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Home - Character Guides - Pose Cast and Character Guide

Pose Cast and Character Guide

This is a cast and character guide for the FX series Pose, featuring who plays who, information about each character, and more.

ByAmari Allah Hours Posted onJune 7, 2020 8:32 AMJune 11, 2023 8:11 AM Hours Updated onJune 11, 2023 8:11 AM
Title card for Pose.

Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.


Additionally, some images and text may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission or receive products if you make a purchase.


  • Blanca (MJ Rodriguez & Jayden Marine)
    • Brief Description
    • Additional Information About Blanca
    • Notable Episodes
    • Quotes
  • Damon (Ryan Jamaal Swain)
    • Brief Description
    • Additional Information About Damon
    • Notable Episodes
    • Quotes
  • Angel (Indya Moore)
    • Brief Description
    • Additional Information About Angel
    • Notable Episodes
    • Quotes
  • Stan (Evan Peters)
    • Brief Description
    • Additional Information About Stan
    • Notable Episodes
    • Quotes
  • Pray Tell (Billy Porter)
    • Brief Description
    • Additional Information About Pray Tell
    • Notable Episodes
    • Quotes
  • Ricky (Dyllon Burnside)
    • Brief Description
    • Additional Information About Ricky
    • Notable Episodes
    • Quotes
  • Lil Papi (Angel Bismark Curiel)
    • Brief Description
    • Additional Information About Lil Papi
    • Notable Episodes
    • Quotes
  • Matt (James Van Der Beek)
    • Brief Description
    • Additional Information About Matt
    • Notable Episodes
    • Quotes
  • Elektra (Dominique Jackson)
    • Brief Description
    • Additional Information About Elektra
    • Notable Episodes
    • Quotes
  • Costas (Johnny Sibilly)
    • Brief Description
    • Additional Information About Costas
    • Notable Episodes
    • Quotes
  • Patty (Kate Mara)
    • Brief Description
    • Additional Information About Patty
    • Notable Episodes
    • Quotes
  • Helena St. Rogers (Charlayne Woodard)
    • Brief Description
    • Additional Information About Helena
    • Notable Episodes
    • Quotes
  • Lulu (Hailie Sahar)
    • Brief Description
    • Additional Information About Lulu
    • Notable Episodes
    • Quotes
  • Dick Ford (Christopher Meloni)
    • Brief Description
    • Additional Information About Dick
    • Notable Episodes
    • Quotes
  • Candy (Angelica Ross)
    • Brief Description
    • Additional Information About Candy
    • Notable Episodes
    • Quotes
  • Judy (Sandra Bernhard)
    • Brief Description
    • Additional Information About Judy
    • Notable Episodes
    • Quotes
  • Ms. Frederica Norman (Patti LuPone)
    • Brief Description
    • Additional Information About Ms. Norman
    • Notable Episodes
    • Quotes
  • Ms. Ford (Trudie Styler)
    • Brief Description
    • Additional Information About Ms. Ford
    • Notable Episodes
    • Quotes
  • General Information
    • Groups & Organizations
    • Notable Locations
    • Terms To Know
    • Other Noteworthy Information

This is a cast and character guide for the FX series Pose, featuring who plays who, information about each character, and more.


Please Note: This content contains pertinent spoilers, descriptions are updated as new information is presented, images changed as better ones are captured, and this is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, guest star, or reoccurring role.

Blanca (MJ Rodriguez & Jayden Marine)

Blanca waiting for her results from a HIV test.
MJ Rodriguez as Blanca
A young Blanca saying to their mother that they love her.
Young Blanca (Jayden Marine): I love you, Mami.

First Noted In – Season 1, Episode 1

Brief Description

A former member of the House of Abundance and now founding Mother of House of Evangelista, Blanca is nothing but a maternal figure, and while we wouldn’t say she craves strong connections, she does believe it forward. Especially since, with her having AIDS, she doesn’t know how long she may have to give her children the love and foundation they need.

