People We Meet On Vacation Cast & Character Guide

People We Meet On Vacation, Netflix’s adaptation of the bestselling Emily Henry novel, has finally hit the streaming platform to major praise. With a cast of newcomers and breakout stars alongside some bigger Hollywood names, the actors who bring the film to life are an eclectic, exciting group. In order to adapt Alex Nilsen and Poppy Wright’s story into a trope-filled romantic comedy, the streamer needed the right stars.

Over the last several months as viewers have been preparing for People We Meet On Vacation to hit Netflix, it’s been clear that the cast of the film was passionate about the project. Fans of Henry, who have long hoped that her sweeping romance novels that offer a delicious edge of literary fiction would be adapted, seemed happy with the actors chosen to fill the films roles.

Thankfully, People We Meet On Vacation's reception has shown that the casting decisions made for the project were the right move. With the film debuting to high praise from Netflix audiences, People We Meet On Vacation's cast has done something remarkable for the streaming platform with an old fashioned romantic comedy.

Tom Blyth As Alex Nilsen

February 2, 1995

• Active since 2010

Tom Blyth was born in Birmingham, United Kingdom and broke big as young Coriolanus Snow in The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes. Blyth studied at the Central Junior Television Workshop and the Juilliard School, working throughout his younger years in films like Robin Hood and Scott And Sid. Working consistently through his teens and 20s, Blyth has appeared in film and TV projects.

In People We Meet On Vacation, Blyth takes on the role of Alex Nilsen, a straight-laced planner who finds a charming-yet-infuriating connection with Poppy Wright (Bader) during their early years in college. Throughout the film, Blyth plays Alex at different points of his life, proving his ability to grow with a character through a story.

Emily Bader As Poppy Wright

November 8, 1996

• Active since 2016

Emily Bader was born in Temecula, California and broke big as Lady Jane Grey in My Lady Jane. Having appeared previously on stage and screen, Bader's most notable roles prior to People We Meet On Vacation have been in Paranormal Activity: Next Of Kin as Margot and on The CW's reboot of Charmed in its final season.

In People We Meet On Vacation, Bader plays the charismatic and confident Poppy Wright, whose case of wanderlust is only rivaled by her need for forward momentum. Bader's performance as the all-encompassing Poppy has received critical acclaim, bringing a beloved character from Henry's novel to life in bright technicolor.

Sarah Catherine Hook As Sarah Torval

April 21, 1995

• Active since 2016

Sarah Catherine Hook was born in Montgomery, Alabama and broke big as Juliette Fairmont in Netflix's First Kill. Having made appearances in TV and film prior to her role on the teen fantasy streaming hit, Hook has recently appeared as Caroline Merteuil on the Prime Video reboot of Cruel Intentions, and as Piper Ratliff on The White Lotus season 3.

In People We Meet On Vacation, Hook plays Alex's longtime on-again-off-again girlfriend, Sarah Torval. While Sarah is mentioned throughout the film, Hook doesn't appear until late in the story's narrative arc. Regardless, her character's major reveal is a big shift in the movie's momentum.

Miles Heizer As David Nilsen

May 16, 1994

• Active since 2005

Miles Heizer was born in Greenville, Kentucky and broke big as Drew Holt on the NBC series Parenthood. His early career saw Heizer in guest starring roles on major network shows like Ghost Whisperer, Private Practice, and Bones before he began to land longer, more complicated arcs. Playing Lauren Graham's son on Parenthood brought Heizer new fame, and he went on to appear on Netflix's controversial 13 Reasons Why.

In People We Meet On Vacation, Heizer plays David Nilsen, the brother of Blyth's character. A catalyst for Alex and Poppy's reunion in the film, David's wedding is a major piece of the story's puzzle. While Heizer's role isn't large, it's impactful.

Lukas Gage As Buck

May 28, 1995

• Active since 2013

Lukas Gage was born in San Diego, California and broke big on Netflix's American Vandal in the recurring role of Brandon Galloway. Gage gained public notoriety because of his performances on shows like Euphoria and Love, Victor, as well as his social media presence. Eventually, Gage appeared on-screen in Netflix's You, The White Lotus, and Fargo.

In People We Meet On Vacation, Gage plays Buck, another catalyst to Alex and Poppy's relationship. Playing a key role in the novel, while Buck is only in a minor piece of the film, his presence is a major milestone for Alex and Poppy in the future.

Lucien Laviscount As Trey

June 9, 1992

• Active since 2002

Lucien Laviscount was born in Burnley, Lancashire, England and broke big on Coronation Street in the UK before finding fame in the US on Emily In Paris. Having worked since his childhood, Laviscount found himself working on big shows in the UK before moving to the US market. With appearances like his headlining Supernatural's would-be-backdoor-pilot, Laviscount found his audience on Netflix's Emily In Paris.

In People We Meet On Vacation, Laviscount plays Trey, a pivotal partner of Poppy's who pushes her toward Alex and eventually pulls her away. While Laviscount's role is not large, it's another key piece of the People We Meet On Vacation story.

Alan Ruck As Jimmy Wright

July 1, 1956

• Active since 1983

Alan Ruck was born in Cleveland, Ohio and broke big as Cameron Frye in John Hughes' iconic film Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Ruck's career has included TV and film roles, spanning decades of meaningful performance in both comedy, such as his role as Stuart Bondek on Spin City, and drama with his role as Connor Roy on Succession.

In People We Meet On Vacation, Ruck plays Poppy's supportive father, Jimmy Wright. While the role is minor, seeing where Poppy comes from and learning more about her relationship with Alex through her parents eyes is important in establishing the narrative.

Molly Shannon As Wanda Wright

September 16, 1964

• Active since 1983

Molly Shannon was born in Cleveland, Ohio and broke big as a cast member on Saturday Night Live, where she worked from 1995 through 2001. Over the course of her career, Shannon has worked with some of the most brilliant comedians of all time, and has honed her own skills to match them. Known for her physical comedy and specific characters, Shannon is a legend.

In People We Meet On Vacation, Shannon plays Poppy's caring but intrusive mother, Wanda Wright. While her role, like Ruck's, is minor, Shannon is able to make her mark on the film in just a few short scenes.

Jameela Jamil As Swapna Bakshi-Highsmith

February 25, 1986

• Active since 2009

Jameela Jamil was born in London, England and broke big as Tahani Al-Jamil on NBC's sitcom, The Good Place. While Jamil has been known for her controversial opinions and bold behavior online, her acting and hosting career has been a steady grind. With early work as a host and presenter in the UK, Jamil has transitioned into acting after moving to the US, taking on many voiceover roles.

In People We Meet On Vacation, Jamil plays Swapna Bakshi-Highsmith, Poppy's boss who's pushing her to work at a higher level. While her role in the film is minor, Jamil is able to embody a supportive yet stern part of Poppy's life in People We Meet On Vacation.