Characters and Roles
Historical Figures
English version: Jan 9th, 2025
Contents
Historical Figures
Non-military figures (see separate page)
Brief informations on the historic figures and their actions see footnotes to the most-relevant scene.
|
Description |
Tavern host near West Point |
|||||||||||||
|
Actor |
Walter Barnes |
|||||||||||||
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
|
Episode 01, scene 20 Episode 04, scene 21 |
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The host of the tavern named after him just outside of the West Point military academy was beloved by the cadets and gave them opportunities to drink beer without compromising their oath and their comradery. Visiting the tavern, George and Orry get discovered by Elkanah Bent. Many years later, they return to Benny Havens and take part in singing traditional songs full of old memories.
Walter Lee Barnes, * 26.01.1918 in Parkersburg, WV, professional football player, actor as late as from 1957 for western movies (Karl May movies, "Gunsmoke", "Rio Bravo"), 1989 retired due to illness, + 06.01.1998 in Los Angeles, CA on diabetes
Navigation: to page contents - to start page
|
Description |
U.S. Senator, Bent's father |
|||||||||||||
|
Actor |
Gene Kelly |
|||||||||||||
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
|
Episode 02, scene 28 |
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
[ no historical picture available ]
U.S. Senator and Elkanah Bent's physical father from an affair. He payed simple Mr. and Mrs. Bent for raising his son without endangering his politica career. After Bent's dismissal from the academy of West Point, Edwards arranges him a commission to a higher officer's rank to return in time for the Mexcican war.
(The historical figure John Cummins Edwards (1804-1888) has been no senator in the timespan relevant to the movie (1841-1843) but member of the U.S. House of Representatives for his home state of Missouri. He returned to Missouri in 1844 to become governor there.)
Gene Kelly, * 23.08.1912 in Pittsburgh, PA, irish decent, actor, director, dancer and chroreograph, first role in 1941, dancing partner of Fred Astaire, 1952 Honorary Oscar, 1956 Golden Bear, 1967 Emmy, 1981 Golden Globe, his last filming role in "North and South", + 02.02.1996 in Beverly Hills, CA after stroke
Navigation: to page contents - to start page
|
Description |
Rebellious abolitionist, dies in 1858 (executed) |
|||||||||||||
|
Actor |
Johnny Cash |
|||||||||||||
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
|
Episode 05, scene 19 |
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The extremistic abolitionist John Brown gathers followers of both skin colors to incite a slave revolt, with the help of which he plans to erect his own goverment. The raid on the federal arsenal of Harpers Ferry should provide necessary material for this endevor. On their return trip from Pennsylvania to South Carolina, Orry and Brett get involved into the action when their train is stopped at Harper's Ferry by Brown's men. Shortly after, they can proceed their journey unharmed before militia appears and quells the insurrection by force. Several of Brown's followers get killed in the process, among them the former slaves Grady and Priam. John Brown himself is captured soon after and sentenced to death, what makes him a martyr to the North.
Johnny Cash, * 26.02.1932 in Kingsland, AR as John R. Cash, successful country singer and writer, besides some acting roles in tv productions, + 12.09.2003 in Nashville, TN
Navigation: to page contents - to start page
|
Description |
Former slave, abolitionist |
|||||||||||||
|
Actor |
Robert Guillaume |
|||||||||||||
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
|
Episode 03, scene 08 |
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Douglass escaped from slavery in Maryland to the North in 1838 and found his way by abolitionist activist William Lloyd Garrison to the American Anti-Slavery Society, performing as speeker for them on several occasions - such as in Philadelphia in 1848, where Virgilia delivers her firery address.
Robert Guillaume, * 30.11.1927 in St. Louis, MO as Robert Peter Williams, graduated actor, roles in movies and on Broadway since 1961, first continuous role in "Soap", Emmy 1979 and 1985, + 24.10.2027 (89) in Los Angeles, CA
Navigation: to page contents - to start page
|
Description |
Publicist and abolitionist |
|||||||||||||
|
Actor |
Ralph Pace |
|||||||||||||
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
|
Episode 03, scene 08 |
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Smith is one of the leading figures of the abolitionist movement, that Virgilia has dedicated herself to. He appears in the gallery at Virgilia's first address. After John Brown's death, he is mentioned as presidential candidate for the abolitionists - what is historically incorrect.
Ralph Pace
Navigation: to page contents - to start page
|
Description |
Abolitionist,
Philadelphia |
|||||||||||||
|
Actor |
Ron
O'Neal |
|||||||||||||
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
|
Episode 04, scene 15 |
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The colored abolitionistic activist William Still tries to persuade Grady for supporting his Pennsylvania Anti Slavery Society. But Grady and Virgilia decline the offer and prefer a more violent fight against slavery.
