The Original Peacock Drama, A family friend features a star-studded cast that brings a true crime story to life. The series is based on the true kidnapping of Jan Broberg Felt, who was abducted twice by family friend Robert Berchtold. The cast of the drama includes acclaimed actors as well as emerging talents.
A family friend was created by Nick Acosta, who is best known for his horror series such as String zero and New cherry flavor but also ventured into true crime with the limited series The act. The series is one of many dramatizations of true crime cases that have been released on streaming services in 2022, such as HBO Max’s The staircase and Hulu’s Plainville’s daughter.
Helmet A family friend examines was previously the subject of the Netflix documentary Removed in plain sight. The story takes place over several time periods in 1970s Iowa. As a result, younger characters are played by different actors at different points in the story. Here’s who plays each character in A family friend and where you know them from.
Jake Lacy as Robert “B” Berchtold
Robert Berchtold is a seemingly ordinary neighbor who turns out to be a child kidnapper. Jake Lacy is best known for his largely comedic television roles, including playing Pete on the final season of Office and Shane Patton in The White Lotus, the latter of which earned him an Emmy nomination. He also appeared in films such as Obvious child and Carol.
Anna Paquin as Mary Ann Broberg
Anna Paquin plays the matriarch of House Broberg, Mary Ann. A top actress since childhood, Paquin is perhaps best known for playing Rogue in the x-men movies or Sookie Stackhouse in true blood. She has also received positive reception for her performances in films such as The pianofor which she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress at age 11.
Colin Hanks as Bob Broberg
Bob Broberg is Jan Broberg’s father who worries about Berchtold’s relationship with his daughter. Colin Hanks is the son of legendary actor Tom Hanks and has built his own on-screen resume. Hanks’ previous credits include the Jumanji movie series, Fargo season 1, and Impeachment: A History of American Crime.
Lio Tipton as Gail Berchtold
Gail is Robert’s wife, who seems oblivious to his plans. Tiptold is a former model who appeared on America’s Next Top Model and has since moved on to acting. They played small roles in comedies such as sitcoms The Big Bang Theory and the remake of Murphy Brownand starred in the short-lived ABC comedy Manhattan love story.
McKenna Grace and Hendrix Yancey as Jan Broberg
Jan is the victim of Berchtold’s kidnapping and one of the central figures of A family friend. Later in life, the real Jan Broberg became an actress and singer, appearing in several small television and film roles, and she also personally provides an introduction to the series. The older version of Jan is played by McKenna Grace, a teenage actress and singer whose recent roles include Phoebe Spengler in Ghostbusters: Afterlife and Mary Adler in Gifted. The younger version of Jan is played by Hendrix Yancey, who is best known for his role as Thirteen in stranger things.
A friend of the family support cast
Mila Harris and Maggie Sonnier as Karen Broberg – Karen is one of Jan’s younger sisters. Harris, who plays young Karen, has previously appeared on Hulu’s No Exit, while this is Sonnier’s first screen credit.
Ella Lisic and Norah Murphy as Susan Broberg – Susan is Jan’s other sister. Elder Susan is played by Murphy, who played Sarah in Karen, while younger Lisic makes her screen debut.
AUstin Stowell as Peter Walsh – Walsh is an FBI agent investigating the case A family friend. Stowell has previously appeared in the dolphin tale films and played Francis Gary Powers in Bridge of Spies.
