You may recognize the faces, but how well do you know the actors behind A&E’s hit show Longmire? Now in its sixth and final season, the contemporary Western crime drama is a fan favorite thanks in large part to its stellar ensemble cast. For the past six years, these actors have brought the fictional Absaroka County Sheriff’s Department to life and made us care deeply about each character’s struggles and triumphs. Though the show may be ending, the memories of these performances will live on. Get to know the faces behind the badges and the complex characters they portray each week. From veteran heavyweights to up-and-coming stars, the Longmire cast is one of the most compelling on television. Tune in each week not just for the clever mysteries but for the chance to watch this exceptional cast shine in the rustic world of Durant, Wyoming.
Introducing the Talented Longmire Cast
The Longmire series boasts an exceptional cast of talented actors and actresses.
Lou Diamond Phillips as Henry Standing Bear
Lou Diamond Phillips plays Henry Standing Bear, Walt Longmire’s longtime friend and confidant. Phillips is known for his roles in films like La Bamba, Young Guns, and Courage Under Fire. His charismatic and complex performance as Henry earned him a spot as a fan favorite.
Katee Sackhoff as Victoria “Vic” Moretti
Katee Sackhoff stars as Deputy Victoria “Vic” Moretti, a former Philadelphia homicide detective who joins the Absaroka County Sheriff’s Department. Sackhoff is best known for her role as Lieutenant Kara “Starbuck” Thrace in the reimagined Battlestar Galactica series. Her quick-witted and spirited portrayal of Vic provides a perfect counterbalance to Walt’s more stoic demeanor.
Bailey Chase as Branch Connally
Bailey Chase plays the role of Deputy Branch Connally, Walt Longmire’s ambitious and confrontational deputy. Chase has had recurring roles on shows like Damages, Saving Grace, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. His complex performance as the flawed but well-meaning Branch added extra layers of depth and drama to the show.
With its mix of veteran actors and up-and-coming talent, the Longmire cast brought wit, humor, and heart to the series and helped cement its place as one of the most beloved crime dramas of the modern era. Their nuanced, empathetic, and humanizing performances gave life to characters that resonated with viewers and made the show feel like a visit with old friends.
Robert Taylor as Sheriff Walt Longmire
Robert Taylor brings Sheriff Walt Longmire, the show’s title character, to life. As the sheriff of Absaroka County, Wyoming, Longmire is a man of few words but great integrity. His quiet demeanor and stoic personality mask a sharp mind and strong sense of justice.
Longmire is a widower who still deeply misses his late wife, Martha. Her memory impacts many of his decisions and interactions. However, he has started to slowly develop a connection with his daughter Cady’s friend, Vic Moretti, a Philadelphia transplant who now works as a deputy in his department. Their witty banter and willingness to challenge each other has led to a growing affection and respect.
Physically, Taylor’s rugged features, weathered face, and tall stature perfectly embody a modern western lawman. His measured drawl and understated delivery allow his humor and depth of feeling to sneak up on both characters and viewers. Taylor’s subtle but Emmy-worthy performance brings gravitas and authenticity to the series.
On the job, Longmire relies on experience, intuition, and old-fashioned detective work to get the job done. He has little patience for politics or political correctness. While this has caused trouble in the past, his relentless pursuit of justice and willingness to bend the rules when needed get results. His unorthodox methods are balanced by a strong moral code that shapes all of his decisions.
With Taylor at the helm, Walt Longmire emerges as a true American original – a stoic, principled and complex hero who brings a sense of comfort and order to a changing world. His depth and nuance give the show its heart. Simply put, without Taylor there is no Longmire.
Katee Sackhoff as Deputy Victoria “Vic” Moretti
Katee Sackhoff as Deputy Victoria “Vic” Moretti
The character of Deputy Victoria “Vic” Moretti is portrayed by actress Katee Sackhoff. Known for playing strong, tough female characters, Sackhoff is perfectly cast in the role of the feisty yet humorous deputy. Viewers are instantly drawn to Vic’s sharp wit and no-nonsense attitude as she works in a predominantly male field.
Sackhoff has had many memorable roles in popular sci-fi franchises. She is best known for playing Kara “Starbuck” Thrace in the acclaimed series Battlestar Galactica. Her performance earned her three Saturn Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress. Sackhoff has also starred as the lead in The Last Sentinel and Oculus. She has made guest appearances on shows such as 24, Nip/Tuck, Cold Case, and The Big Bang Theory.
