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Justin Kuritzkes

Writer · Known for Challengers

Justin Kuritzkes (/kəˈrɪtskɪs/ kə-RIT-skiss; born May 5, 1990) is an American writer best known for writing the screenplays for Luca Guadagnino's films, Challengers and Queer (both 2024). He has also been the subject of media coverage for his YouTube content, including the viral 2011 video "Potion Seller". Description above from the Wikipedia article Justin Kuritzkes, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Josh O'Connor

Cast · Known for Disclosure Day, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, Challengers

Joshua Mathias O'Connor (born May 20, 1990) is a British actor. After training at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, he had supporting roles in television series such as Doctor Who in 2013 and Peaky Blinders in 2014. He had his breakthrough playing the lead role of a sheep farmer in Francis Lee's romantic drama God's Own Country (2017), for which he won a British Independent Film Award. For portraying a young Charles III in the Netflix drama series The Crown (2019–2020), O'Connor won a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. He has since starred in the period dramas Emma (2020) and La Chimera (2023) as well as Luca Guadagnino's Challengers (2024) and Rian Johnson's Wake Up Dead Man (2025).

Mike Faist

Cast · Known for Challengers, East of Eden

Michael David Faist (born January 5, 1992) is an American actor, dancer, and singer. He is known for starring in the original Broadway productions of Newsies and Dear Evan Hansen, and in movies such as West Side Story (2021), Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game (2022), and Challengers (2024).

Tomorowo Taguchi

Cast · Known for Doctor-X: Surgeon Michiko Daimon

Tomorowo Taguchi (born November 30, 1957) is a Japanese actor. After leaving Dokkyo University without graduating, he started to earn his living as an illustrator, writer and pornographic cartoonist. He joined a theatre called Hakken no Kai in 1978 and he made a screen debut in Zokubutsu Zukan (based on the book by Yasutaka Tsutsui) in 1982. He was also a prominent cult musician in the Tokyo underground scene with his band Bachikaburi in the 1980s and early 1990s. He is probably most well known to the West as the lead actor in Tetsuo and Tetsuo II directed by Shinya Tsukamoto. He also makes regular appearances in Takashi Miike's films. He became known to the Japanese public as a narrator for the TV documentary series Project X - Challengers which aired between 2000 and 2005 by NHK. Taguchi directed Iden & Tity in 2003 and his second film, Shikisoku Generation, is scheduled for release in 2009.

Kevin Ulrich

Executive Producer · Known for Challengers

Kevin Ulrich is a leading force in the entertainment industry, global financial markets, and private equity platforms. Ulrich has served as executive producer for countless films including Cyrano, House of Gucci, Challengers, Dumb Money, and The Boys in the Boat. He is founder and Chairman of Anchorage Capital Group and the former Chairman of the Board of MGM Studios. Ulrich is known for designing and executing the sale of MGM studios to Amazon in 2022. It was Ulrich who stood behind MGM’s revitalization; his financial expertise was the basis for one of the notable entertainment transactions in this decade. As Chairman of J.Crew Group, Inc., Ulrich has applied his financial acumen to guide the legendary brand through structural changes and economic reform, all to ensure sustainability and continued advancement. At Anchorage, Ulrich is an involved and meticulous leader, shaping and securing the international firm’s position as a renowned provider of alternative credit and distressed management. Ulrich directed the Anchorage investment in J.Crew which brought the brand out of bankruptcy and onto a growth trajectory in record time.

