and trees in background with side of white shed

"Olivia," portrayed by Sheria Irving, is a free Black woman in the 19th century. She is a healer, fearless and sharp-minded with an air of confidence, purpose, defiance and mystery. She lives near the Weylin farm and is well known to all who live and serve there. Willing to take drastic measures to get what she wants and is key to Dana’s safety and survival in the past.

Sheria Irving headshot from lower angle in blue shawl, looking up to the side with trees and bright blue sky in background

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins headshot in white button down and round glasses in natural lighting against plain white background

Joe Weisberg headshot in black and white patterned button down with thin black jacket with white wall and windowsill behind

Joel Fields headshot in striped black and white button down with light blue background 

Darren Aronofsky headshot in dark grey parka and black beanie, holding specialized camera lens with green hill background

Ari Handel headshot in teal shirt, blue striped button down, and black jacket, looking to side with plain black background

Courtney Lee Mitchell headshot in grey buttoned top and wearing black glasses with plain white background

Vertically mirrored image with Dana James dressed in different attire on each side based on the time period for FX's Kindred

Janzica Bravo black and white headshot in leather cap, black v neck sweater, and wearing hoop earrings and necklaces

Mallori Johnson as Dana James in Kindred | FX

Kindred

Career Highlights

Mallori Johnson
as Dana James

Micah Stock
as Kevin Franklin

Ryan Kwanten
as Thomas Weylin

Mallori Johnson as Dana James in Kindred | FX

Kindred

Mallori Johnsonas Dana James

Micah Stockas Kevin Franklin

Ryan Kwantenas Thomas Weylin

Mallori Johnson
as Dana James

Micah Stock
as Kevin Franklin

Ryan Kwanten
as Thomas Weylin