Heels is an American drama series about professional wrestling, created by Michael Waldron, that premiered on Starz on August 15, 2021. Known for its mix of family conflict, wrestling, and personal struggles, the show was canceled after two seasons in September 2023, disappointing fans.
The show follows two brothers, Jack and Ace Spade, who run a small wrestling company in Georgia called the Duffy Wrestling League (DWL). After their father’s tragic death, they struggle to keep the business afloat, with Jack playing the villain, or "heel," in the ring, while Ace plays the hero.
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Their complicated personal and professional lives become entangled in the ring, creating a path toward intense family drama.
Michael Waldron, known for his work on Marvel projects like Loki, created Heels with the intention of showcasing the personal and emotional aspects of wrestling. Waldron’s storytelling focused on the complex relationships between the characters, which made the show relatable even for non-wrestling fans.
Originally, Kyle Patrick Alvarez was set to direct Heels, but Peter Segal took over in 2020. Segal, known for directing films like 50 First Dates, brought a fresh perspective to the show. His direction added depth to the series, making the characters' journeys even more impactful.
Let's get to know the cast and characters of Heels.
Heels cast and character guide
Main Characters of Heels
Stephen Amell as Jack Spade
Stephen Amell, best known for his role as Oliver Queen in Arrow, plays Jack Spade, the older brother who carries the weight of running the DWL after their father’s death. Jack is not just a wrestler but also a businessman, balancing the pressures of keeping the promotion afloat with his own emotional turmoil.
Alexander Ludwig as Ace Spade
Ace Spade, played by Alexander Ludwig, is Jack's younger brother and the face of the wrestling league. Ace is the crowd favourite, but his personal struggles with identity and his relationship with Jack make his character more complex.
Ludwig, known for his role in Vikings, brings intensity to the role of Ace, portraying both his charm and his darker side.
Supporting Cast
Alison Luff as Staci Spade
Alison Luff plays Staci, Jack’s wife, who stands by him through the ups and downs of running a wrestling business. She also has her own dreams and struggles, making her more than just a supportive spouse in the storyline.
Mary McCormack as Willie Day
Mary McCormack plays Willie Day, who is the mastermind behind how DWL operates. She is Jack’s business partner and helps manage the wrestlers and their storylines. Her experience in wrestling adds depth to her character, making her a crucial part of the DWL's success.
Kelli Berglund as Crystal Tyler
Kelli Berglund as Crystal Tyler (Image Source - Netflix)
Kelli Berglund plays Crystal Tyler, a young woman who starts as a wrestling manager but eventually proves herself in the ring. By the end of season 1, she becomes the DWL’s champion, showcasing her determination and growth throughout the series.
Other Cast Members
Allen Maldonado as Rooster Robbins
Allen Maldonado plays Rooster, one of the top wrestlers in the DWL. Frustrated with being overlooked for the championship, he leaves to join a rival promotion, adding tension to the storyline.
Chris Bauer as Wild Bill Hancock
Chris Bauer portrays Wild Bill, a veteran wrestler turned talent scout. His rocky relationship with the Spade brothers adds more drama to the series. He also plays a significant role in Crystal’s rise as a wrestler.
Phillip Jack Brooks (CM Punk) as Ricky Rabies
Real-life wrestling star CM Punk, also known as Phillip Jack Brooks, plays Ricky Rabies, an eccentric wrestler with a wild persona. His involvement in the show adds authenticity to the wrestling scenes.
Mike O'Malley as Charlie Gully
Mike O'Malley plays Charlie Gully in Heels season 2, while also serving as the showrunner. Gully is a rival promoter from the FWD, a wrestling promotion that focuses more on violence than storytelling. He often causes trouble between the Spade brothers, and even convinces Rooster to leave DWL for his promotion.
Duke Davis Roberts as Big Jim
Duke Davis Roberts plays Big Jim Kitchen in Heels season 2. Jim, Ace’s best friend, is also a fan-favorite wrestler in DWL. He retired in season 1 after his baby was born but still remains part of the story.
Trey Tucker as Bobby Pin
Trey Tucker plays Bobby Pin in the second season of Heels. Bobby is one of the few morally upright characters, but he unintentionally causes problems between Ace and Crystal.
Robby Ramos as Diego Cottonmouth
Robby Ramos plays Diego Cottonmouth, who may be a villain in the wrestling ring but is kind-hearted in real life. Heels marks Ramos' first major role, but he has also made one-time appearances on shows like The Blacklist, Orange is the New Black, Snowfall, and NCIS: Hawaii.
Alice Barrett-Mitchell as Carol Spade
Alice Barrett-Mitchell plays Carol Spade, the mother of Jack and Ace, and the widow of their father, Tom, who died by suicide. Barrett-Mitchell has been acting since 1979, with her most notable role being Anne O'Donnell and Frankie Frame in the soap opera Another World from 1989 to 1999.
David James Elliott as Tom Spade
David James Elliott plays Tom Spade, the father of Jack and Ace, who died by suicide, sparking the events of the show. His character appears in flashbacks throughout season 2.
Joel Murray as Eddie Earl
Joel Murray joined Heels Season 2 as Eddie Earl, a successful businessman and sponsor of the DWL. He first became known as the voice of the Cheetos mascot in TV ads for 11 years. In films, he is recognized for his roles in Scrooged, One Crazy Summer, and Shakes the Clown. He also appeared in Mad Men and voiced Don Carlton in Pixar’s Monsters University.
Josh Segarra as Brooks Rizzo
Josh Segarra plays Brooks Rizzo in Heels Season 2 and is a newcomer to the show. He reunites with Stephen Amell, as Segarra appears in Arrow as Adrian Chase.
Emmy Raver-Lampman as Jen Lussier
Emmy Raver-Lampman plays Jen Lussier in Heels Season 2. In the trailer, she is seen as a big fan of Crystal, who rises from a valet to a wrestler. Raver-Lampman is best known for her breakout role as Allison Hargreeves in The Umbrella Academy.
AJ Mendez as Elle Dorado
AJ Mendez plays Elle Dorado in Heels Season 2, joining Crystal in her wrestling journey. Mendez, formerly known as WWE wrestler AJ Lee, is married to CM Punk (Phil Brooks), who is also a cast member of Heels. She retired from wrestling in 2014 and is now a producer for the all-women’s wrestling promotion, Women of Wrestling.
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