Whether you know her as Anna Delvey or Anna Sorokin, chances are you’ve heard the story about the young woman who deployed her fake identity as a wealthy heiress to cheat New York socialites out of their money.
If you haven’t, that’s about to change thanks to Shonda Rhimes, the mega-producer behind hits like “Scandal,” “Bridgerton” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” Her latest show, “Inventing Anna,” stars Julia Garner as Delvey and Anna Chlumsky as the journalist writing about her story.
The nine-episode series, is now streaming on Netflix, is chock full of characters, many of whom are played by Shondaland regulars. Here’s a guide to the most important faces to keep track of as you watch.
Julia Garner as Anna Delvey
Starring as Anna Delvey/Anna Sorokin, Julia Garner is “Inventing Anna.” The “Ozark” actress plays the “fake heiress” who became famous for swindling the upper echelons of New York society out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. The series begins in the months leading up to her 2019 trial, during which journalist Vivian (Anna Chlumsky) takes an interest in her case. Anna uses her wit, breezy confidence and mysterious European accent to manipulate others to give her exactly what she wants. Garner was nominated for a Golden Globe, Emmy and SAG Award for her performance in “Inventing Anna.”
Anna Chlumsky as Vivian
“Veep” alum Anna Chlumsky plays Vivian Kent, loosely based on New York Magazine journalist Jessica Pressler, whose article is the basis for “Inventing Anna.” At Manhattan magazine, Vivian is literally and figuratively backed into a corner thanks to her combative relationship with her editor and a professional scandal that’s still haunting her. Pregnant and desperate for a comeback, Vivian sees Anna’s story as her chance for redemption – and is willing to bend and break some rules to get the story.
Arian Moayed as Todd
Arian Moayed, recently seen in “Succession” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” plays Anna’s attorney Todd. Like Vivian, he’s looking to make a name for himself with Anna’s case. As a small-time lawyer, he’s the David to Assistant District Attorney Catherine McCaw’s (Rebecca Henderson) Goliath.
Anders Holm as Jack
Anders Holm of “Workaholics” and “The Mindy Project” fame fills the role of Vivian’s husband Jack. Throughout the series, he tries to temper Vivian’s workaholic tendencies while preparing to welcome their first child. At the end of the day, he’s always there to support her, even accompanying her on a work trip to the Hamptons.
Laverne Cox as Kacey Duke
Laverne Cox, who rose to fame as Sophia Burset in “Orange Is The New Black” and has consistently appeared in series and films since, co-stars as fitness mogul Kacey Duke. A former member of Anna’s inner circle, Kacey later realizes she wasn’t who she pretended to be.
Alexis Floyd as Neff
After Anna’s lies catch up to her, Neff is the only friend who comes to her defense and tries to get others to do the same. When Vivian first comes to the swanky hotel where she works, Neff lies about her relationship with Anna in order to protect her.
Katie Lowes as Rachel
One of many frequent Shonda Rhimes collaborators in the cast, “Scandal”s Katie Lowes plays Rachel, a Vanity Fair photo editor who Anna conned out of $60,000 on a vacation to Morocco. (The real Rachel DeLoache Williams wrote a book called “My Friend Anna” on the ordeal; you can read an excerpt detailing her thoughts on “Inventing Anna” here.)
Saamer Usmani as Chase Sikorski
Aspiring tech tycoon Chase features in the series early on, mostly appearing in flashbacks generated by Anna’s former stylist friend Val (James Cusati-Moyer). His tumultuous romantic relationship with Anna puts him on both sides of the scam, as Vivian suspects he may be part of it. Ultimately, he’s just another casualty in Anna’s ruthless climb to the top. He’s played by Saamer Usmani, recently seen in “Succession,” “What/If” and “Katy Keene.”
Marika Domińczyk
Played by Marika Domińczyk, Talia Mallay is a lifestyle guru and entrepreneur who is Vivian’s entry way into Anna’s world. She invites Vivian and her husband to stay at her beachfront mansion in the Hamptons while she recounts stories about traveling the world with Anna.
Kate Burton as Nora Radford
“Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal” alum Kate Burton appears in a number of episodes of “Inventing Anna.” In it, she plays Nora Radford, a wealthy Manhattanite who invites Anna to live with her for a time and ultimately ends up as another one of her fraud victims.
Rebecca Henderson as Catherine McCaw
“Russian Doll” actress Rebecca Henderson plays Catherine McCaw, the assistant district attorney who is prosecuting Anna’s case.
James Cusati-Moyer as Val
Actor James Cusati-Moyer plays Val, a friend of Nora’s who becomes fast friends with Anna but learns the hard way that Anna’s friendships come and go with the drop of a hat.