Zendaya

Cast · Known for Challengers, Euphoria, The Drama

Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman (born September 1, 1996), known mononymously as Zendaya, is an American actress. Her accolades include two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. In 2022, Time named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Born in Oakland, California, Zendaya began her career as a child model and dancer before gaining prominence for her roles on the Disney Channel sitcoms Shake It Up (2010–2013) and K.C. Undercover (2015–2018), the latter of which she also produced. For her performance as Rue Bennett, a struggling drug-addicted teenager in the HBO teen drama series Euphoria (2019–2026), Zendaya won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Zendaya made her feature film debut as MJ in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017). She reprised her role in its sequels Far From Home (2019), No Way Home (2021), and Brand New Day (2026). She has since starred in the musical film The Greatest Showman (2017), Denis Villeneuve's Dune trilogy (2021–2026), Christopher Nolan's epic The Odyssey (2026), and earned praise for her performances in the romance films Malcolm & Marie (2021), Challengers (2024) and The Drama (2026).

Ed Leslie

Edward Harrison Leslie is an American semi-retired professional wrestler, best known for his work in WWE under the ring name Brutus The Barber Beefcake. He later worked for World Championship Wrestling under a variety of names, mainly as "The Disciple" of real-life best friend Hulk Hogan. He is a former WWE World Tag Team Champion. Edward Leslie began his career at the side of Hulk Hogan in the 1976-1977 time frame. At the time, the two were billed as brothers; Ed was known as either Ed Boulder or Dizzy Hogan, to match Terry's Terry Boulder and Hulk Hogan. Leslie entered the WWF as a heel under the ring name Brutus Beefcake in late 1984 with manager "Luscious" Johnny Valiant. Beefcake debuted as a vain individual who dressed in outlandish outfits. As a singles competitor, he feuded with David Sammartino and Hulk Hogan, the latter who sought revenge on Beefcake after he and Valiant injured Hogan's protege Hillbilly Jim. Brutus got some "cheap heat" when he would come uninvited to ringside during Tony Atlas's matches. During the summer of 1985, Beefcake began teaming with Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, and became known as "The Dream Team". The Dream Team began challenging The US Express (Mike Rotundo and Barry Windham) for the Tag Team Championship. Initially, the US Express fought off their challengers, but the Dream Team soon gained momentum, and at an August 24, 1985, show at the Philadelphia Spectrum, the Dream Team won the tag team titles from the U.S. Express when Beefcake rubbed Valiant’s lit cigar in Windham’s eye. The Dream Team held the titles for eight months, with their primary challengers being a reformed US Express (with Dan Spivey replacing the departed Windham) and British Bulldogs. At WrestleMania 2 in Rosemont, Illinois, the British Bulldogs defeated the Dream Team to win the tag team titles. The Dream Team failed to regain the titles and soon reverted to mid-card status. Leslie made news headlines on February 8, 2004 for causing an anthrax scare at one of Boston's MBTA stations, Downtown Crossing, where he was working at the time. He had been found to be in possession of a white powder, which turned out to be cocaine. He promptly checked into a drug rehabilitation facility after admitting that the cocaine found at the station was his. As a result, no charges were filed against him. Leslie married Kirsten Georgi on July 1, 1987; the couple divorced in 1991. His second marriage was to Barbara McGondel on October 1, 1994. Together, they have one daughter named Alana. Leslie also worked as a manager at Planet Fitness in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. He became a born again Christian.

Rudy Challenger

Michael Challenger

Faiza Shaheen

Faiza Shaheen is an economist and activist. She is currently the director of the Centre for Labour and Social Studies and prospective parliamentary candidate for the Labour party candidate in Chingford & Woodford Green where she is a challenger to the incumbent conservative MP Iain Duncan Smith.

Ngaire Woods

Ngaire Tui Woods CBE is the founding dean of the Blavatnik School of Government and professor of Global Economic Governance at the University of Oxford. As an accomplished academic and researcher, she specializes in global economic governance, globalization challenges, global development, and the role of international institutions. Woods was appointed Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2018 New Year's Honours for services to higher education and public policy. This article uses material from the Wikipedia article Ngaire_Woods, which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License

Paul Bond

While he is typically cast as the businessman, the Dad or the average guy next door, Paul is a veteran character actor who embraces the challenges of playing a wide variety of roles. He began his career at Canada's Stratford Festival, appearing in four productions as a member of John Neville's inaugural company. After working steadily in commercials and theatre in the Toronto area, he moved to Los Angeles, where he continues to act in television, film, commercials and voiceover. He has continued to work on stage, as well, most notably with Ray Bradbury's Pandemonium Theatre Company, appearing in the highly-acclaimed eight-month run of "Fahrenheit 451".

