Friday Night Lights had arguably one of the most fantastic ensemble casts of all time. In addition, the FNL cast was HUGE. It would take forever and a half to actually catch up with all of the actors that ever had an impact on the show because there were just so many of them. So I’ve broken it down to a handful of my favorites, but don’t think I’ve forgotten about the rest! Maybe there’s an FNL Cast Catch-Up 2.0 in your future!
Kyle Chandler – Eric Taylor
Where hasn’t Kyle Chandler been lately? You might recognize the former TV football coach from his long list of recent movies, including Argo, Zero Dark Thirty, The Wolf of Wall Street and countless other hit films. He also currently has a starring role on Netflix’s hit series Bloodline. Chandler seems to be one of those actors that nobody really knows by name but instantly remembers when they see his handsome face!
Connie Britton – Tami Taylor
Since FNL said its goodbyes Britton has been all over TV. In 2011 she starred in American Horror Story as Vivien Harmon. She then went on to star in ABC’s hit Nashville, which was just canceled by the network this year. Good news for Britton (and her co-stars), CMT picked the show up for an entire 22-episode season. In between an insane amount of television and actually living her life, Britton has managed to make a few movies too! Needless to say, Connie Britton has NOT been struggling to work since FNL came to a close!
Aimee Teegarden – Julie Taylor
Little Julie Taylor is all grown up! After saying goodbye on Friday Night Lights Teegarden has acted in a number of movies as well as a few television series. She played Amanda Miles in Aim High, a web series on Crackle. She also starred in the short-lived Star-Crossed on the CW, which lasted for just one season. Teegarden is a beautiful young actress who I am sure has many more opportunities coming her way!
Taylor Kitsch – Tim Riggins
Ohhhhhh Taylor Kitsch. *insert heart eyes emoji here* After his role as one of the hottest athletes of all time…ever… Kitsch has become an extremely successful actor. He starred in Season 2 of True Detective on HBO opposite Rachel McAdams, who he was even rumored to be dating. Kitsch has also starred in huge box office hits like Battleship, Lone Survivor, and The Normal Heart. Wherever Taylor Kitsch goes next, he’ll always have me watching!
Zach Gilford – Matt Saracen
Following FNL, Gilford quickly became a part of Shonda Rhimes’ short-lived series Off the Map. Sadly, that show only lasted one season and Gilford then jumped on to be a part of The Mob Doctor on Fox. After the show came to a close he acted in a handful of movies, but has now returned to television in ABC’s The Family. If you’re really looking to catch him outside of his usual acting gigs, you can also find him in the music video for Ours by Taylor Swift!
Minka Kelly – Lyla Garrity
Minka Kelly has been non-stop since her role as Lyla Garrity on Friday Night Lights! She played Gaby on Parenthood (another must-watch if you haven’t yet), where her character made a much talked about exit. She also starred in the Charlie’s Angels television series, which lasted just one season. She followed up her lead role in that with a role in Almost Human on Fox. In between her endless television work, Kelly has also found time to star in movies such as Lee Daniels’ The Butler where she played Jacqueline Kennedy. I can say with certainty that Minka Kelly has a long career ahead of her!
Adrianne Palicki – Tyra Collette
Palicki took almost no time off after finishing up with her role on Friday Night Lights. Her career took her to roles in About a Boy, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and Robot Chicken. In between her busy television schedule, Palicki has starred in movies like G.I. Joe: Retaliation and John Wick. Palicki has only put herself more on the map after FNL and she is showing zero signs of slowing down!
This about does it for Cast Catch-Up: Friday Night Lights 1.0. So many of my favorite characters had to be left off the list, so be sure to stay on the lookout for version 2.0!