Summary
Cinderella Manis a hugely popular boxing movie that took the world by storm in 2005, but many of the actors involved have gone on to carve unique careers for themselves and star in plenty more recognizable projects. The story follows a former boxer named James J. Braddock, whose life is turned upside-down by the Great Depression and he’s forced to get into the ring once more. It’s one of the most inspiringmovies about underdogsin recent memory, andthe story has managed to stay relevantfor almost two decades.
The A-list cast behindCinderella Manis another of the film’s strongest assets. While it’s very much a character study with a clear protagonist, the supporting characters often steal the show with their grounded performances and crucial subplots.Cinderella Manis best known for being one ofRussell Crowe’s best movies, but even the most minor characters are played by actors that audiences would immediately recognize today. In the years since the project,Cinderella Man’s cast has gone on to star in plenty of exciting movies and TV shows that have furthered their careers even more.
Rosy Braddock
The 8 Russell Crowe Movies That Defined His Career
Russell Crowe has been an important figure in cinema since early on in his career, and the movies that made him a star are some of the very best.
Date of Birth: June 17, 2025
Active Since: 1992
Actor: Russell Crowe was born in Wellington, New Zealand, and broke out in the film industry with his debut featureRomper Stomper. From there, he quickly became one of Hollywood’s biggest names after starring in the historical epicGladiatorand later won the Best Actor Oscar for his performance in the movie. More recently, the actor has appeared inThe Nice GuysandLes Miserables.
Thor: Love And Thunder
Zeus
Character: James J. Braddock was a real-life American boxer from New Jersey who was forced to quit the sport after a dangerous injury in the ring. Without his income from boxing, Braddock and his family suffer through the turmoils of the Great Depression until he’sforced to come back to what he knows and loves.
Date of Birth: July 17, 2025
Active Since: 1993
Actor: Renée Zellweger is an American actress from Katy, a Western suburb of Houston, Texas. Her career began with an uncredited role in Richard Linklater’sDazed and Confused,before she landed her first credited role inReality Bites, directed by Ben Stiller. She was a rising star throughout the 1990s, appearing in projects such asEmpire Records and Jerry Maguire. She later played the lead role in the belovedBridget Jonestrilogy, which can definitely be considered amongRenée Zellweger’s best movies.
Judy
Judy Garland
Character: Mae Braddock is the wife of Russell Crowe’s protagonist, and she spends the majority of the film taking care of their family while they struggle under the financial pressures of the Great Depression.Her supporting role is crucialto understanding James’ motivations for getting back in the ring.
Date of Birth: 6 June, 1967
Active Since: 1994
Actor: Paul Giamatti was born in New Haven, Connecticut and became one of Hollywood’s most reliable character actors throughout the 1990s. His early roles included a minor appearance in NYPD Blue, and more recognizable characters inPrivate PartsandMighty Aphrodite. In the following decade, Giamatti became known for his roles inSidewaysandBig Fat Liar.One ofPaul Giamatti’s best movies,The Holdovers, earned him anAcademy Award nomination for Best Actorin 2024.
San Andreas
Dr. Lawrence Hayes
Character: Joe Gould is Braddock’s professional manager and close personal friend, and he’s the one who arranges for the protagonist to make his return to boxing. He pushes Braddock to overcome his injury and rise to the strengths that he displayed at the height of his career,
Date of Birth: June 16, 2025
Active Since: 1991
Actor: Craig Bierko was born in Rye Brook, New York and rose to fame throughout the 1990s, with his first role inVictimless Crimesand later appearances inThe Long Kiss GoodnightandScary Movie 4. He also starred alongside Marisa Tomei inDanikain the same year as his most famous role inCinderella Man.
The Mentalist
Doc Dugan
Character: Max Baer is a rival boxer who currently holds the Heavyweight Champion title, famous for having killed two opponents in the ring. As Braddock gets more accomplished following his return to the sport,he realizes that he stands a shot against Baer, and that becomes his main goal.
Date of Birth: July 01, 2025
Active Since: 1999
Actor: Paddy Considine is a British actor and filmmaker from Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire. His first major role came inA Room for Romeo Brassin 1999, the first of several collaborations with director Shane Meadows. After appearing inDead Man’s ShoesandMy Summer of Love, Considine truly broke through with international audiences in 2007 when he starred in bothHot FuzzandThe Bourne Ultimatum.Since then, he’s become famous for playing King Viserys Targaryen I in HBO’sHouse of the Dragon.
House of the Dragon
In America
Johnny
Character: Mike Wilson was one of Braddock’s boxing colleagues, though he spent most of his time advocating and demonstrating for the communist party after the US government failed his family during the Depression. His character addsa unique political elementto the story, enriching the historical context of the film.
Cinderella Man Supporting Cast & Characters
Bruce McGill as James Johnstone- McGill is an American actor best known for his roles inMy Cousin Vinny, where he played Sheriff Farley, and Amazon’sReacherseries, where he plays Grover Teale.
David Huband as Ford Bond- David Huband is a Canadian actor and writer whose most famous roles outside ofCinderella ManincludedDream House,Good Sam, andCube Zero.
Connor Price as Jay Braddock- Connor Price played Braddock’s son inCinderella Manand has since started a career in music, releasing several hip-hop records.