Martin McDonagh

Director · Known for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Wild Horse Nine

Martin Faranan McDonagh (/məkˈdɒnə/; born 26 March 1970) is a British-Irish playwright and filmmaker. He is known for his absurdist dark humour, which often challenges the modern theatre aesthetic. He has won numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, six BAFTA Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and three Olivier Awards, in addition to nominations for five Tony Awards. His plays, many of which have been produced on the West End and Broadway, include The Beauty Queen of Leenane, The Cripple of Inishmaan (both 1996), The Lonesome West (1997), The Lieutenant of Inishmore (2001), The Pillowman (2003), A Behanding in Spokane (2010), and Hangmen (2015). McDonagh won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film for Six Shooter and has received nominations for six other Academy Awards for his work on In Bruges (2008), Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017), and The Banshees of Inisherin (2022). He directed the black comedy film Seven Psychopaths (2012) and was executive producer on The Second Death (2000) and The Guard (2011). Description above from the Wikipedia article Martin McDonagh, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Anais Granofsky

Anais Granofsky is a Canadian actress, screenwriter, producer and director. She is best known for portraying Lucy Fernandez in the Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High series. Her role as Lucy depicted a character facing various challenges, and Granofsky's performance showcased her ability to embody the complexities of teenage experiences. Her portrayal left a lasting impact on the audience, contributing to the series' success and resonance with viewers.

Deniz Ali Cankorur

Cast · Known for Torn Apart

Deniz Ali Cankorur is a Turkish actor who began his onscreen career at a young age. He first captured attention as a child actor, making early appearances in notable Turkish cinema and television projects, including Özcan Deniz's romantic drama film Su ve Ateş (Water and Fire, 2013) and the popular drama series Kızım (My Daughter, 2018). He also built early screen experience appearing in prominent commercial campaigns. As he transitioned into older roles, Cankorur continued to expand his filmography with projects like the family drama film Bağlantı Hatası (2025). He achieved a significant career breakthrough with his casting in the Kanal D youth drama series Daha 17 (2026). Portraying Barış—a cheerful, kind-hearted, and highly tech-savvy teenager navigating life's challenges—his natural performance has further established him as a talented young actor to watch in the Turkish television industry.

Sam Moore

Sam Moore, born on October 12, 1935, was an American R&B and soul singer best known as one half of the iconic duo Sam & Dave. Raised in Miami, Florida, Moore's powerful and emotive voice became a hallmark of the duo's sound. With partner Dave Prater, they achieved tremendous success in the 1960s, producing hits like "Soul Man" and "Hold On, I'm Comin'." Despite personal and professional challenges, Moore's solo career thrived in the 1970s, marked by his Grammy-winning rendition of "Soul Man" with Lou Reed. Known for his dynamic stage presence, Moore's influence extends beyond his chart-topping hits, making him a respected figure in the history of soul music. A Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Sam Moore's enduring talent and contributions to the soul genre continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.

Sornchai Chatwiriyachai

Cast · Known for The Furious

Sornchai Chatwiriyachai, nicknamed Chua or Sonny, is an actor who studied performing arts at Chulalongkorn. He's a founder and artistic director of “Malongdu Theatre” or “Theatre of the Oppressed,” a socially engaged theatre company in Bangkok. He's also a writer and translator under the penname Pin Paradigm. Sornchai's company works with people with disabilities, youth and primary-school students, and the elderly It explores complex issues around oppression, human rights, and social and political challenges.

