The Handmaid's Tale season 6 is here, showcasing an impressive cast and crew that bring the series to its thrilling conclusion. Over the course of the first five seasons, a diverse array of characters and talented cast members have graced our screens. Despite some characters meeting tragic ends or moving on, the majority of the key characters remain pivotal to the unfolding narrative. Below, we explore the essential returning characters, the supporting cast, and exciting newcomers featured in The Handmaid’s Tale season 6.

The previous season of The Handmaid’s Tale concluded on a somber cliffhanger, with Luke facing arrest, Gilead storming Little America, and June and Serena Joy embarking on a perilous journey together aboard a train. Although a spinoff series titled The Testaments is on the horizon, there remains much ground to cover in the final season of The Handmaid’s Tale. Here, we delve into the characters who will be central to the riveting storylines of this final chapter.

Elisabeth Moss Takes Center Stage as June Osborne

Born on July 24, 1982

Actor: Elisabeth Moss, born on July 24, 1982, in Los Angeles, California, rose to fame with her breakout role in the critically acclaimed drama series The West Wing. Since then, she has enjoyed a remarkable acting career, earning critical praise for her performances in iconic television series such as Mad Men and The Handmaid’s Tale. Furthermore, Moss has showcased her versatility in films including Shirley, The Invisible Man, and The French Dispatch.

Notable Movies and TV Shows

Character: In the dramatic narrative of The Handmaid’s Tale, Elisabeth Moss embodies the role of June Osborne, initially introduced as Offred. By the commencement of season 6, June has successfully escaped from the oppressive regime of Gilead and is actively collaborating with Mayday, as well as the broader resistance movement, to dismantle the totalitarian government.

Yvonne Strahovski Brings Depth to Serena Joy Waterford

Born on July 30, 1982

Actor: Yvonne Strahovski, born on July 30, 1982, in Werrington Downs, New South Wales, Australia, achieved fame through her role in the popular 2007 series Chuck. She has also made appearances in notable TV shows such as Dexter and 24: Live Another Day, but it was her portrayal of a complex antagonist in The Handmaid’s Tale that truly solidified her status as a prominent actress. Additionally, Strahovski has starred in significant films including The Predator and The Tomorrow War, as well as lent her voice to characters in video games like Mass Effect.

Notable Movies and TV Shows

Character: In the gripping narrative of The Handmaid’s Tale, Yvonne Strahovski portrays the character of Serena Joy Waterford, the wife of Commander Fred Waterford. Initially, June and Serena Joy’s relationship is fraught with animosity, but as the story progresses into season 6, their dynamic evolves significantly, with Serena Joy caught between the oppressive world of Gilead and the relative freedom of Canada.

O-T Fagbenle Delivers a Powerful Performance as Luke Bankole

Born on January 22, 1981

Active Since: 2002

Actor: O-T Fagbenle, born on January 22, 1981, in London, England, began his career on the stage before transitioning into television and film. He has been featured in projects like Little Miss Jocelyn, Doctor Who, and Breaking and Entering, but it was his role in The Handmaid’s Tale that truly propelled his career forward. Following his breakout, Fagbenle has been involved in various projects, including Presumed Innocent and Black Widow.

Notable Movies and TV Shows

Character: In The Handmaid’s Tale, O-T Fagbenle plays Luke Bankole, who is June Osborne’s husband. Their relationship, which began before the rise of Gilead, has been a focal point throughout the series, chronicling their tumultuous separations and reunions, with season 5 ending on another heartbreaking split.

Bradley Whitford Portrays the Complex Commander Joseph Lawrence

Born on October 10, 1959

Active Since: 1985

Actor: Bradley Whitford, born on October 10, 1959, in Madison, Wisconsin, gained recognition through his early film roles in movies such as Adventures in Babysitting. Over the years, Whitford has established himself in a variety of acclaimed TV shows, including The West Wing, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, and Parish, as well as in notable films like The Cabin in the Woods, Get Out, and Godzilla: King of the Monsters.

Notable Movies and TV Shows

Character: In The Handmaid’s Tale, Bradley Whitford embodies Commander Joseph Lawrence, a key figure within the Gileadean regime whose true loyalties remain ambiguous. As season 6 unfolds, Lawrence is strategically maneuvering through the ranks of Gilead, simultaneously creating adversaries among both allies and opponents.

Max Minghella as Commander Nick Blaine: A Complicated Loyalty

Born on September 16, 1985

Actor: Max Minghella, born on September 16, 1985, in Hampstead, London, England, first gained recognition for his role in the 2005 film Syriana. Since then, he has graced our screens in films like How to Lose Friends & Alienate People, The Social Network, and Babylon, as well as notable television series including The Mindy Project and The Handmaid’s Tale.

Notable Movies and TV Shows

Character: In The Handmaid’s Tale, Max Minghella portrays Nick Blaine, who transitions from being a driver to a Commander within the regime. His initial role as Commander Waterford’s driver leads to a complicated romance with June, the effects of which resonate throughout the narrative, impacting the characters’ journeys leading into season 6.

Explore the Supporting Cast and Characters of The Handmaid’s Tale

Discover Who Else Is Part of the Show

Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia – In The Handmaid’s Tale, Ann Dowd plays the formidable Aunt Lydia, an overseer of the handmaids who exhibits a particularly strong attachment to Janine.

Samira Wiley as Moira Strand – In The Handmaid’s Tale, Samira Wiley brings to life Moira, a former Jezebel who successfully escaped Gilead and now joins forces with June and Luke in their fight against her oppressive past.

Amanda Brugel as Rita Blue – In The Handmaid’s Tale, Amanda Brugel portrays Rita Blue, a former Martha who has also escaped from the harsh realities of Gilead.

Sam Jaeger as Mark Tuello – In The Handmaid’s Tale, Sam Jaeger takes on the role of Mark Tuello, a representative of the U.S. government who is instrumental in assisting refugees fleeing Gilead.

Ever Carradine as Naomi Putnam – Ever Carradine plays Naomi Putnam, the former wife of Commander Putnam, who has remarried Commander Lawrence in the unfolding narrative of The Handmaid’s Tale season 6.