The Closer Cast: Kyra Sedgwick starred as Brenda Leigh Johnson of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Priority Homicide Division from 2005 to 2012. This series ran for seven seasons between 2005 and 2012 before its own spin-off was created called Major Crimes that featured some of its same characters.
The Closer was written and produced by James Duff and produced by The Shephard/Robin Company for Warner Bros. Television, receiving critical acclaim and winning several awards – such as Sedgwick receiving her Primetime Emmy nomination for her performance as Johnson.
1. Kyra Sedgwick |The Closer Cast
She acted as Brenda Leigh Johnson: As the protagonist of this series, Brenda Leigh Johnson is an extraordinary interrogator who uses her Southern charm and CIA training to extract confessions from suspects. Additionally, she’s well known for her love of sweets, messy habits and tenuous relationships with both family and colleagues – especially her relationship with FBI Agent Fritz Howard, whom often assists her cases.
2. J.K. Simmons |The Closer Cast
He acted as Will Pope: Pope is Johnson’s immediate superior at the LAPD and still harbors romantic feelings for her from their time together in Atlanta; however, he can sometimes clash with Johnson over her unconventional methods or personal matters.
3. Corey Reynolds |The Closer Cast
He acted as David Gabriel. He is an idealistic young detective who serves as Johnson’s right-hand man and confidant, showing respect but occasionally questioning her decisions and ethics. Additionally, Gabriel harbors romantic interest for Irene Daniels who also works in law enforcement.
Robert Gossett as Russell Taylor: Commander of the LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division and rival of Johnson. Taylor feels threatened by Johnson taking over his division and favoritism from Pope. Taylor frequently attempts to undermine or sabotage her investigations while simultaneously cooperating when necessary.
4. G.W. Bailey |The Closer Cast
He plays Louis Provenza: Provenza is an experienced detective working under Johnson who provides comic relief with his humorous remarks and antics. He is closely associated with fellow detective Andy Flynn whom he often partners up with for missions.
5. Jon Tenney |The Closer Cast
He acted as “Fritz Howard”: An FBI agent and Johnson’s spouse. While being supportive and understanding of her work, Howard also worries about stress levels and health problems for Johnson. Whenever needed he assists with cases or gives information/backup for her cases as needed. Furthermore he works to assist Johnson deal with personal issues like estranged parents or custody battles over her niece.
6. Phillip P. Keene |The Closer Cast
He acted as Buzz Watson: Buzz Watson is a civilian surveillance technician for Johnson’s team and is responsible for recording and overseeing interrogations sessions conducted by her detectives and overseen by Johnson herself. Additionally, he’s an aspiring filmmaker documenting these cases to document them further for future films projects of his own.
7. Anthony Denison |The Closer Cast
He acted as Andy Flynn: Flynn is one of Johnson’s team of detectives. A recovering alcoholic with an outgoing and often-abrasive personality, Flynn often clashes with Johnson over their different approaches to policing; nonetheless he respects and admires her skills; while maintaining close ties with fellow detective Louie Provenza whom he often partners up with on cases.
8. Michael Paul Chan |The Closer Cast
He plays Mike Tao: One of Johnson’s team of detectives. An expert in forensic science and technology, Tao provides invaluable insight and evidence. At home with his family life – which often overlaps – Tao balances work life with family life well.
9. Raymond Cruz |The Closer Cast
He acted as Julio Sanchez: Julio Sanchez is one of Johnson’s team of detectives, characterized as an aggressive cop with a history of violence who relies heavily on intimidation and physical force to achieve results – yet also has an affinity for children who have suffered abuse, and finds comfort from helping victims cope with grief over losing his wife and son in a car accident.
10. Gina Ravera |The Closer Cast
She returns as Irene Daniels: Daniels works for Taylor’s division but often lends assistance to Johnson’s team as well. While Daniels is professional and skilled, she also shows compassion; this relationship between them faces numerous hurdles.
11. Jonathan Del Arco |The Closer Cast
He plays “Dr. Fernando Morales”, an LAPD medical examiner who frequently performs autopsies for Johnson. Morales is friendly yet professional with an acute attention for detail that’s passionate about his job.
12. Mary McDonnell |The Closer Cast
She acted as Sharon Raydor: Sharon Raydor serves as captain of the LAPD’s Internal Affairs Division and later its Force Investigation Division, investigating Johnson for misconduct and ethical violations; however, over time their relationship evolves into one of mutual respect and even friendship. Furthermore, Raydor becomes guardian to Johnson’s niece Charlie upon her mother’s passing away.
13. Frances Sternhagen |The Closer Cast
She portrays Willie Ray Johnson: Johnson’s mother from Atlanta who often interferes in both Johnson’s personal and professional lives; Willie Ray often clashes with Clay (her husband). They have an uneasy relationship which often results in arguments.
14. Barry Corbin |The Closer Cast
He plays Clay Johnson: Johnson’s father who lives in Atlanta. Clay suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and often forgets things or becomes confused; yet at times shows moments of clarity or affection; their relationship is sometimes tenuous with Willie Ray whom Clay often disputes with.
15. Mark Pellegrino |The Closer Cast
He plays Gavin Q. Baker III: an experienced defense attorney who often represents suspects in Johnson’s cases. Baker is known to enjoy challenging Johnson and her team in court; furthermore he shares a special relationship with Johnson as his son is biological father of her niece Charlie.
16. Billy Burke |The Closer Cast
He acted as Phillip Stroh: Stroh is an elusive serial rapist and murderer who targets Johnson directly, by stalking and threatening her loved ones as well as remaining one step ahead of capture and conviction authorities for years on end. As such, he represents one of the main antagonists in the series finale.
FAQ: The Ultimate Guide To Your Questions
Q: When did The Closer debut and how many episodes exist?
A: It aired from June 13, 2005 until August 13, 2012 on TNT with 109 episodes in seven seasons.
Q: What is the spin-off of The Closer and who stars in it?
A: Major Crimes premiered on August 13, 2012 on TNT and stars Mary McDonnell as Sharon Raydor who takes over leadership of Major Crimes Division after Johnson leaves, along with most of her cast from The Closer save for Kyra Sedgwick and J.K. Simmons who do not feature.
Q: What does The Closer mean?
A: This title refers to Brenda Leigh Johnson’s ability to close cases by extracting confessions from suspects, while also suggesting she is the best at what she does and has ultimate control in her investigations.
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