List of GLOW characters

Page last edited 2,489 days ago
From Film, Print, Cards & Games Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search

GLOW is an American television series created by Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch, based on the women's wrestling promotion Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW). The following is a list of characters from the series.

Main characters[edit | edit source]

Ruth Wilder[edit | edit source]

Ruth Wilder (played by Alison Brie) is an actress struggling to land a role on film and television. Having studied the works of August Strindberg, Ruth relies heavily on method acting. One day, she is given an invitation for an audition which turns out to be for the fledgling women's wrestling promotion Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW). Ruth initially has personality conflicts with director Sam Sylvia due to her tendency to overact in the ring. Aside from her acting style, Sam often questions her looks, unsure whether of not he finds her attractive. Making matters worse is her affair with Mark Eagan, the husband of her best friend Debbie. Because of this, she is known by the other women as a "homewrecker". After several weeks of struggling to come up with a character, she creates the in-ring persona of "Zoya the Destroya", a Soviet heel based on the real GLOW wrestler Colonel Ninotchka.[1]

Debbie Eagan[edit | edit source]

Debbie Eagan (played by Betty Gilpin) is a former actress and Ruth's best friend. She is best known for her role as Laura Morgan in the soap opera Paradise Cove until she was written off the series due to her pregnancy. Her friendship with Ruth is severely strained when she discovers that Ruth had an affair with her husband Mark during and after her pregnancy, sparking a cat fight during practice that inspires Sam to cast Debbie as GLOW's leading lady. Originally oblivious to the professional wrestling business, Debbie's mindset changes when she watches a local wrestling show and sees its similarities to soap opera before having a one-night-stand with male wrestler Steel Horse. Debbie's in-ring persona is "Liberty Belle", a patriotic Southern belle based on the real GLOW wrestlers Americana and Scarlet and Tara the Southern Belles.[2]

Sam Sylvia[edit | edit source]

Sam Sylvia (played by Marc Maron) is an exploitation film director hired to direct GLOW. He has a chronic drug and alcohol addiction that has led to one divorce and multiple affairs with other women; his habits continue in GLOW when he has an affair with wrestler Rhonda Richardson. He is often at odds with GLOW's producer Sebastian "Bash" Howard over the creative direction of the promotion, with Sam going for a dystopian sci-fi theme and Bash incorporating colorful stereotypes. Sam is loosely based on Matt Cimber, the director of the original GLOW series.[3]

Cherry Bang[edit | edit source]

Cherry Bang (played by Sydelle Noel) is a former stuntwoman who becomes GLOW's head trainer. She previously worked in Sam's exploitation films in the 1970s and had an affair with him. Prior to GLOW, Cherry had not spoken to Sam since 1978 and she had been out of work since 1979, as the Blaxploitation sub-genre went on a decline toward the 1980s. She also suffered a miscarriage two years before joining GLOW. Cherry's in-ring persona is "Junkchain", a female rapper.[4]

Carmen Wade[edit | edit source]

Carmen Wade (played by Britney Young) is a heavy-set woman who is part of a professional wrestling family. Her father, legendary wrestler Goliath Jackson, disapproves of her desire to become a wrestler. While she has wrestling skills, Carmen suffers from stage fright. Carmen's in-ring persona is "Machu Picchu", an Incan giant loosely based on the real GLOW wrestler Mountain Fiji.[4]

Supporting characters[edit | edit source]

Melanie Rosen[edit | edit source]

Melanie Danielle "Melrose" Rosen (played by Jackie Tohn) is a former model who worked as an extra in several films and music videos. She initially is at odds with Cherry Bang and mocks her style of training until Cherry knocks her out with a sleeper hold. Cherry sees through Melrose as a Jewish-American princess, pointing out that she had no real job, her father pays her bills, and she drives a limousine just for attention. Melrose then mocks Cherry's prior affair with Sam by faking a miscarriage with a bottle of ketchup, which Sam then uses to brainstorm on an in-ring storyline between Melrose and Ruth. Melrose's in-ring personality is based on the real GLOW wrestler Hollywood.[5]

Rhonda Richardson[edit | edit source]

Rhonda Richardson (played by Kate Nash) is a British model who takes the in-ring persona of "Britannica", an English genius inspired by the real GLOW wrestlers Zelda the Brain and Godiva. Prior to joining GLOW, she was homeless, living in a car and asking men for money in Santa Monica. Rhonda becomes romantically involved with Sam, but he becomes concerned when she makes their affair obvious in front of the other ladies.[5]

Justine Biagi[edit | edit source]

Justine Victoria Biagi (played by Britt Baron) is a 19-year-old punk rock girl who uses the in-ring name "Scab". She is a fan of Sam's exploitation films and has a romantic relationship with pizza boy Billy Offal. Later in the series, Justine reveals herself to be Sam's illegitimate daughter, as he had a one-night-stand with her mother Rosalie after being kicked out of a Black Panther Party rally in Sacramento nearly two decades ago. Her sole purpose of joining GLOW was to meet him.[5]

