Bosom Buddies Cast: Everything You Need to Know

Bosom Buds was an American sitcom broadcast on ABC from 1980 to 1982 that starred Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari as two men posing as women so as to live at an affordable hotel for female guests. Also appearing were Donna Dixon, Holland Taylor, Telma Hopkins, Wendie Jo Sperber and Lucille Benson in various supporting roles.

Bosom Buddies Cast: The Most Hilarious and Lovable Duo in TV History

This article takes an in-depth look at the cast and characters from Bosom Buddies as well as their roles on the show, along with interesting trivia about it.

Have you ever considered what life would be like as someone from an opposite gender? Kip Wilson and Henry Desmond, two co-workers at an advertising agency decide to explore this option when their apartment is demolished without anywhere for them to stay. When they arrive at Susan B. Anthony Hotel they meet an array of fascinating characters: Sonny Lumet is a model/dancer/nurse; Isabelle Hammond sings; Lilly Sinclair manages it while Ruth Dunbar serves as their boss (but they must disguise themselves by dressing like women from Kip/Henry’s childhood tales while Amy Cassidy working reception at their agency is aware of their plan.

Bosom Buds was an unforgettable blend of comedy, cross-dressing, romance and friendship that introduced Tom Hanks to Hollywood audiences and cemented his reputation. Produced by Robert L. Boyett, Thomas L. Miller and Chris Thompson – later responsible for other iconic sitcoms such as Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley Mork & Mindy Perfect Strangers Full House Family Matters among many others – Bosom Buds ran for four seasons from 1991-1994 on CBS.

This article will outline the cast and roles they play within Bosom Buddies as well as provide interesting facts about them. Furthermore, we will address frequently asked questions regarding Bosom Buddies and its cast.

1. Tom Hanks stars as Kip Wilson/Buffy Wilson in this NBC television film.

Tom Hanks stars as Kip Wilson/Buffy Wilson, a graphic artist at Livingston, Gentry & Mishkin advertising agency who devises a plan to disguise himself as women while living at Susan B. Anthony Hotel while secretly in love with Sonny Lumet while getting into trouble due to his disguises and lies.

Tom Hanks has long been one of Hollywood’s beloved actors, winning two Academy Awards for Best Actor performances in Philadelphia (1993) and Forrest Gump (1994). Ethan Hawke has appeared in critically-acclaimed and commercially successful films like Big (1988), A League of Their Own (1992), Sleepless in Seattle (1993), Apollo 13 (1995), Saving Private Ryan (1998), The Green Mile (1999), Cast Away (2000) and The Da Vinci Code (2006) as well as Captain Phillips (2013) Saving Mr Banks (2013) Bridge of Spies (2015) Sully (2016) A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019) and News of the World (2023). He voiced Woody in the Toy Story franchise (1995-2019), produced numerous films and television shows such as Band of Brothers (2001), The Pacific (2010), My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002), Mamma Mia! (2008), The Polar Express (2004) Greyhound 2020 as well as From the Earth to the Moon (1998).

Below is some trivia about Tom Hanks and his role in Bosom Buddies:

• He received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Television Series Musical or Comedy for his work on Bosom.
• Buds, where he met Rita Wilson – later to become his wife She played Cindy as Kip’s alter ego who dates Buffy’s alter ego on screen.
• Bosom Buds required him to improvise much of his dialogue, and for his role he needed to shave his legs daily in preparation.
• Peter Scolari had previously collaborated with him on an episode of The Love Boat (1979).

2. Peter Scolari as Henry Desmond/Hildegard Desmond

Peter Scolari portrays Henry Desmond/Hildegard Desmond, an advertising copywriter employed at Livingston, Gentry & Mishkin advertising agency and Kip’s best friend/roommate at Susan B. Anthony Hotel who reluctantly agrees to dress as women so as to cohabit the space together. Henry tends to avoid confrontation while Amy Cassidy knows of their presence which brings them even closer together.

Peter Scolari is an actor widely recognized for his roles in various movies and television shows such as Newhart (1984-1990), Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: The TV Show (1997-2000), Doug in Girls (2012) until 2017, as Tad Horvath in Girls (2012-17), as well as Leo Wexler-Mann in Evil (2019-present). Additionally he has appeared in Polar Express (2004), That Thing You Do! (1996, Suburban Girl 2007, Camp Nowhere 1994 and several Broadway/Off-Broadway plays such as Hairspray/Wicked/Lucky Guy/Bronx Bombers etc.

Here are a few fascinating facts and figures about Peter Scolari and his role in Bosom Buddies:

•  He received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his performance on Girls; while for Bosom Buds he donned a wig and false eyelashes as part of his costume to play his part. Furthermore, Tom Hanks collaborated on an episode of Taxi (1979).
• He had worked with Donna Dixon before on an episode of The Love Boat (1980), as well as Holland Taylor for The Bob Newhart Show in 1978.

3. Donna Dixon has taken over Sonny Lumet’s duties

Donna Dixon stars as Sonny Lumet, an alluring model/dancer/nurse living at the Susan B Anthony Hotel who quickly becomes Kip’s love interest and the object of his affections. Unfortunately for Sonny, Kip and Henry have their plans in mind to deceive Sonny by misrepresenting their intentions to Buffy (Kip’s alter ego).

Donna Dixon first gained notice as Miss Virginia USA in 1976 and Miss Washington D.C. World two years later in 1977. Since then she has made appearances in films and TV shows like Doctor Detroit (1983), Spies Like Us (1985), The Couch Trip (1988), Wayne’s World (1992), Exit to Eden (1994), Nixon ( 1995 ), Charmed ( 2001) and Da Sweet Blood of Jesus (2014) as well as being married to actor/comedian Dan Aykroyd since 1983.

Some fascinating facts about Donna Dixon from Bosom Buddies include:

•  She earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television for her performance on Bosom Buds and met Dan Aykroyd while filming Doctor Detroit; eventually marrying and raising three daughters together.
• She had already worked with both Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari from The Love Boat (1980), as well as Holland Taylor in Bosom Buds (1981).

4. Holland Taylor as Ruth Dunbar: Bosom Buddies Cast

Holland Taylor plays Ruth Dunbar, Kip, Henry and Amy’s boss at Livingston Gentry & Mishkin advertising agency. Ruth is an unforgiving yet demanding individual who demands excellence from her employees; often criticizing Kip and Henry’s work while remaining unaware of any schemes being plotted behind their backs.

Holland Taylor, winner of an Emmy Award, has appeared in various movies and television programs throughout her career such as: The Practice (1998-2003), Two and a Half Men (2003-15), Legally Blonde (2001), Truman Show (1998) Wedding Date (2005) Baby Mama (2008) Mr Mercedes (2017-20) Hollywood Bill and Ted Face the Music.