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A wife, mother and middle school math teacher, Olive is old-school and big-spirited — though she often comes off as abrasive. Despite her lack of warmth, Olive is fiercely protective of her family and members of their community.

A local shut-in and a customer at Henry’s pharmacy. Rachel suffers from debilitating mental illness and delusions that put a strain on her teenage son, Kevin.

A local widower, he and Olive become unlikely friends in the wake of their grief.

The good-hearted and kindly town pharmacist, Henry is a popular fixture in the community. Though Henry is Olive’s total opposite, his love and compassion for her runs deep.

The enthusiastic and cheerful replacement to Henry’s elderly and long-serving assistant, Doris, at the pharmacy. Denise is married to her high school boyfriend, also named Henry.

The son of Olive and Henry, Christopher resents his mother’s approach to parenting. As an adult, he puts some distance — emotional and physical — between himself and his parents.

A fellow teacher and bit of a tortured soul, Jim and Olive maintain a friendship based on a deep mutual understanding — as well as a shared tendency towards self-destruction.

Cast & Characters

See the full list of cast and characters

Frances Mcdormand

Rosemarie Dewitt

Bill Murray

Richard Jenkins

Zoe Kazan

John Gallagher Jr

Peter Mullan

About the Series

Olive Kitteridge (HBO)