Yes, that's Sam from Love Actually in The Queen's Gambit
Netflix's hit limited series The Queen's Gambit, about chess prodigy Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy), has been creating a huge buzz since its release. One major talking point is the distinctly familiar cast; an eclectic mix of actors that we recognise from somewhere, but where exactly?
One of the most recognisable faces is Benny Watts, played by Thomas Brodie-Sangster who, you guessed it, starred in Love Actually as the adorable Sam. Let's just say it's been a bit of an adjustment process accepting that he's no longer eight years old or Liam Neeson's son.
To save you wasting valuable TV watching time trying to remember where you recognise the cast from, we've done all the hard work for you...
Thomas Brodie-Sangster – Benny Watts
He captured our hearts in Love Actually as the earnest Sam who falls in love shortly after losing his mother. In fact, we loved him so much that Thomas Brodie-Sangster's baby face is practically embedded in our national psyche. Although Love Actually was one of his more memorable films, he's since appeared in Nanny McPhee, Nowhere Boy and Game of Thrones, to name a few.
Harry Melling – Harry Beltik
Another child star, Harry Melling is most famous for his portrayal of Dudley Dursley in the Harry Potter franchise. His depiction of one of the movie's more uncharismatic characters was iconic; from him falling into a snake enclosure in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone to his intense interaction with the wizarding world in Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix. He's since starred in Netflix movie The Devil All the Time alongside Robert Pattinson, The Old Guard alongside Charlize Theron and is also set to appear in The Tragedy of Macbeth with his The Queen's Gambit cast mate, Moses Ingram.
Moses Ingram - Jolene
The Queen's Gambit is Moses Ingram's second major acting role having already starred in Day 74, a short film about a Kenyan woman who is in quarantine alone. She is also set to appear alongside Harry Melling in The Tragedy of Macbeth, playing the role of Lady MacDuff.
Anya Taylor-Joy – Beth Harmon
Having already established herself as a BAFTA nominee, you'll recognise 24-year-old Anya Taylor-Joy from her portrayal of Gina Gray in Peaky Blinders, Petronella in The Miniaturist and, of course, Emma Woodhouse in the latest adaptation of Emma.
Marielle Heller – Alma Wheatley
If you don't immediately recognise Marielle Heller, you'll definitely recognise some of the films she's directed. They include A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood starring Tom Hanks, The Diary of a Teenage Girl starring Kristen Wiig, and Can You Ever Forgive Me? with Melissa McCarthy.
Marcin Dorocinski – Vasily Borgov
Marcin Dorocinski plays Vasily Borgov, the Russian chess champion capable of giving a Beth a run for her money. He's starred in numerous Polish films before his breakout role in Pitbull, which is an action film directed by Patryk Vega. However, his most recognisable international performance saw him play Antoni Pakulski in the BBC and Telewizja Polska co-production Spies of Warsaw.
Bill Camp – Mr. Shaibel
Responsible for teaching a young Beth how to play chess, Mr. Shaibel is played by Bill Camp who has a seriously diverse filmography. He's had supporting roles in 12 Years a Slave alongside Chiwetel Ejiofor, Vice alongside Christian Bale and the HBO miniseries The Night Of as well as roles in Joker and Molly's Game.
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