Ever watch Ghosts on CBS and think, “Wait, where do I know that face from?” You’re not alone. This hit supernatural comedy didn’t just win hearts—it brought together a star-studded ensemble with fascinating Hollywood histories. From Broadway veterans to sitcom legends, the Ghosts cast has some impressive (and surprising!) resumes.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into where you’ve seen these hilarious spirits before, uncovering their standout roles, hidden gems, and the performances that shaped their careers.
What Makes CBS’s “Ghosts” So Special?
Before we dig into the cast, let’s appreciate why Ghosts became a TV phenomenon. Adapted from the hit BBC series, the CBS version follows a struggling couple who inherit an old mansion—only to discover it’s haunted by an eclectic bunch of ghosts from different eras.
What sets it apart? Its humor isn’t just spooky; it’s heartfelt. The chemistry between the living and the dead is pure TV magic—and much of that comes down to the insanely talented cast.
Meet Samantha Arondekar – Played by Rose McIver
Who Is Rose McIver?
If Rose McIver looks familiar, it’s because she’s been lighting up screens for over a decade. Born in New Zealand, McIver made a name for herself long before her Ghosts days.
Where You’ve Seen Her Before
You might remember her as Liv Moore in The CW’s cult-favorite iZombie, where she portrayed a witty medical examiner-turned-zombie. Before that, she starred in Netflix’s romantic hit A Christmas Prince trilogy—yes, that’s her royal charm at work!
Fun Fact
McIver’s been acting since childhood, even appearing in The Lovely Bones and Once Upon a Time as Tinker Bell.
Jay Arondekar – Played by Utkarsh Ambudkar
Who Is Utkarsh Ambudkar?
Jay, Samantha’s skeptical husband, brings grounded humor to the ghostly chaos—and that’s all thanks to Utkarsh Ambudkar’s charisma.
Where You’ve Seen Him Before
Ambudkar’s been everywhere: he starred in Pitch Perfect as Donald, made waves in Brittany Runs a Marathon, and showed his dramatic chops in The Mindy Project. Recently, he’s been making his mark in Disney’s World’s Best and the 2021 hit Free Guy.
Did You Know?
He’s also a talented rapper and freestyle artist—yep, the man’s got bars.
Hetty Woodstone – Played by Rebecca Wisocky
Who Is Rebecca Wisocky?
Every haunted mansion needs an uptight, aristocratic ghost, right? Enter Hetty Woodstone, the Victorian lady with cutting wit and class to spare.
Where You’ve Seen Her Before
Wisocky is best known for her role as Evelyn Powell on Devious Maids, but she’s also appeared in American Horror Story, The Mentalist, and True Blood. Her theater background gives Hetty that regal, commanding presence fans adore.
Isaac Higgintoot – Played by Brandon Scott Jones
Who Is Brandon Scott Jones?
Isaac is the Revolutionary War officer with major unspoken… well, let’s say romantic revelations.
Where You’ve Seen Him Before
Jones is a comedic powerhouse. You’ve seen him in The Good Place, Isn’t It Romantic, and the Netflix hit Senior Year with Rebel Wilson. His blend of awkward charm and sharp humor makes Isaac one of Ghosts’ most beloved characters.
Alberta Haynes – Played by Danielle Pinnock
Who Is Danielle Pinnock?
A jazz singer from the 1920s with a big heart and an even bigger voice—Alberta steals nearly every scene she’s in.
Where You’ve Seen Her Before
Pinnock has appeared in Young Sheldon, This Is Us, and Get Shorty. She’s also a celebrated writer and comedian, bringing layers of warmth and sass to her role on Ghosts.
Pete Martino – Played by Richie Moriarty
Who Is Richie Moriarty?
If there’s a ghost you’d actually want as a friend, it’s Pete—the eternally optimistic scout leader who met an unfortunate archery accident.
Where You’ve Seen Him Before
Moriarty has shown up in What We Do in the Shadows, Orange Is the New Black, and The Tick. His comedic timing and lovable energy make Pete one of the show’s fan favorites.
Thorfinn – Played by Devan Chandler Long
Who Is Devan Chandler Long?
Every haunting needs a Viking warrior ghost, right? Thorfinn—fondly known as “Thor”—brings brute strength and hilarious fish-out-of-water moments to the series.