[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]

Additional Information About Blanca

  • S1e1: Works as a nail technician and, like Damon, doesn’t have a good relationship with her family.
  • S1E5: Is from the Bronx
    • Niece is named Xiomara
    • Hasn’t been in her mother’s house since October 30th, 1982
    • Her brother Manuel went to rehab twice
  • S2E10: Is 30

Notable Episodes

Carmen noting that Blanca is the best parts of their mother.
Carmen (Flor De Liz Perez): You’re the best parts of her.
Darius complimenting Blanca with pick up lines.
Darius (Charles Brice): Stunning and you don’t even know it.
Adrian (Austin Scott) after giving Blanca CPR.
Adrian (Austin Scott)
Chilly (Gia Parr) and Quincy (KJ Aikens) telling Blanca they are 14
Chilly (Gia Parr) and Quincy (KJ Aikens)
  • Season 1, Episode 5: We meet Blanca’s family, including meeting sister Carmen (Flor De Liz Perez), Aunt Alma (Suanna Guzman), brother Manuel (Gil Perez-Abraham) and mother (Glenys Javier).
  • Season 1, Episode 6: We see Blanca get the attention of a man, Darius (Charles Brice).
  • Season 2, Episode 2: Starts her nail salon
  • Season 2, Episode 9: We meet Adrian (Austin Scott), another possible love interest.
  • Season 2, Episode 10: We meet her possible next house children Quincy (KJ Aikens) and Chilly (Gia Parr)

Quotes

I been out the game for a minute, but I still know how to play it.
— S1E6

Lies are a form of disrespect.
— S1e7


Damon (Ryan Jamaal Swain)

Damon after finding out whether he got into dance school or not.
Ryan Jamaal Swain as Damon

First Noted In – Season 1, Episode 1

Brief Description

A dancer who, thanks to Blanca’s sheer will, gets into The New School for Dance and has the honor of being Blanca’s first child in the House of Evangelista.

[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]

Additional Information About Damon

  • S1e1: Is from Allentown, PA, and is 17 in episode 1.
    • Got kicked out of his house due to his parents not supporting his sexuality.

Notable Episodes

  • S2E10: Makes a major announcement about the House of Evangelista going international!

Quotes


Angel (Indya Moore)

Angel getting her face ready for Stan's promised visit.

First Noted In – Season 1, Episode 1

Brief Description

The princess of House of Evangelista who, despite knowing the limitations she faces as a trans woman, only occasionally lets her dreams fall to the waste side. For whether it is finding her prince, or doing more than sex work on the pier, Angel has dreams. It’s just taking longer than she’d like to achieve them.

[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]

Additional Information About Angel

  • S1e2: Costs around $125 a night
  • S1e3: Knew she was different since she was 6.
  • S2E1: Is 22
  • S2E10: Is 24

Notable Episodes

Quotes


Stan (Evan Peters)

Angel and Stan laying in a bed next to one another.
Indya Moore as Angel and Evan Peters as Stan.

First Noted In – Season 1, Episode 1

Brief Description

Stan works on Wall Street, has a Trump association, a wife, a kid, and a lust for Angel. One he isn’t necessarily sure if he wants to be open about so; instead, he becomes a sugar daddy of sorts. Despite not being that much older than Angel.

[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]

Additional Information About Stan

  • S1e1: Lives in New Jersey.

Notable Episodes

Quotes


Pray Tell (Billy Porter)

Pray Tell emceeing.First Noted In – Season 1, Episode 1

Brief Description

The emcee of a local ball everyone goes to who is one of Blanca’s best friends and sometimes the shaddiest queen around. However, it is out of love and to prep the children for what the outside world may say and do.

[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]

Additional Information About Pray Tell

  • S1e1: Notes they wanted to be a designer, but with that dream not coming to pass, they vicariously live through working at Macy’s.
  • S2E6: Stepfather preyed on him since he was 12
  • S2E8: Is 45

Notable Episodes

Keenan and Pray Tell before they kiss.
Keenan: Blake Morris
Pray Tell, Jack (Jack Mizrahi), Manhattan (André Ward) and Castle (J. Cameron Barnett) having a meeting.
Clockwise: Pray Tell, Jack (Jack Mizrahi), Manhattan (André Ward) and Castle (J. Cameron Barnett)
  • S1E4: He decides to get AIDS tested
  • S1E8: Meets Keenan (Blake Morris)
  • S2E8: We meet the council of Emcees which includes Manhattan (André Ward), Jack (Jack Mizrahi), and Castle (J. Cameron Barnett)

Quotes

You know, that’s the burden of having a parent. They haven’t a clue what they’re doing, and every mistake they make chips away at us. As we get older, we got to glue the pieces back together, and we can blame them, but here’s the thing: They’re human. They make mistakes.
— S1e5

Own your choices.
— Manhattan (S2E8)


Ricky (Dyllon Burnside)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B03tCxwlbOv/

First Noted In – Season 1, Episode 2

Brief Description

One of Damon’s first boyfriends who had a reputation before he met Damon. However, he does his best to prove himself, and with being a talented dancer, like Damon, the two form a bond and relationship, which sets a precedent for both.