Mary Chris Wall

Mary Chris Wall is an actress, who is best known for the role of Ellen Talbot, the mother of Joe Talbot, on the 1995-1998 children's television show Wishbone that aired on PBS. She has appeared in such feature films as Blank Check and Ruby, in which she played Jackie Kennedy. She also has appeared in the 1990 ABC movie Challenger, the Walker, Texas Ranger television series and has more than 250 industrial films and commercials to her credit. Her stage experience includes the Broadway and national touring company of "42nd Street" and regional exposure in Six Women with Brain Death or Expiring Minds Want to Know, Grease and Misalliance. She received her professional training from New York University, London University and the Image Theatre and Studio in New York. She can now be seen in "Get a Mac" commercials as a spokeswoman for "PC." Also has been in a back to school commercial for Walmart in the summer of 2009.

Lana Young

Lana comes from the beautiful island of Bermuda where her love for acting began. As a little girl sitting in the movie theater watching ORCA, she thought, I want to be up on that screen. But making a living as an actor in a small Island like Bermuda is not an option. So, she got caught up in the corporate world and found herself navigating the challenges of being a 20 something woman working on a trading desk at an investment company full of men. She sought out sanity and solace in the local theatre world and her love for acting bloomed. At 28 the universe intervened and decided it was time to change course and she found herself in Boston. There she was cast in her first film, a one woman show and an adaptation of Checkov's "The Lady With The Pet Dog" at the Leland Center all while still working in the corporate world. But these life changing acting opportunities set her on the path of acting as a career. After a life changing event, she decided that she had the gift of a fresh, new start and decided that this was the time to pursue acting for real. At 33 she moved to London where she received her Masters in Acting at the Arts Educational School of London. Some of her performances while there include Phyllis in Bernard Shaw's "The Philanderer", Lady 'you know who' in that Scottish Play by Shakespeare, Lona Hessel in an adaptation of Iben's "Pillars of The Community" and "The Graduate" at The New Vic Theatre with Charity Wakefield. She then moved to Los Angeles where she fell into the arms of the Classical Theatre Lab and spread her wings. It was a difficult time in her fledgling career. It was early 2000s and casting wasn't very representative of what the world actually looked like and as a mixed race actress in her 30s, auditions were very few and far between. In her 5 years there, she managed to book her first TV gig on Zoey 101, her first National commercial (Cricket Wireless with Jessica Sanchez) and an exciting supporting role in the independent film "Beginners" with Christopher Plummer and Ewan McGregor. But it wasn't enough to keep her fire alive and it was time to take a break and regroup. She moved to Charlottesville VA and opened an acting school for kids and adults called the Hollywood Theatre Lab (teaching life skills through acting). It was an exciting time. Charlottesville welcomed her with open arms and the school grew rapidly with so much support. She was able to keep the machine well oiled by working on indie films shot there.

Kal Sabir

Kal Sabir is an actor of South Asian heritage. Raised in Glasgow (Scotland), he took the scenic route to the Performing Arts by first studying Computer Science at the University of Strathclyde. He figured that if the acting didn't work out, he would have something to fall back on. For those with a keen eye, he can be spotted in films such as Gran Turismo (2023), Mary Queen of Scots (2018), and Bellbottom (2021). His television credits include Armchair Detectives (2017) , a fleeting appearance in Slow Horses (2022) season 1, and a new upcoming Netflix series. He is also a writer and director, mainly through his fledgling film company, Restless Chimp. In 2024, he was awarded a short film commission by the National Theatre of Scotland to write and direct Kinaara, a story about the challenges of dementia care in the South Asian community.

