Last Updated on 3 December 2024 by Mysumptuousness Star
Netflix’s Never Have I Ever has become a beloved show that blends coming-of-age drama, comedy, and relatable teenage experiences. Created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher, the series follows Devi Vishwakumar, a first-generation Indian-American teenager, as she navigates the ups and downs of high school, family, friendship, and her own emotions. While the plot has certainly captured the hearts of many, the talented and diverse cast of Never Have I Ever is another key element in its success. Let’s take a closer look at the cast of Never Have I Ever, the actors behind the characters, and how their performances elevate the series.
The Lead: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Devi Vishwakumar
At the heart of Never Have I Ever is Devi Vishwakumar, the witty, ambitious, and sometimes emotionally impulsive teenager who serves as the show’s narrator. Played by Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Devi is a character who blends humor, vulnerability, and intelligence in a way that makes her both relatable and intriguing.
Who is Maitreyi Ramakrishnan?
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan is a Canadian actress with no professional acting experience before landing the role of Devi. She was discovered through an open casting call and was selected from over 15,000 applicants. Her portrayal of Devi has earned her widespread praise for bringing depth and authenticity to the character.
- Birthplace: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
- Ethnicity: Tamil-Sri Lankan descent
- Career Highlight: Never Have I Ever is Maitreyi’s first major role in television, and she quickly became a breakout star.
Through her dynamic performance, Maitreyi brings Devi’s journey to life, from dealing with the grief of losing her father to exploring her identity as a teenager torn between her American and Indian roots.
The Love Interest: Darren Barnet as Paxton Hall-Yoshida
Another standout character in Never Have I Ever is Paxton Hall-Yoshida, the popular swimmer who becomes the object of Devi’s affection. Paxton is charming, athletic, and initially a bit of a mystery, making him a compelling romantic interest for Devi. The series shows Paxton growing from a stereotypical “popular guy” into a more complex and caring individual.
Who is Darren Barnet?
Darren Barnet plays Paxton, and his performance beautifully captures the character’s evolution. Barnet’s portrayal of Paxton is multifaceted—he is both the object of Devi’s crush and a person with his insecurities and struggles.
- Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
- Ethnicity: Japanese-American and Swedish descent
- Career Highlight: Before Never Have I Ever, Darren had roles in shows like Titans and American Pie Presents: Girls’ Rules. His role as Paxton is one of his most significant career milestones.
Darren’s chemistry with Maitreyi Ramakrishnan is evident on screen, and their dynamic characters drive much of the series’ romantic plotline.
The Best Friend: Richa Moorjani as Kamala Nandiwadal
Another beloved character in the series is Kamala Nandiwadal, Devi’s older cousin. Kamala is an ambitious, smart, and poised woman who has just moved in with Devi and her family. As Devi’s role model, Kamala offers advice, perspective, and, at times, tough love. However, Kamala also deals with her pressures, particularly her family’s expectations.
Who is Richa Moorjani?
Richa Moorjani brings Kamala to life with grace and humor. Moorjani’s performance shines as she navigates the complexities of being a first-generation immigrant while balancing her family’s expectations and desires.
- Birthplace: California, USA
- Ethnicity: Indian-American
- Career Highlight: Before Never Have I Ever, Richa appeared in shows like The Mindy Project and Grown-ish, but her role as Kamala has earned her widespread recognition.
Kamala’s character serves as a grounding presence for Devi, offering wisdom and a touch of humor when things get complicated.
The Other Love Interest: Jaren Lewison as Ben Gross
Ben Gross, Devi’s academic rival and, later, a complicated love interest, is another key player in the Never Have I Ever storyline. At first, Ben is portrayed as the stereotypical “rich kid” who constantly challenges Devi in their academic pursuits. Howeves, viewers see Ben’s more vulnerable sid as the series progressese.
Who is Jaren Lewison?
Jaren Lewison plays Ben Gross, and his portrayal adds complexity to the character. Lewison’s ability to balance Ben’s arrogance with his more emotional and human moments is one of the reasons the character resonates so well with audiences.
- Birthplace: Dallas, Texas
- Ethnicity: Jewish-American
- Career Highlight: Jaren has appeared in various roles in television and film, but his performance as Ben Gross has brought him significant attention.
Jaren Lewison’s portrayal of Ben is one of the reasons Never Have I Ever stands out—he doesn’t just play the antagonist or rival but a fully realized character with strengths, weaknesses, and depth.
The Comic Relief: Lee Rodriguez as Fabiola Torres
Fabiola Torres is Devi’s quirky and intelligent best friend. She’s a science prodigy and a loyal friend, though she often feels like an outsider in high school due to her nerdy interests and her struggles with her own identity as a lesbian. Fabiola’s character provides plenty of comic relief, but she also represents a marginalized group often underrepresented in mainstream media.
