Summary
- Cinderella Man is an inspiring underdog story with an all-star cast that includes Russell Crowe and Renée Zellweger.
- The film follows the story of real-life boxer James J. Braddock, who braves the Great Depression and returns triumphant to the ring.
- The supporting cast, including Paul Giamatti and Craig Bierko, deliver standout performances that enhance the gripping plot.
Cinderella Man is a hugely successful boxing film that took the world by storm in 2005, but many of the actors involved have gone on to build unique careers and star in many other recognizable projects. The story follows a former boxer named James J. Braddock, whose life is turned upside down by the Great Depression and he is forced to step back into the ring. It is one of the most thought-provoking underdog films in recent memory and the story managed to stay relevant for nearly two decades.
The first-class cast behind Cinderella Man is another of the film’s strengths. While it is largely a character study with a clear protagonist, the supporting characters often steal the show with their solid performances and crucial subplots. Cinderella Man is best known for being one of Russell Crowe’s best films, but even the more supporting characters are played by actors audiences would instantly recognize today. In the years following the project, Cinderella ManThe cast of has starred in many exciting films and TV shows which have further contributed to the success of their careers.
Actor |
Character |
---|---|
Russel Crowe, the greatest crime novelist, is a businessman. |
James J. Braddock |
Renee Zellweger |
Mae Braddock |
Paul Giamatti |
Joe Gould |
Craig Bierko |
Max Baer |
Paddy Considine |
Mike Wilson |
Bruce McGill |
James Johnstone |
David Huband |
Ford Bond |
Connor Price |
Jay Braddock |
Ariel Walker |
Rosy Braddock |
Related
Russell Crowe’s 8 Films That Defined His Career
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Russell Crowe as James J. Braddock
Date of birth: April 7, 1964
Active since: 1992
Actor: Russell Crowe was born in Wellington, New Zealand, and made his debut in the film industry with his feature film debut Combat suitFrom there, he quickly became one of the biggest names in Hollywood after starring in the historical epic Gladiator and later won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in the film. More recently, the actor has appeared in The good guys AND Les Miserables.
Notable Movies and TV Shows:
Project |
Character Name |
---|---|
Gladiator |
Maximum |
LA Confidentiality |
White bud |
A wonderful mind |
John Nash |
Les Miserables |
Javert |
Thor: Love and Thunder |
Zeus |
Character: James J. Braddock was an American boxer from New Jersey who was forced to leave the sport after a life-threatening injury in the ring. Without his boxing earnings, Braddock and his family suffered through the turmoil of the Great Depression until he was forced to return to what he knows and loves.
Renée Zellweger as Mae Braddock
Date of birth: April 25, 1969
Active since: 1993
Actor: Renée Zellweger is an American actress originally from Katy, a western suburb of Houston, Texas. Her career began with an uncredited role in Richard Linklater’s film Dazed and confused, before landing his first credited role in Reality bitesdirected by Ben Stiller. She was a rising star throughout the 1990s, appearing in projects such as Empire Records and Jerry Maguire. He later played the lead role in the beloved Bridget Jones trilogy, which can certainly be considered among Renée Zellweger’s best films.
Notable Movies and TV Shows:
Project |
Character Name |
---|---|
Bridget Jones’s Diary |
Bridget Jones |
Chicago |
Roxie Hart |
Mr. Jerry Maguire |
Dorothy Boyd |
Cold Mountain |
Ruby Thewes |
Judith |
Judy’s Garland |
Character: Mae Braddock is the wife of Russell Crowe’s protagonist and spends most of the film caring for their family as they struggle with the financial pressures of the Great Depression. Its supporting role is crucial to understand the reasons that pushed James to return to the ring.
Paul Giamatti as Joe Gould
Date of birth: June 6, 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 small appearance in NYPD Blue and more recognizable characters in Private parts AND The mighty AphroditeOver the next decade, Giamatti became known for his roles in On the side AND Big Fat Liar. One of Paul Giamatti’s best films, The survivorsit earned him a Oscar nomination for best actor in 2024.
Notable Movies and TV Shows:
Project |
Character Name |
---|---|
The survivors |
Paul Hunham |
On the side |
Miles |
American Splendor |
Harvey Points |
Privacy |
Richard Grimes |
Saint Andrew |
Dr. Lawrence Hayes |
Character: Joe Gould is Braddock’s professional manager and close friend, and it is he who organizes the protagonist’s return to boxing. He pushes Braddock to overcome his injury and reach the strengths he had demonstrated at the height of his career,
Craig Bierko as Max Baer
Date of birth: August 18, 1964
Active since: 1991
Actor: Craig Bierko was born in Rye Brook, New York, and rose to fame during the 1990s, with his first role in Victimless Crimes and subsequent appearances in The Long Kiss Goodnight AND Scary Movie 4He also starred alongside Marisa Tomei in Dani in the same year as his most famous role in Cinderella Man.
Notable Movies and TV Shows
Project |
Character Name |
---|---|
The Thirteenth Floor |
Douglas Hall |
Scary Movie 4 |
lad |
The Long Kiss Goodnight |
Timothy |
Law and Order: Special Victims Unit |
Bobby D’Amico |
The Mentalist |
Dr. Dugan |
Character: Max Baer is a rival boxer who currently holds the heavyweight title, famous for killing two opponents in the ring. While Braddock performs better after his return to the sport, he realizes he has a chance against Baerand this becomes his main goal.
Paddy Considine as Mike Wilson
Date of birth: September 5, 1973
Active since: 1999
Actor: Paddy Considine is a British actor and director from Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire. His first major role came in A Room for Romeo Brass in 1999, the first of several collaborations with director Shane Meadows. After appearing in Dead Man’s Shoes AND My Summer of LoveConsidine really broke through to international audiences in 2007 when he starred in both Warm Fuzz AND Bourne’s ultimatum. Since then, he has gained fame for playing King Viserys Targaryen I in the HBO series House of the Dragon.
Notable Movies and TV Shows:
Project |
Character Name |
---|---|
House of the Dragon |
King Viserys I Targaryen |
Warm Fuzz |
Director Andy Wainwright |
Dead Man’s Shoes |
Richard |
The end of the world |
Steven Prince |
In America |
John the Baptist |
Character: Mike Wilson was one of Braddock’s fellow boxers, although he spent most of his time supporting and demonstrating for the Communist Party after the US government failed his family during the Depression. His character adds a unique political element to the story, enriching the historical context of the film.
Cinderella Man Supporting Cast and Characters
Bruce McGill as James Johnstone – McGill is an American actor best known for his roles in My Cousin Vinnywhere he played Sheriff Farley, and Amazon Reach series, where he plays Grover Teale.
David Huband as Ford Bond – David Huband is a Canadian actor and writer whose most famous roles outside of Cinderella Man included Dream house, Good SamAND Zero Cube.
Connor Price as Jay Braddock – Connor Price played Braddock’s son in Cinderella Man and since then he has started his career in music, releasing several hip-hop records.