Tammé Dawson[edit | edit source]

Tammé Dawson (played by Kia Stevens) is a heavy-set black woman who takes the in-ring persona of "The Welfare Queen", an arrogant wrestler who flaunts her wealth from welfare and preys on the impoverished. She is initially concerned with her gimmick, as her son is studying at Stanford University. Prior to joining GLOW, Tammé worked as an extra in several TV shows and as an audience coordinator for some game shows.[5]

Sheila the She-Wolf[edit | edit source]

Sheila the She-Wolf (played by Gayle Rankin) is an antisocial woman who wears heavy black eye makeup and has a savage personality. She claims to have an acute sense of smell and hearing, hence being a light sleeper. Sheila actually has blond hair underneath her thick black wig, but she refuses to break kayfabe even in everyday life. Aside from wrestling, Sheila is in charge of audio production. She can play the keyboard, but is limited to "Theme of Exodus".[5]

Arthie Premkumar[edit | edit source]

Arthie Premkumar (played by Sunita Mani) is an Indo-American pre-med student who takes the in-ring persona of "Beirut the Mad Bomber", a Middle Eastern terrorist based on the real GLOW wrestler Palestina.[5]

Jenny Chey[edit | edit source]

Jenny Chey (played by Ellen Wong) is a Cambodian-American woman who takes the in-ring persona of "Fortune Cookie", a stereotypical Chinese martial artist. Aside from wrestling, Jenny is in charge of the wrestlers' costumes.[5]

Dawn and Stacey[edit | edit source]

Dawn Rivecca (played by Rebekka Johnson) and Stacey Beswick (played by Kimmy Gatewood) are hairstylists who pull practical jokes on the other GLOW women. Their in-ring personas are "Edna and Ethel Rosenblatt, The Beatdown Biddies" - a geriatric tag team based on the real GLOW wrestlers The Housewives, Arlene and Phyllis. In GLOW's first show, Dawn are Stacey are put on a bind when they are scheduled to face Cherry and Tammé, as two black women beating up two elderly white women looks bad on all sides. As a compromise, The Beatdown Biddies wear Ku Klux Klan outfits to completely put the match in favor of their opponents. Aside from wrestling, Dawn and Stacey are in charge of the wrestlers' hair and make-up.[5]

Reggie Walsh[edit | edit source]

Reggie Walsh (played by Marianna Palka) is an Olympic medalist. She originally uses the "Liberty Belle" gimmick in the persona test, but because of a lack of personality, the gimmick is given to Debbie instead, and Reggie becomes "Vicky the Viking" due to her tall, athletic stature and blond hair.[5]

Sebastian Howard[edit | edit source]

Sebastian "Bash" Howard (played by Chris Lowell) is the heir to the Howard Foods business empire and producer of GLOW, as well as the promotion's ring announcer and commentator. He provides the women with an old boxing gym for them to train and The Dusty Spur motel as their sleeping quarters. Bash also coordinates with KDTV for broadcast rights and Patio Town for sponsorship. However, he is in a bind when his mother freezes his assets after having spent over $600,000 on GLOW. Bash is loosely based on GLOW creator David McLane.[5]

Mark Eagan[edit | edit source]

Mark Eagan (played by Rich Sommer) is Debbie's husband. He had encouraged Debbie to leave Paradise Cove to be happy and raise a family; however, during Debbie's pregnancy, he had a sexual affair with Ruth after they both got drunk at a party. After Debbie learns of his infidelity, Mark makes several attempts to mend their marriage.[5]

Guest characters[edit | edit source]

Recurring[edit | edit source]

  • Mallory (played by Amy Farrington) is a casting director who purposefully brings in Ruth to casting calls to show directors who not to cast in their projects. Seeing that Ruth is desperate for a break, Mallory leaves a message on her answering machine about a potential opportunity with GLOW. She also threatens to have Ruth blacklisted from all casting calls if she continues to stalk her in the office restroom. Later in the series, Mallory calls Cherry to inform her that KDTV has invited her to audition for a TV drama titled Chambers and Gold.
  • Keith Bang (played by Bashir Salahuddin) is Cherry's husband and the GLOW referee. Like Cherry, Keith previously worked with Sam on his exploitation films in the 1970s.
  • Florian (played by Alex Rich) is Bash's butler. He and Bash have known each other since the third grade. Florian participates in GLOW's pilot episode to present the GLOW Crown.[6]
  • Glen Klitnick (played by Andrew Friedman) is an executive for KDTV who picks up the broadcast rights of GLOW.
  • Billy Offal (played by Casey Johnson) is a pizza delivery boy who develops a relationship with Justine.
  • Goliath Jackson (played by Winston James Francis) is a veteran wrestler and Carmen's father. He is against Carmen pursuing a career in GLOW, as he wants her to get married and be a good housewife instead.
  • Big Kurt Jackson (played by Carlito) and Mighty Tom Jackson (played by Brodus Clay) are Carmen's elder brothers. They are known in the wrestling business as the tag team "The Lumberjacksons". The duo train Ruth and Debbie for their main event.
  • Patrick O'Towne (played by Andy Umberger) is the CEO of Patio Town, an indoor/outdoor lifestyle store chain. He initially declines to sponsor GLOW due to his lack of interest, but Sam convinces him to reconsider when Ruth cuts a promo as Zoya the Destroya during the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Patio Town's new Calabasas branch.
  • Gregory (played by Ravil Isyanov) is the Russian manager of The Dusty Spur motel. When Ruth needs help in developing her Zoya the Destroya character, he takes her to a Russian Jewish family party.