On Longmire, Vic starts out as one of the deputies under Sheriff Longmire’s command, often serving as his right-hand woman. Though very capable at her job, she struggles to gain the respect of some of the male deputies and townspeople. Her relationship with Walt begins quite antagonistic but gradually develops into a deep friendship and loyalty. Viewers see Vic’s softer side emerge in her caring for her husband Sean and daughter.
Sackhoff brings strength, humor, and heart to the role of Vic. Her quick-witted and spirited performance is a perfect foil for Robert Taylor’s more stoic Walt Longmire. The banter and eventual bond between these two characters become a driving force of the show. Sackhoff’s talent for playing powerful women who don’t conform to gender stereotypes has made Vic Moretti an instant fan favorite. Her portrayal is a standout in the series and showcases why she has become such an icon in science fiction. The character of Vic Moretti would not have had the same memorable impact without Sackhoff’s skilled and charismatic performance.
Lou Diamond Phillips as Henry Standing Bear
Lou Diamond Phillips plays Henry Standing Bear, Walt Longmire’s longtime friend and confidant. Henry owns and operates the Red Pony bar and restaurant, which serves as a gathering place for many of the show’s main characters.
Henry acts as a voice of reason for Walt, providing emotional support and helping him work through challenging cases. Their friendship spans decades, with Henry and Walt growing up together on the Cheyenne reservation. This longtime bond allows Henry to give Walt advice in a way few others can. At times, Henry’s counsel proves invaluable in preventing Walt from making rash decisions he may later regret.
Though usually level-headed and pragmatic, Henry shows a fun-loving side when joining Walt and others for games of basketball at the Red Pony. He takes an avuncular interest in Cady Longmire and fiercely protects the Longmire family. Henry’s devotion to his culture and heritage also shines through, as he works to promote Native American causes and addresses issues facing local tribes.
Portrayed by veteran actor Lou Diamond Phillips, Henry brings warmth, humor, and wisdom to the show. Phillips and Robert Taylor, who plays Walt, demonstrate an easy chemistry that makes the friendship between their characters feel authentic. Fans of the Longmire series appreciate Henry’s steadfast support of Walt and valued place in the tight-knit community of Durant.
The character of Henry Standing Bear provides an emotional anchor for the show and its protagonist. As Walt’s closest friend and confidant, Henry’s guidance helps ensure justice is served and the right path is followed. His portrayal adds dimension to the series through insights into Native American culture in modern-day Wyoming. Phillips’s nuanced performance brings to life a character fans find endearing and irreplaceable.
Bailey Chase as Deputy Branch Connally
Bailey Chase plays Deputy Branch Connally, Walt Longmire’s main deputy in the series. Branch is ambitious and political, aiming to become sheriff himself one day.
Character Background
Branch comes from an influential Wyoming family involved in ranching and local politics. His father and grandfather were sheriffs, and he believes it is his birthright to follow in their footsteps. Branch graduated at the top of his class in the police academy and views the deputy position as merely a stepping stone to becoming sheriff.
Branch is arrogant, entitled and has a tendency to cut corners. He resents Walt’s unorthodox methods and old-school way of policing. Branch thinks Walt is out of touch and that he would make a far better sheriff with his modern policing techniques and political savvy. However, Walt’s wealth of experience and intuition often allows him to solve complex cases that leave Branch grasping at straws.
Relationship with Walt
Walt and Branch have a turbulent working relationship that borders on hostile at times. Walt sees potential in Branch but believes he needs more life experience before being ready to become sheriff. Branch openly challenges Walt’s authority and judgment, convinced he would handle situations better. The constant power struggle and battle of wills between them creates tension that threatens to boil over.
However, underneath the rivalry and resentment, there is a grudging respect. Branch recognizes Walt’s skill and commitment to justice despite their differences. And Walt hopes that with time and guidance, Branch’s raw talent and enthusiasm can be tempered into sound judgment and leadership. Their complex dynamic adds an interesting layer of conflict and depth to the show.
Bailey Chase does an excellent job portraying the ambitious and headstrong Deputy Connally. His performance allows viewers to see beyond Branch’s arrogance to the promising lawman he could become under Walt’s mentorship. Branch’s journey to maturity and finding his own identity outside his family’s expectations is one of the most compelling character arcs in the series.
Conclusion
As you can see, the cast of Longmire is made up of immensely talented actors and actresses, many of whom have years of experience on stage, television, and film. Though the show has ended, the characters they brought to life will live on, continuing to entertain audiences for years to come. The next time you sit down to re-watch an episode, take a moment to appreciate the skill, passion, and dedication of the actors behind these complex and compelling roles. Their talent and teamwork are what truly brought the world of Longmire to life.