[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]

Additional Information About Ricky

  • Season 2: He decides to get AIDS tested

Notable Episodes

Quotes


Lil Papi (Angel Bismark Curiel)

Lil papi confessing his love for Angel, despite her dissing him.
Lil Papi: and one day you gonna realize that I’m your man.

First Noted In – Season 1, Episode 2

Brief Description

Originally, Lil’ Papi didn’t belong to the House of Evangelista, but after their debut performances, he decided to leave his old house behind for them. This leads to a few growing pains since Blanca wants a rather clean house. Not just in terms of dust, clothes, and what have you, but no drugs. Which, for Lil’ Papi, was a source of income, so that caused some conflict. However, as one of the OGs of the house, Lil’ Papi does find means to stay on Blanca’s good side. Though, as time goes on, it isn’t just Blanca he grows close to.

[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]

Additional Information About Lil Papi

  • S1e4: Is bi
  • S1e7: Has been on his own since he was 13 and, as of this episode, is 20 years old with an 8th-grade education.
  • S2E7: Government name is Esteban.

Notable Episodes

Jazmin (Damaris Lewis) and Lil Papi discussing how he can manage her and Angel.
Jazmin (Damaris Lewis) and Lil Papi
  • S2E10: Officially starts a business promoting trans girls in modeling, with Jazmin (Damaris Lewis) and Angel being his first clients.

Quotes


Matt (James Van Der Beek)

Matt humiliating Stan after he started a fight with him.
Matt: The guy you’re pretending to be doesn’t exist.

First Noted In – Season 1, Episode 2

Brief Description

Stan’s boss, who is a bit of a mad man and drives Stan nuts.

[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]

Additional Information About Matt

Notable Episodes

Quotes


Elektra (Dominique Jackson)

Elektra as Aphrodite.

First Noted In – Season 1

Brief Description

Mother of the House of Abundance, later House of Wintour, Elektra is a woman who often can be seen as selfish, condescending, if not outright cruel. However, one could submit, similar to Pray Tell, it isn’t because she always means to be. It is to toughen up her kids and help them deal with a world which wasn’t kind to them, so she doubts it’ll be kind to her children.

[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]

Additional Information About Elektra

  • S1E3: Haven’t been to a doctor since 1979
  • S1E4: Is 40

Notable Episodes

  • S2E2: Starts the House of Wintour

Quotes

If they don’t grow strong enough to rebel, to reject you, to move away, then you’re not raising men and women. You’re creating parasites.
— Elektra – S2E8

If you choose to be a mother, you choose to shape the world.
— Elektra – S2E8


Costas (Johnny Sibilly)

Costas holding Pray Tell as he weeps over him.

First Noted In – Season 1, Episode 3

Brief Description

Pray Tell’s boyfriend, who is sickened with AIDS.

[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]

Additional Information About Costas

Notable Episodes

Quotes


Patty (Kate Mara)

Patty introducing herself to Angel.
Patty: I’m Patty.

First Noted In – Season 1, Episode 3

Brief Description

Stan’s stay at home wife.

[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]

Additional Information About Patty

Notable Episodes

Quotes


Helena St. Rogers (Charlayne Woodard)

Helena praising Blanca.

First Noted In – Season 1, Episode 3

Brief Description

Damon’s dance teacher at the New School for dance.

[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]

Additional Information About Helena

Notable Episodes

Quotes

You’re upset because you have compassion and integrity. Important qualities to possess as a parent.
— S1E7


Lulu (Hailie Sahar)

Lulu and Elektra at the beach.
Lulu and Elektra

First Noted In – Season 1

Brief Description

One of Elektra’s daughters who, with being more fish than the others, is often held in a higher esteem. Add in she knows she is more fish, and it also gives her a bit of an attitude.

[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]

Additional Information About Lulu

  • S2E7: Decides to go back to school for accounting.