Stan Shaw

Cast · Known for Rocky

Stan Shaw (born July 14, 1952) is an American actor. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he is the son of Bertha Shaw and saxophonist Eddie Shaw, and cousin of the late soul singers Sam Cooke and Tyrone Davis. Shaw started his acting career in the Chicago production of the Broadway musical Hair as well as the Broadway production of The Me Nobody Knows. His last Broadway show, Via Galactica was directed by Sir Peter Hall. Before becoming an actor, Shaw was a karate, judo, and jujutsu instructor in Chicago. He holds first dan black belt in judo and jujutsu and a second dan in karate. Shaw appeared in Rocky (1976) as Dipper, another boxer. In a deleted scene, Dipper, infuriated by the attention Rocky has received, challenges him before a television reporter. He also played a professional fighter in Tough Enough (1983), Harlem Nights (1989), and Snake Eyes (1998). One of his most notable roles was his appearance as Alex Haley's maternal grandfather Will Palmer in the 1979 miniseries Roots: The Next Generations. Another highly notable role was Private Washington in The Boys in Company C (1978). Shaw also played in The Great Santini (1979) as Toomer Smalls with Robert Duvall and David Keith. After a part in the 1991 film Fried Green Tomatoes, he had a role in the 1995 comedy Houseguest alongside Sinbad and appeared as a pirate in Cutthroat Island with Geena Davis. His television credits include episodes of Matlock, Murder, She Wrote, The X-Files, and a 2009 episode of CSI. Description above from the Wikipedia article Stan Shaw, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.​

Eden Stephens

Eden Stephens is a talented performer known for her captivating role as Jane Banks in Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed production of Mary Poppins. This musical, celebrated for its enchanting storytelling and memorable characters, showcases Eden's ability to bring depth and charm to her performances. With a background steeped in the arts, she has demonstrated a remarkable range and versatility that resonates with audiences. Her portrayal of Jane Banks not only highlights her vocal prowess but also her skill in embodying the innocence and curiosity of childhood. As she continues to evolve as an artist, Eden is poised to take on new challenges and projects that will further showcase her talents. With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to her craft, she is set to make waves in the performing arts scene. Keep an eye on Eden Stephens as she embarks on her next artistic endeavors, promising to deliver performances that inspire and entertain.

James J. Townsend Jr

After eight years as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for European and NATO Policy, Jim Townsend completed more than two decades of work on European and NATO policy in the Pentagon, at NATO and at the Atlantic Council. His work spanned the Cold War, post-Cold War political reconstruction in Europe and Europe's new challenges including Russia and terrorism.

Ashlee Fidow

Ashlee Fidow is a stunt coordinator and performer from Auckland, New Zealand. Of Samoan, Chinese, English, and German heritage, she stands as one of the few Pasifika women in the global stunt industry. Growing up in Avondale, Fidow was raised by her mother, who managed the challenges of rheumatoid arthritis while instilling in her daughter a resilient spirit. Influenced by action films and martial arts icons like Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee, Fidow began practising martial arts at the age of eight. She earned a 2nd-degree black belt in Taekwondo by the age of 17. She competed in national and international tournaments, securing multiple gold and silver medals. Her martial arts journey expanded to include kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Filipino stick fighting (Kali), laying a robust foundation for her future in stunt work. Fidow's entry into the stunt industry occurred in 2009 when a friend encouraged her to audition for a television show seeking new stunt performers. This opportunity led to her first on-set experience. It ignited a passion that has driven her career for over a decade. Her extensive filmography includes high-profile projects such as "The Hobbit" trilogy, "Mulan," "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom," "Alien: Covenant," "The Meg," and "Avatar: The Way of Water." She has also contributed to television series like "Spartacus," "Ash vs Evil Dead," and "The Shannara Chronicles." In addition to her on-screen accomplishments, Fidow has served as a stunt coordinator and trainer, sharing her expertise in fight choreography and safety protocols. Her commitment to excellence and representation has been recognized with nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture for her work on "The Hobbit," "Mulan," and "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power." In 2024, she made history as the first stuntwoman to win the Women in Film and Television New Zealand Awards, receiving the Queenstown Camera Company Craft Award for her outstanding contributions to the field.