Apple TV+ Before not only does it feature a gripping psychological drama, but it also features some memorable characters played by talented cast members. Written by Sarah Thorp, Before has received an underwhelming reception from viewers and critics since its release. Many critics have expressed their disappointment with the Apple TV+ original show’s inability to present a cohesive plot and its over-the-top fantastical elements that gradually undermine its initial promise of being an engaging, atmospheric psychological drama.
However, despite receiving negative reviews, Before was appreciated for the performances of its cast members. Many cited main star Billy Crystal as the show’s only saving grace and even praised the performances of other new and familiar faces appearing in the series. Since the actors Before played a crucial role in making it more watchable, many viewers may be curious as to who plays who on the show after watching it on Apple TV+.
Before analyzing the cast and characters |
|
Actor |
Paper |
Billy Cristal |
Eli |
Jacobi Jupe |
Noah |
Rosie Perez |
Denise |
Judith Luz |
Lynn |
Julia Chan |
Therapist |
Sakina Jaffrey |
Gail |
Itzhak Perlman |
Drake |
Billy Crystal as Eli
Date of birth: March 14, 1948
Actor: Born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx, Billy Crystal attended Long Beach High School before attending Marshall University on a baseball scholarship. However, he did not return to university in his second year and began his journey as an actor by honing his skills at HB Studio. He later attended New York University, where Oliver Stone and Christopher Guest were, interestingly, his classmates, while Martin Scorsese was one of his instructors.
During her early years, Crystal built her career in comedy performing solo acts on shows such as The improvisation and Catch a rising star. He has also made guest appearances on several game shows such as The $20,000 Pyramid and Hollywood squares. His first major television role came in 1977 when he played Jodie Dallas on the sitcom Soap. Since then, Crystal has not only risen through the ranks and acquired leading lady status through her performances, but she has also proven herself to be an incredible host at award ceremonies like the Oscars.
Notable films and shows:
Film/Program |
Paper |
When Harry met Sally |
Harry Burns |
Forget Paris |
Mickey |
Soap |
Jodie Dallas |
Saturday night live |
Various roles in 19 episodes |
Character: On Apple TV+ BeforeBilly Crystal plays the main character, Eli, a child psychiatrist who is mourning the recent death of his wife. He crosses paths with a boy named Noah, who has strange connections to his past.
The more Eli connects with the boy and tries to help him as a psychiatrist, the more he is forced to face some hard truths about his own life. Although Billy Crystal is best known for his comedic roles, he does a commendable job of capturing the seriousness and gravitas of his role in Before.
Jacobi Jupe as Noah
Date of birth: June 1, 2013
Actor: Born in Islington, London, Jacobi Jupe is the younger brother of Noah Jupe. He began his acting journey by starring in a short film titled Fridge in 2020. Since then, the young star has appeared in a handful of other TV shows and movies, such as Britannia, Tom Jonesand Peter Pan and Wendy. Although Jupe is still in the early years of his acting career, he has already gained immense appreciation for playing characters like Cyrus in Britannia and Noah in Before.
Notable films and shows:
Film/Program |
Paper |
Britannia |
Ciro |
Tom Jones |
Young Tom |
Peter Pan and Wendy |
Dear Michael |
Cupid |
Beautiful |
Character: In the Apple TV+ miniseries, Jacobi Jupe plays a troubled eight-year-old boy named Noah. When he meets child psychologist Dr. Eli Adler to seek help, Eli is surprised by how much he knows about him and his past. This marks the beginning of a psychological journey for both characters, where they gradually learn that their connection is much deeper than they initially imagined.
Before supporting cast and characters
Rosie Perez as Denise: Noah’s adoptive mother, Denise, is played by Rosie Perez in Before. Perez is best known for her roles in Fearless, White men can’t jumpand Human Resources.
Judith Light as Lynn: Judith Light, who has acted in shows and films such as The menu, Transparentand Ugly Bettyportrays Eli’s wife, Lynn, in Before.
Julia Chan as Therapist: Best known for her roles in shows like File 81 and BoJack KnightJulia Chan plays the therapist Eli visits in Before.
Sakina Jaffrey as Gail: Sakina Jaffrey, known for playing roles in The nanny’s diaries, Raising Helenand The truth about Charlieportrays Eli’s boss, Gail, who assigns him Noah’s case.
Itzhak Perlman as Drake: Eli’s linguist friend Drake is played by Itzhak Perlman in Beforewho is best known for his brilliant musical compositions.