Who is Lee Rodriguez?
Lee Rodriguez plays Fabiola, bringing humor and sensitivity to the role. Rodriguez’s portrayal highlights Fabiola’s journey of self-discovery, particularly in navigating her sexuality and finding acceptance in her family and school community.
- Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
- Ethnicity: Mexican-American
- Career Highlight: Lee Rodriguez is relatively new to the acting world, but her performance in Never Have I Ever has quickly established her as a rising star.
Fabiola’s character is not just a sidekick to Devi; her story arcpeaks to broader themes of friendship, identity, and self-acceptance.
The Strong Matriarch: Poorna Jagannathan as Nalini Vishwakumar
Nalini Vishwakumar, Devi’s mother, is one of the most complex characters in the series. A hardworking dermatologist and a widow, Nalini struggles to raise Devi while managing her grief and personal challenges. Her relationship with Devi is often strained, but beneath the tension, there is a deep love and commitment between the two.
Who is Poorna Jagannathan?
Poorna Jagannathan brings Nalini to life with strength, warmth, and vulnerability. Jagannathan’s portrayal captures the essence of a mother balancing her career, her emotional pain, and her role as a parent.
- Birthplace: Tunisia
- Ethnicity: Indian
- Career Highlight: Poorna Jagannathan is a seasoned actress known for her work in shows like Big Little Lies and The Night Of. Her role in Never Have I Ever has introduced her to a new generation of fans.
Nalini’s character is integral to the show’s emotional depth, particularly in how he tries to protect Devi while grappling with her grief.
The Side Characters: Supporting Cast and Their Impact
While the main characters drive the plot of Never Have I Ever, the supporting cast is equally important in bringing the world of the show to life. From Devi’s friends to her classmates and family members, these characters contribute to the rich tapestry of the series.
Notable Supporting Characters:
- Anirudh Pisharody as Des: Des is Kamala’s love interest, adding a bit of romantic drama to the mix while navigating his family’s expectations.
- Christina Kartchner as Eve: Eve is a member of Devi’s friend group, awkwar. Awkwarddearing personality adds humor to many scenes.
- Nisha Ganatra as Dr. Suri: Devi’s therapist, who provides some much-needed advice (and often comedic relief) throughout the series.
These supporting characters help flesh out the high school and family dynamics, making the world of Never Have I Ever feel authentic and lived-in.
The Diversity of the Cast of Never Have I Ever
One of the key elements that sets Never Have I Ever apart from other teen comedies is its diverse cast. The show is not just about one culture or ethnicity; it highlights the experiences of different characters, particularly first-generation immigrants, while still focusing on universal themes of love, loss, friendship, and identity.
- Cultural Representation: The show features a range of characters from different ethnic backgrounds, including Indian, Jewish, Mexican, and Japanese heritage.
- Impact on Viewers: By showcasing such a diverse group of characters, Never Have I Ever resonates with viewers from various backgrounds, making the series more inclusive and relatable.
The cast of Never Have I Ever does an outstanding job of portraying the experiences of immigrant families and the challenges of balancing cultural expectations with personal desires.
The Future of the Cast and the Show
As Never Have I Ever continues to capture audiences’ hearts, fans are eager to see where the story goes and how the cast’s careers evolve. Many of the actors in
the cast of Never Have I Ever are relatively new to the industry, and their performances have opened doors for future opportunities in Hollywood.
- Maitreyi Ramakrishnan has already signed on for a Netflix film, I Have Never.
- Darren Barnet will also appear in upcoming projects, including Netflix’s Love Hard.
- Jaren Lewison and Lee Rodriguez are poised for additional roles in television and film, thanks to their breakout success with Never Have I Ever.
The future looks bright for the talented cast of Never Have I Ever, and we can’t wait to see what comes next for these rising stars.
Conclusion: Celebrating the Cast of Never Have I Ever
The cast of Never Have I Ever has played a significant role in the show’s success. Their diverse, talented, and relatable performances have brought a fresh perspective to the teen drama genre, making the series entertaining and a meaningful exploration of adolescence, identity, and family. Whether it’s the lovable Devi, the charming Paxton, the fierce Kamala, or the hilarious Fabiola, each character brings something unique.
As fans continue to follow the journey of Devi and her friends, it’s clear that the cast of Never Have I Ever is one of the reasons the show has become such a cultural phenomenon. Their performances have left an indelible mark, and we can expect to see many more great things from this talented group of actors in the years to come.