Homicide: Life on the Street (TV) Cast
The cast of Homicide: Life on the Street. Updated on August 22, 2025.
297 actors
Richard Belzer
as John Munch (122 episodes)

Richard Belzer played the character John Munch. Munch is a cynical and world-weary detective known for his dry wit and unorthodox approach to police work. He often provides comedic relief in the series.

Giancarlo Esposito
as Michael Giardello (22 episodes)

Giancarlo Esposito portrayed the character Michael Giardello, a confident and skilled detective with a strong sense of justice and integrity. Giardello's character adds depth to the diverse cast and intertwines with various storylines throughout the series.

Andre Braugher
as Frank Pembleton (100 episodes)

Andre Braugher portrayed Frank Pembleton, a dedicated and driven detective known for his intelligence and interrogation skills. Pembleton's character brings a no-nonsense approach to solving cases and delves into complex moral and ethical dilemmas.

Clark Johnson
as Meldrick Lewis (122 episodes)

Clark Johnson played the character Meldrick Lewis, a street-smart and resourceful detective with a compassionate side. Lewis' character often connects with the community and brings a humanizing element to the portrayal of police work.

Yaphet Kotto
as Al Giardello (122 episodes)

Yaphet Kotto portrayed the character Al Giardello, the thoughtful and insightful leader of the Homicide Unit. Giardello's character serves as a mentor and father figure, offering guidance to his team while navigating the challenges of police bureaucracy.

Michelle Forbes
as Julianna Cox (45 episodes)

Michelle Forbes played Julianna Cox, a complex and determined detective with a sharp intellect. Cox's character confronts personal and professional obstacles, contributing to the intricate dynamics within the Homicide Unit.

Michael Michele
as Rene Sheppard (22 episodes)

Michael Michele portrayed Rene Sheppard, a resilient and dedicated detective who brings a fresh perspective to the male-dominated environment of the Homicide Unit. Sheppard's character faces struggles and triumphs, adding depth to the series.

Melissa Leo
as Kay Howard (77 episodes)

Melissa Leo played the character Kay Howard, a tenacious and capable detective known for her bravery and commitment to solving cases. Howard's character exhibits strength and determination, influencing the team dynamics within the Homicide Unit.

Kyle Secor
as Tim Bayliss (122 episodes)
Callie Thorne
as Laura Ballard (45 episodes)
Ned Beatty
as Stanley Bolander (33 episodes)
Jon Polito
as Steve Crosetti (13 episodes)
Toni Lewis
as Terri Stivers (23 episodes)
Reed Diamond
as Mike Kellerman (67 episodes)
Daniel Baldwin
as Beau Felton (33 episodes)
Jon Seda
as Paul Falsone (45 episodes)
Isabella Hofmann
as Megan Russert (42 episodes)
Max Perlich
as J. H. Brodie (22 episodes)
Peter Gerety
as Stuart Gharty (22 episodes)
Bai Ling
as (2 episodes)
Julianna Margulies
as Linda (2 episodes)
Adrienne Shelly
as Tanya Quinn (1 episode)
Robin Williams
as Robert Ellison (1 episode)
Lucinda Jenney
as Pamela Wilgis (1 episode)
Joe Morton
as Sam Thorne (2 episodes)
Nancy Marchand
as Lorraine Freeman (1 episode)
Al Freeman Jr.
as Deputy Commissioner James Harris (3 episodes)
Steve Buscemi
as Gordon Pratt (1 episode)
Valerie Perrine
as Brigitta Svendsen (1 episode)
Frank John Hughes
as Zithead Mazursky (2 episodes)
Dean Winters
as Tom Marans (3 episodes)
Mimi Kennedy
as (1 episode)
Bruce Campbell
as (2 episodes)
Kate Walsh
as (1 episode)
Victor Williams
as (1 episode)
Saverio Guerra
as (1 episode)
Anna Belknap
as (1 episode)
Art Donovan
as (1 episode)
Anne Meara
as (1 episode)
Jade Wu
as (2 episodes)
Leslie Silva
as (2 episodes)
John Glover
as (1 episode)
Paul Giamatti
as (1 episode)
Michael Ornstein
as (2 episodes)
J. Smith-Cameron
as (1 episode)
Illeana Douglas
as Gina Doolen (1 episode)
Shawn Hatosy
as Lyle Warner (1 episode)
Moses Gunn
as (1 episode)
Edie Falco
as Eva Thormann (5 episodes)
Sean Nelson
as Ronnie Sayers (1 episode)
Gloria Reuben
as Det. Theresa Walker (3 episodes)
Pamela Payton-Wright
as Sister Magdalena Weber (4 episodes)
Barnard Hughes
as Sam O'Donnell (1 episode)
David Morse
as Jim Bayliss (1 episode)
Bruno Kirby
as Victor Helms Sr. (1 episode)
Marty Lodge
as (1 episode)
Terry O'Quinn
as (1 episode)
Gary Basaraba
as (1 episode)
Kevin Conway
as (1 episode)
Jay Leno
as (1 episode)
Charles S. Dutton
as (1 episode)
Roger Robinson
as (1 episode)
Jerry Orbach
as (3 episodes)
Scott Bryce
as (1 episode)
Chris Eigeman
as (1 episode)
Edward Herrmann
as (1 episode)
Melvin Van Peebles
as (1 episode)
Taborah Johnson
as (1 episode)
Jean Louisa Kelly
as (1 episode)
Glenn Fitzgerald
as (1 episode)
Tom McCarthy
as (1 episode)
Linda Dano
as (1 episode)
Mekhi Phifer
as (2 episodes)
Stephanie Roth Haberle
as (1 episode)
Carey Lowell
as (1 episode)
Alison Folland
as (1 episode)
Jeffrey Wright
as (3 episodes)
Vanessa Brown
as (1 episode)
Brian Van Holt
as (1 episode)
Vincent D'Onofrio
as (1 episode)
Patti D'Arbanville
as (1 episode)
Carol Kane
as (1 episode)
Alfre Woodard
as (1 episode)
Steve Burns
as (1 episode)
Jack Gwaltney
as (1 episode)
Charles Durning
as (1 episode)
Kevin Corrigan
as (1 episode)
Mitchell Lichtenstein
as (1 episode)
O.L. Duke
as (1 episode)
Margo Martindale
as (1 episode)
Marianne Hagan
as (1 episode)
Skipp Sudduth
as (1 episode)
Marco St. John
as (1 episode)
Haviland Morris
as (1 episode)
Wallace Shawn
as (1 episode)
George Hearn
as (1 episode)
Brooke Smith
as (1 episode)
John Benjamin Hickey
as (1 episode)
Edoardo Ballerini
as (1 episode)
J.D. Williams
as (1 episode)
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