‘Ally McBeal’ Cast: Where Are They Now?
Find out what Calista Flockhart has been doing since her starring role.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, television audiences were captivated by the quirky characters and compelling storylines of Ally McBeal. Created by David E. Kelley, this legal dramedy quickly became a cultural phenomenon, blending humor, heart and a touch of whimsy. Running from 1997 to 2002, Ally McBeal left an indelible mark on television history, thanks in large part to its talented ensemble cast.
Ally McBeal follows the professional and personal life of the title character, Ally McBeal, played by Calista Flockhart. Set in a Boston law firm, the show delves into the trials and tribulations of Ally as she navigates her career, relationships, and inner conflicts. With its unique blend of legal cases, romantic entanglements and surreal fantasy sequences, Ally McBeal stood out as a groundbreaking series that pushed the boundaries of traditional television storytelling.
David E. Kelley, known for his work on other successful legal dramas like L.A. Law and The Practice, created something completely new with Ally McBeal. Premiering on September 8, 1997, the show quickly gained a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim.
Its innovative approach to storytelling, combined with its memorable characters and witty dialogue, struck a chord with viewers. Ally McBeal received numerous awards during its run, including several Golden Globes and Emmys, cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon.
Here, we look at the Ally McBeal cast and where they are now.
Calista Flockhart as Ally McBeal
Born November 11, 1964, in Freeport, Illinois, Calista Flockhart gained recognition for her stage work, including a critically acclaimed performance in The Glass Menagerie on Broadway. She also had parts in TV shows like As the World Turns as well as roles in feature films, including The Birdcage. However, her big break was the starring role in the show Ally McBeal.
After the show ended, she took some time off and she adopted a son, Liam, and married Harrison Ford. Professionally, she went back to TV in 2006 and starred in Brothers and Sisters. From 2015-2021 she appeared as Cat Grant in the TV series Supergirl. Most recently, in 2024, she played the role of Lee Radziwell in the FX TV series Feud: Capote Vs the Swans.
Peter MacNicol as John Cage Ally McBeal cast
Born April 10, 1954, in Dallas, Texas, Peter MacNicol has had a very successful acting career. Audiences met him when he played the part of Stingo in the 1982 film Sophie’s Choice. He was also in 1989’s Ghostbuster’s II and 1992’s HouseSitter.
He then became a series regular, playing the role of Alan Birch, in TV drama Chicago Hope (1994-1998), before getting the part of John Cage in Ally McBeal. After that he played the part of Tom Lennox in the TV show 24. He continued his success with parts in The Spectacular Spider Man TV series, Numb3rs and Grey’s Anatomy. Most recently, he was in All Rise.
Portia de Rossi as Nelle Porter
Born January 31, 1973, in Victoria, Australia, Portia de Rossi was born Amanda Rogers. She gained fame as an actress in Australia before transitioning to Hollywood, making her big break as the ice queen Nelle Porter in the Ally McBeal cast.
After Ally McBeal, she starred in the hit TV series Arrested Development, along with Jason Bateman. She also starred in Scandal, alongside Kerry Washington.
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She married Ellen DeGeneres in 2008 and the couple have been living happily ever after.
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Lucy Liu as Ling Woo Ally McBeal cast
Born December 2, 1968, in Queens, New York, Lucy Liu had parts on several TV shows including Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990), NYPD Blue (1993), ER (1994) and The X-Files (1993). She had her big break as Ling Woo in Ally McBeal.
After the show, she had success in the Charlie’s Angels franchise and TV shows like Elementary. Most recently, in 2024, she starred in the horror thriller movie Presence.
Greg Germann as Richard Fish
Born in February 26, 1958, in Houston, Texas, Greg Germann appeared in several movies before becoming part of the Ally McBeal cast. He was in Child’s Play 2 (1990), Clear and Present Danger (1994) and Sweet November (2001).
He then got his big break playing Richard Fish in Ally McBeal and quickly became a fan favorite.
Germann also starred in several other TV shows including Ned and Stacey, Grey’s Anatomy, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit and Once Upon a Time. Most recently, he’s been in the 2023-2024 series Will Trent.
Jane Krakowski as Elaine Vassal Ally McBeal cast
Born in 1968 in New Jersey, Jane Krakowski has had a long and successful career. She got her acting chops in the soap opera Another World (1989) before becoming a series regular in Search for Tomorrow (1984-1986). She also had parts in movies including Stepping Out (1991), Mrs. Winterbourne (1996) and Hudson River Blues (1997) before getting her big break as Elaine Vassal in the Ally McBeal cast.
Her next big TV series was 30 Rock, where she played Jenna Maroney. In 2015-2019 she starred in the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. In 2019 she played Mrs. Dickinson in the TV series Dickinson. Most recently, she appeared in Schmigadoon! (2021-23) and the movie Your Christmas or Mine 2 (2023).
Courtney Thorne-Smith as Georgia Thomas
Born in 1967 in San Francisco, California, audiences first fell in love with Courtney Thorne-Smith in the 1988 TV show Day by Day. From there she appeared in L.A. Law before her big break in 1992 as Alison Parker on Melrose Place.
Next came her role as Georgia Thomas on Ally McBeal, before she landed another starring role as Cheryl Mabel in According to Jim (2001-2009). Then in 2010-2015, she starred in Two and a Half Men (as Lyndsey Mackelroy). Most recently she’s been in Fresh Off the Boat, Past Malice and Mom.
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Gil Bellows as Billy Thomas Ally McBeal cast
Born in June 28, 1967, in Vancouver, Canada, Gil Bellows is an actor and producer. Before becoming part of the Ally McBeal cast, he had parts in several movies including The Shawshank Redemption (1994), Miami Rhapsody (1995) and The Substance of Fire (1996). Then he got his breakout role playing Billy Thomas in the Ally McBeal cast. After that, he continued to get work on the small screen. He was a regular in the series Eyewitness (2016), then the series Patriot (2015-2018), followed by the 2019 series Jett.
Most recently, he was in the 2022 TV series Women of the Movement and the 2023 series Chucky.
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