Notable Episodes

  • S1E7: With Candy, starts the House of Ferocity.

Quotes


Dick Ford (Christopher Meloni)

Elektra and Mr. Ford snuggling.

First Noted In – Season 1, Episode 4

Brief Description

Elektra’s sugar daddy, of at least ten years, until she gets her confirmation surgery.

[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]

Additional Information About Dick

Notable Episodes

Quotes


Candy (Angelica Ross)

Candy looking fancy as she haunts Pray Tell.

First Noted In – Season 1, Episode 4

Brief Description

Candy, dear sweet Candy. When it comes to life, Candy never felt like she was enough, so she made her best defense a cutting offense and came for anyone and everybody. Which didn’t necessarily make her a lot of friends, but her audacity definitely made her a noted member of the community.

[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]

Additional Information About Candy

  • S2E6: Reveals she tested positive for aids.

Notable Episodes

Darnell (Danny Johnson) complimenting Candy.
Darnell (Danny Johnson): My little fighter.
Vivica (Patrice Johnson Chevannes) looking at her daughter, saying goodbye.
Vivica (Patrice Johnson Chevannes)
  • S1E7: With Lulu, she starts the House of Ferocity.
  • Season 2, Episode 4 – A major event happens, which leads to us meeting Candy’s parents Darnell (Danny Johnson) and Vivica (Patrice Johnson Chevannes).

Quotes


Judy (Sandra Bernhard)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3APmFflhWZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

First Noted In – Season 1, Episode 6

Brief Description

The nurse who handles the AIDS ward, where Pray Tell’s boyfriend Costas is and does her best to advocate for them.

[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]

Additional Information About Judy

Notable Episodes

Quotes


Ms. Frederica Norman (Patti LuPone)

Frederica singing showtunes.

First Noted In – Season 2, Episode 2

Brief Description

Blanca’s landlord in season 2, when she gets her shop. At least, until Ms. Norman learns Blanca is trans, and so she pursues trying to get Blanca out by any means possible.

[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]

Additional Information About Ms. Norman

Notable Episodes

Quotes


Ms. Ford (Trudie Styler)

Eileen Ford (Trudie Styler) | Credit: Trudie Styler via Facebook

First Noted In – Season 2/ Episode 3

Brief Description

Likely no relation to Dick Ford, Elektra’s former sugar daddy, Ms. Ford is a gatekeeper in the fashion industry who cracks it open for Angel and allows her to begin a modeling career – even with knowing Angel’s truth. She also takes Lil’ Papi under her win, noting his tenacity and advocacy.

[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]

Additional Information About Ms. Ford

Notable Episodes

Quotes


General Information

Creator(s) Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Steven Canals
First Aired (FX) 6/3/2018

 [adinserter name=”Character Guide”]

Groups & Organizations

  • The House of Abundance: Elektra’s house in season 1
  • The House of Evangelista: Blanca’s house in season 1
  • The House of Wintour: Elektra’s new house, starting in season 2

Notable Locations

  • Orlando’s shop (Season 1): Ms. Orlando (Cecilia Gentili), is a well-known trans person who gives people shots of what some random mixture to give them a more fuller form.

Terms To Know

  • AZT (s1e1): An early HIV/AIDS treatment drug
  • Solid Gold (S2E5): A show Ricky and Damon do after auditioning to go on tour with Madonna.

Other Noteworthy Information

  • 1987 (s1e1): When the show starts
  • 1990 (s2E1): When the season starts

[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]


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Listed Under Categories: Character Guides, Series (Character Guide)

Related Tags: Angel Bismark Curiel, Angelica Ross, Austin Scott, Billy Porter, Charles Brice, Christopher Meloni, Dominique Jackson, Dyllon Burnside, Evan Peters, Flor De Liz Perez, Gia Parr, Gil Perez-Abraham, Glenys Javier, Indya Moore, James Van Der Beek, Jayden Marine, Johnny Sibilly, Kate Mara, KJ Aikens, Mj Rodriguez, Patti LuPone, Pose, Pose: Season 1, Pose: Season 2, Ryan Jamaal Swain, Sandra Bernhard, Suanna Guzman, Trudie Styler

Amari Allah

Amari is the founder and head writer of Wherever-I-Look.com and has been writing reviews since 2010, with a focus on dramas and comedies.

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