The Other Bennet Sister: full cast & characters
Who plays who in the BBC's Mary Bennet drama — every Bennet, both suitors, and one very meaningful cameo.
| Character | Actor | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mary Bennet | Ella Bruccoleri | The overlooked middle sister — the show's heart. Bruccoleri (Call the Midwife) leads her first major series. |
| Mr Bennet | Richard E. Grant | The Bennet patriarch, fond of his library and his irony. |
| Mrs Bennet | Ruth Jones | A mother with five daughters and one mission. |
| Jane Bennet | Maddie Close | The eldest and kindest. |
| Elizabeth "Lizzie" Bennet | Poppy Gilbert | The quick-witted second sister of Pride and Prejudice fame. |
| Kitty Bennet | Molly Wright | The fourth sister. |
| Lydia Bennet | Grace Hogg-Robinson | The youngest and least governable. |
| Mr Gardiner | Richard Coyle | Mary's uncle in London. |
| Mrs Gardiner | Indira Varma | Mary's aunt — and ally. |
| Mr Ryder | Laurie Davidson | One of Mary's suitors. |
| Mr Hayward | Dónal Finn | The other of Mary's suitors. |
The casting Easter egg fans love: Lucy Briers, who played Mary Bennet in the BBC's 1995 Pride and Prejudice, appears in the series — one Mary handing the role to the next, thirty years on.
Cast FAQ
Who plays Mary Bennet in The Other Bennet Sister?
Ella Bruccoleri plays Mary Bennet, leading the cast of the BBC's ten-part adaptation of Janice Hadlow's novel.
Who plays Mr and Mrs Bennet?
Richard E. Grant plays Mr Bennet and Ruth Jones plays Mrs Bennet.
Is the actress from the 1995 Pride and Prejudice in the show?
Yes — Lucy Briers, who played Mary Bennet in the BBC's 1995 Pride and Prejudice, appears in The Other Bennet Sister: a deliberate passing of the torch between Marys.
Who are Mary's love interests in The Other Bennet Sister?
Mary has two suitors: Mr Ryder, played by Laurie Davidson, and Mr Hayward, played by Dónal Finn.
More: the full fact sheet · episode recaps · who is Mary Bennet?
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