Where You’ve Seen Him Before
You might recognize Long from Doom Patrol, The Flash, and Bosch. His background in football and stunt work adds physical authenticity to his boisterous Viking role.
Trevor Lefkowitz – Played by Asher Grodman
Who Is Asher Grodman?
Trevor, the Wall Street party boy who died pantsless, is one of the show’s breakout stars.
Where You’ve Seen Him Before
Before Ghosts, Grodman appeared in Succession, Law & Order: SVU, and Chicago Med. A Columbia University graduate and acting teacher, he brings both intelligence and chaos to the role.
Flower – Played by Sheila Carrasco
Who Is Sheila Carrasco?
Free-spirited, kind, and… occasionally high on life (and other things), Flower is the ultimate hippie ghost.
Where You’ve Seen Her Before
Carrasco has guest-starred in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Jane the Virgin, and The Good Place. Her improv background shines through every time Flower drops a line that’s both insightful and adorably spacey.
Captain – Played by Nigel Downer
Who Is Nigel Downer?
Nigel, the British officer and Isaac’s potential love interest, brings a blend of charm and comedic tension to Ghosts.
Where You’ve Seen Him Before
Downer has appeared in Kim’s Convenience and Baroness Von Sketch Show. His chemistry with Brandon Scott Jones adds a tender, heartfelt dimension to the show’s humor.
Sassapis – Played by Román Zaragoza
Who Is Román Zaragoza?
Sassapis, the Native American storyteller ghost, brings history, wisdom, and dry wit to the mansion’s mix of misfits.
Where You’ve Seen Him Before
Zaragoza previously appeared in Austin & Ally and Stumptown. Beyond acting, he’s a passionate advocate for Indigenous representation in media.
The Ensemble’s Secret to Success
What makes Ghosts shine isn’t just the individual talent—it’s the chemistry. Each actor perfectly embodies their ghost’s era, quirks, and personality, making every interaction a comedic goldmine.
Together, they’ve created one of the most diverse, lovable casts on TV, where every haunting feels like home.
The British Roots of “Ghosts”
It’s worth mentioning: the CBS show is based on the BBC’s Ghosts, created by the comedy troupe behind Horrible Histories. Some fans even compare the casts—but the American version carved out its own distinct identity, with fresh humor and deeper emotional layers.
How “Ghosts” Became a Surprise Hit
When Ghosts premiered on CBS in 2021, no one expected it to become one of network TV’s most talked-about comedies. But its mix of heart, humor, and history struck a chord with viewers craving something light yet meaningful.
Its success? Pure synergy between great writing and a cast that knows how to make every ghost feel alive.
Why Fans Can’t Get Enough
There’s something oddly comforting about Ghosts. Maybe it’s seeing these spirits—each trapped in their own time—learn to connect, grow, and find humor in eternity. Or maybe it’s just the laugh-out-loud moments that feel refreshingly human.
Whatever the reason, the cast’s performances make Ghosts more than a comedy—it’s a celebration of second chances and shared humanity.
Conclusion: Familiar Faces, Fresh Laughs
From iZombie to Pitch Perfect, Devious Maids to Brooklyn Nine-Nine, the Ghosts cast has graced our screens long before haunting CBS. Their collective experience, humor, and heart breathe life (and afterlife) into every episode.
So next time you watch Ghosts, remember—you’re not just seeing a sitcom. You’re watching a reunion of some of TV’s most talented, versatile actors bringing comedy back from the dead.
FAQs
1. Is the CBS version of Ghosts based on the British show?
Yes, it’s an American adaptation of the BBC sitcom Ghosts, with its own unique characters and storylines.
2. Where is Ghosts filmed?
The show is primarily filmed in Montreal, Canada, even though it’s set in upstate New York.
3. Who plays the main couple in Ghosts?
Rose McIver and Utkarsh Ambudkar star as Samantha and Jay Arondekar, the living couple who inherit the haunted mansion.
4. Is the Ghosts cast close off-screen?
Absolutely! Many cast members have shared that their off-screen friendship mirrors the warmth you see on the show.
5. Will there be more seasons of Ghosts?
CBS renewed Ghosts for multiple seasons, with new episodes continuing to explore the hilarious lives (and afterlives) of its quirky cast.