"Pilot"[edit | edit source]

  • Salty "The Sack" Johnson (played by John Morrison) is a professional wrestler assigned as GLOW's original trainer, but is fired by Sam due to creative differences.

"The Wrath of Kuntar"[edit | edit source]

  • Carolyn (played by Esther Anderson) is Sam's ex-wife. They both share joint custody of their dog Lenny.

"Debbie Does Something"[edit | edit source]

  • Lorene (played by Lisa Ann Walter) is Debbie's mother, who takes care of Debbie's son Randy while she is out training for GLOW.
  • Ron (played by Allan Havey) is Debbie's stepfather.
  • Dale (played by Alex Riley) is a professional wrestler who takes the persona of "Steel Horse", a working-class hero. He admits to Debbie that his promotion's storylines were inspired by soap operas, and that he has been a fan of hers since her days in Paradise Cove.
  • Rick (played by Joey Ryan) is a professional wrestler who takes the persona of "Mr. Monopoly", an arrogant business tycoon who is Steel Horse's arch nemesis and half-brother. His gimmick is a parody of "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase, and he is accompanied by his valet and Steel Horse's ex-girlfriend Crystal (played by Laura James), a parody of Miss Elizabeth.

"This Is One of Those Moments"[edit | edit source]

  • Michael (played by Daniel Polo) is Gregory's cousin and a young Russian Jewish chess champion who migrates to America. He undergoes bris during his welcome party, and upon overhearing Ruth talking about Yentl, he asks her to sing one of Barbra Streisand's songs to ease his pain.

"Maybe It's All the Disco"[edit | edit source]

  • Amber Fredrickson (played by Brooke Hogan) is the manager of a night club that Sam and Ruth see as a possible venue for GLOW shows.

"The Liberal Chokehold"[edit | edit source]

  • Birdie (played by Elizabeth Perkins) is Bash's mother. Upon discovering that Bash spent over $600,000 on investing on GLOW, she freezes his assets. After Bash brings in the GLOW wrestlers as mock speakers in Birdie's anti-drug fundraiser, Birdie allows him to use the Hayworth Hotel's ballroom for GLOW's pilot episode.

Settings[edit | edit source]

Chavo's Boxing Gym[edit | edit source]

Chavo's Boxing Gym is an old boxing gym in the San Fernando Valley that Bash purchased in cash to avoid any complicated paperwork. Insurance companies refuse to cover the building due to its proximity over a fault line. The gym is named after professional wrestler Chavo Guerrero Jr., who trained the cast of the series as a nod to his uncle and original GLOW trainer Mando Guerrero.

The Dusty Spur[edit | edit source]

The Dusty Spur is a motel in Van Nuys that Bash rents out as sleeping quarters for the GLOW wrestlers. It is managed by Gregory, a cranky Russian who does not care about the poor condition of the motel's amenities.

Bash's Mansion[edit | edit source]

Bash's Mansion is located in Malibu. It is managed by Bash's butler Florian and GLOW-Bot, a robot butler that stores drugs in a hidden compartment.

Hayworth Hotel[edit | edit source]

The Hayworth Hotel is a five-star hotel owned by the Howard family. The hotel's ballroom is the host venue for GLOW's pilot episode.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Andreeva, Nellie (August 29, 2016). "Alison Brie To Star In Netflix Comedy Series 'G.L.O.W.' From Jenji Kohan". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 26, 2017. 
  2. Andreeva, Nellie (August 30, 2016). "'G.L.O.W.': Betty Gilpin To Co-Star In Netflix's 1980s Wrestling Comedy Series". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 26, 2017. 
  3. Petski, Denise (August 31, 2016). "Marc Maron To Co-Star In Netflix Comedy Series 'G.L.O.W.' From Jenji Kohan". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 26, 2017. 
  4. 4.0 4.1 Petski, Denise (September 17, 2016). "Britney Young & Sydelle Noel Join Netflix Comedy Series 'G.L.O.W.' From Jenji Kohan". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 17, 2016. 
  5. 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 Petski, Denise (September 22, 2016). "'G.L.O.W.': Jenji Kohan Netflix Comedy Series Adds Britt Baron, Jackie Tohn & Five More". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 22, 2016. 
  6. Petski, Denise (December 17, 2016). "Alex Rich Joins 'GLOW'; 'Animal Kingdom' Adds Jennifer Landon". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 26, 2017. 


Category:Lists of American television series characters