Cast of Love and Death

The main cast of Love and Death is Elizabeth Olsen, Jesse Plemons, Lily Rabe, Patrick Fugit, Krysten Ritter, and Tom Pelphrey.

Love & Death is a highly anticipated HBO Max series, created by the renowned writer of Big Little Lies and The Undoing, David E. Kelley, and directed by Lesli Linka Glatter. Premiered on April 27, 2023, the show is generating buzz not only because of its talented lead actress, Elizabeth Olsen, but also due to its true-crime origins.

Based on the infamous story of Candy Montgomery and the brutal murder of Betty Gore, Love & Death draws inspiration from the 1984 book Evidence of Love: A True Story of Passion and Death in the Suburbs, as well as Texas Monthly articles titled Love & Death in Silicon Prairie, Part I & II. The series takes place in 1980 Wylie, Texas, and will debut with three episodes, followed by weekly releases starting on May 25. With its compelling premise and stellar cast, Love & Death is poised to captivate audiences with its gripping tale.

Elizabeth Olsen as Candy Montgomery

Following her acclaimed performance in Disney+'s WandaVision, Elizabeth Olsen was chosen for the lead role in Love & Death. Kevin Beggs, chairperson of Lionsgate Television Group, expressed their belief that Olsen was the ideal choice to portray Candy Montgomery, the central character in the series.

Candy, a 30-year-old wife and mother from Texas, is accused of brutally murdering her friend Betty Gore with an axe, delivering 41 strikes. The show delves into the intricacies of Candy's psychology, and Olsen's talent and range make her a perfect fit for the role. Additionally, young actress Jophielle Love will depict a four-year-old version of Candy, potentially appearing in flashback sequences to explore her upbringing and shed light on the factors contributing to her complex personality and mindset.

Jesse Plemons as Allan Gore

Jesse Plemons has been cast in the role of Allan Gore in Love & Death, portraying Candy Montgomery's secret lover and the husband of Betty Gore. Jesse Plemons is recognized for his notable performance as Todd Alquist in Breaking Bad's fifth season. His talent has also earned him two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his appearances in Fargo and Black Mirror.

In Love and Death, Allan and Betty initially met at a Texas college, where Betty was a student and Allan served as a teacher's assistant. However, their marriage deteriorated after the birth of their second child. Candy, during one of their weekly volleyball matches, explicitly asked Allan to engage in an affair with her, which he ultimately agreed to.

Lily Rabe as Betty Gore

Lily Rabe has been cast as Betty Gore in Love & Death, a character who meets a tragic end when she is brutally attacked with an ax. Betty, married to Allan Gore, battles untreated post-partum depression after giving birth to their second child, causing her to withdraw from the world. Upon discovering her husband's affair with Candy through love letters, Betty engages in a confrontational exchange that allegedly leads to her demise.

Rabe, known for her versatile roles in American Horror Story and her work on stage, including her performance as Portia in The Merchant of Venice, brings her exceptional talent to the role, ensuring a compelling and emotionally gripping portrayal of Betty Gore in Love & Death.

Patrick Fugit as Pat Montgomery

Patrick Fugit, known for his role in Outcast, takes on the role of Pat Montgomery, Candy's wealthy and reclusive husband, in Love & Death. Pat and Candy initially crossed paths while working at Texas Instruments, where Candy was a secretary and Pat was an electrical engineer.

Pat's character generates intrigue as he supports Candy throughout the legal proceedings surrounding Betty's murder, despite being aware of her affair. The series may delve into Pat's psychology and explore his motivations for standing by his wife despite the dire circumstances. Alongside his notable television work, such as voicing Owen Moore in The Last of Us Part II, Fugit's performance as Kyle Barnes in Outcast has garnered recognition.

Krysten Ritter as Sherry Cleckler

Krysten Ritter, known for her role in Breaking Bad and as the titular character in Marvel's Jessica Jones, will take on the role of Sherry Cleckler in Love & Death. Sherry is Candy Montgomery's former business partner, and together they founded The Cover Girls, a decorating firm.

Throughout the series, Sherry becomes one of Candy's most loyal supporters and confidantes, standing by her side during the trials and tribulations. Ritter's portrayal of Sherry promises to bring depth to the character, and her previous experience in dark and compelling roles makes her a fitting choice for the role.

Tom Pelphrey as Don Crowder

Tom Pelphrey joins the cast as Don Crowder, Candy Montgomery's defense lawyer in Love & Death. Don successfully defends Candy, helping her evade conviction in the Betty Gore murder case. The fact that Candy was declared "not guilty" despite substantial evidence against her makes Don's accomplishment remarkable and captivating.

Audiences can anticipate compelling courtroom scenes as the series delves into how Don Crowder navigated such a challenging case. Tom Pelphrey, known for his roles in Guiding Light and As the World Turns, brings his talent to the character, and his previous work in the true-crime film American Murderer further showcases his versatility and ability to engage viewers.