Ron O'Neal, * 01.09.1937 in Utica, NY, actor since 1971 - 1996, also director and script writer, + 14.01.2004 in Los Angeles, CA on cancer
Navigation: to page contents - to start page
|
Description |
U.S. President, dies 1865 (murdered) |
|||||||||||||
|
Actor |
Hal Holbrook |
|||||||||||||
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
|
Episode 06, scene 30, 31 Episode 07, scene 35 Episode 08, scene 02, 36 Episode 09, scene 05, 07, 22 Episode 10, scene 36 Episode 12, scene 11, 16 |
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Description |
Abraham Lincoln's wife |
|||||||||||||
|
Actor |
Rachel Jakes |
|||||||||||||
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
|
Episode 06, scene 31 |
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Abraham Lincoln was elected U.S. President in 1860, what triggered the South to secession. Factually, Lincoln was against slavery, but he momentarily just wanted to prevent the expansion of the institution to territories being added to the Union. Nevertheless, the overall situation was heated up expecially on the question of slavery. During the war, Lincoln frequently held briefings with his secretaries and military advisors, Colonel George Hazard among the latter. Going into effect on January 1st, 1863, he issued the much-respected Emancipations Proclamation, declaring all slaves in the seceded states to be free. To the end of the war, he also personally inspected military encampments and conferred with his top generals there. He shows himself deeply devestated over the course of the war and the casualties resulting from it. Shortly after the end of the war, he is killed in an assassination.
Hal Holbrook, * 17.02.1925 in Cleveland, OH as Harold Rowe Holbrook Jr., charactor actor, several supporting roles in 1966 to 2007, e.g. in "The Untouchables", "The Fog" and "North and South", + 23.01.2021 (95) in Beverly Hills, CA
Rachel Jakes, wife of "North and South" novel writer John Jakes
Navigation: to page contents - to start page
|
Description |
U.S. Secretary of War |
|||||||||||||
|
Actor |
|
|||||||||||||
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
|
Episode 07, scene 35 |
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. Secretary of War Simon Cameron, who is dismissed in 1862 after just one year in office, takes part in controversial discussions with Lincoln on what to expect in the upcoming battle at Manassas.
Navigation: to page contents - to start page
|
Description |
U.S. Secretary of State |
|||||||||||||
|
Actor |
|
|||||||||||||
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
|
Episode 06, scene 30 Episode 07, scene 35 Episode 08, scene 36 Episode 09, scene 22 |
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Secretary of State Seward assists Lincoln from the time of his inauguration and is frequently present in briefings with the President.
Navigation: to page contents - to start page
|
Description |
U.S.
Secretary of War |
|||||||||||||
|
Actor |
Ron
Frazier |
|||||||||||||
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
|
Episode 08, scene 36 Episode 09, scene 22 |
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Following Cameron as Secretary of War, he is the premier civil military advisor to the President. After the war, he runs the impeachment procedings against Lincoln's successor Johnson, being supported in this by Stanley Hazard.
Ron Frazier, * 10.12.1939
Navigation: to page contents - to start page
|
Description |
C.S. President |
|||||||||||||
|
Actor |
Lloyd Bridges |
|||||||||||||
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
|
Episode 07, scene 09, 20 Episode 08, scene 06, 18 Episode 10, scene 25 Episode 11, scene 37 Episode 12, scene 02 |
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The provisional and then regularily elected President of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis, has great difficulties to bundle the overall concerns amidst an overreaching givernment of individual states, that what he sees as absolute necessity for a successful war against the Union. One of his argumentative counterparts in this is James Huntoon from South Carolina. Davis also summons military advisors with him, abong them especially the generals Robert E. Lee and Orry Main.
Lloyd Vernet Bridges Jr., * 15.01.1913 in San Leandro, CA, first roles in 1936 but aleays supporting roles ("High Noon"), popularity over television ("Roots", "Battlestar Galactica"), active to his death, + 10.03.1998 in Los Angeles, CA
Navigation: to page contents - to start page
|
Description |
C.S. Vice President |
|||||||||||||
|
Actor |
|
|||||||||||||
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
|
Episode 08, scene 10 |
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Description |
Alexander Stephen's wife |
|||||||||||||
|
Actor |
|
|||||||||||||
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
|
Episode 08, scene 10 |
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Vice President of the Confederate States appears ending 1861 with his wife to a party given by Ashton to support James' career.
(In this case, the movie appearance greatly differs from the historic figure. Stephens was ill-plagued all his life, slender, and had an anoying voice. On the other hand, he was exceptionally smart and generous.)
Navigation: to page contents - to start page
|
Description |
Head nurse |
|||||||||||||
|
Actor |
Nancy Marchand |
|||||||||||||
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
|
Episode 08, scene 23 |
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dorothea Dix is founder of a nursing
organization and works on improving the sanitary conditions in hospitals.
Starting of the war, she expands her field of action and runs several hospitals
and field hospitals between Washington and Northern Virginia. Her selection of
nurses to her organization is strict, and this way it takes Virgilia two attempts to
get accepted. One of Mrs. Dix' basic principles is to give equal humanitarian
care to all wounded regardless of friend or enemy.
Nancy Marchand, * 19.06.1928 in Bufallo, NY, graduate of theatric science, engagements on Broadway, also tv roles, Golden Globe 2000, + 18.06.2000 on lung cancer
Navigation: to page contents - to start page