The Strain Cast: Before They Were Stars

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What roles did the stars of The Strain take on BEFORE The Strain? Find out now!

1. Corey Stoll as Dr. Ephraim Goodweather

Corey Stoll has appeared in a number of feature films including Lucky Number Slevin (2006), Push (2009), Salt (2010), The Bourne Legacy (2012). His face might be familiar to you from his many television guest spots on shows like NYPD Blue (2004), Alias, ER and CSI: Miami (2005), The Good Wife (2009), Law & Order: LA (2010-2011).

2. Corey Stoll in House of Cards and Midnight in Paris

When Stoll appeared as Ernest Hemingway in Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris (2011) the actor began receiving some well deserved recognition. Of course, it was his doomed Rep. Peter Russo in House of Cards (2013) that established him as more of a household name. Stoll held his own against Kevin Spacey's brilliant Frank Underwood.

3. David Bradley as Professor Abraham Setrakian

Though an established stage actor, David Bradley has been appearing on television since the early 70's. Most recently you might recognize him from The Tudors (2009), The Walking Dead (2011), Broadchurch (2013) or portraying William Hartnell in the Doctor Who drama An Adventure in Space and Time (2013).

4. David Bradley in Harry Potter and Game of Thrones

Of course, Bradley became part of pop culture history portraying Argus Filch in the Harry Potter film franchise. He also left quite an impression as Walder Frey by slaughtering Robb Stark, his wife and mother during the Red Wedding on Game of Thrones (2013). Many Thrones fans still have a hard time accepting Bradley as anyone other than villainous Walder Frey.

5. Mia Maestro as Dr. Nora Martinez

Mia Maestro made her screen debut in Tango (1998). Since then, she has appeared in very unique films like Timecode (2000), Frida (2002), The Motorcyle Diaries (2004), The Box (2007) and Savages (2012). Maestro is also a successful singer-songwriter.

6. Mia Maestro in Alias and Twilight

Maestro is probably best known for starring as Nadia Santos on Alias (2004-2006) for two seasons. However, if you're a Twilight fan, you surely recognize her as Carmen of the Denali Coven in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 and Part 2.

7. Kevin Durand as Vasiliy Fet

Since the late 90's Kevin Durand has no doubt appeared in one of your favorite films or TV shows. Whether it's The Butterfly Effect (2004), Legion (2010), Robin Hood (2010), I Am Number Four (2011), Noah (2014) or series like Stargate SG-1 (2000), Dark Angel (2001), Touching Evil (2004), CSI: Miami (2007)... I'm sure you're familiar with this guy right?

8. Kevin Durand in Lost and Woverine

At the height of its popularity, Durand appeared as Martin Keamy on Lost (2008) for 12 episodes. The actor is known for taking on interesting roles and he's sometimes unrecognizable. A perfect example of this is when he played Frederick J. Dukes / The Blob in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Did you realize that was him?

9. Jonathan Hyde as Eldritch Palmer

Though a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Jonathan Hyde has a long list of film/tv credits to his name. Remember the loyal butler in Ri¢hie Ri¢h (1994)? How about the hunter in Jumanji (1995)? Perhaps you recognize him from Anaconda (1997)?

10. Jonathan Hyde in Titanic and The Mummy

If none of those movies ring a bell, you've got to remember Hyde from Titanic (1997). He portrayed J. Bruce Ismay, director of the White Star Line of steamships. Another memorable role of Hyde's was Dr. Allen Chamberlain in The Mummy (1999).

11. Richard Sammel as Thomas Eichhorst

Richard Sammel has appeared in more than eighty films throughout Europe. Sammel was born in Heidelberg, Germany and eventually became a stage actor. Early on, he performed in independent theater productions and even in the streets. His film debut came in 1990 when he starred in "Il Piacere delle Carni."

12. Richard Sammel in Inglorious Basterds and Casino Royale

American audiences became aware of Sammel when he played Adolph Gettler in Casino Royale (2006) or as Sgt. Rachtman in Inglourious Basterds (2009). Can you place the actors face now?

13. Sean Astin as Jim Kent

If there's one actor on The Strain you definitely recognized right away it's Sean Astin. He was just 10 years old when he appeared in a tv movie alongside his real-life mother Patty Duke. Astin has worked consistently since then in both film and television. Did you see The War of the Roses (1989) or Encino Man (1992)? How about Rudy (1993)?

14. Sean Astin in Goonies and Lord of the Rings

In the 80's, a 13 year old Astin made his feature film debut as Mikey in The Goonies (1985). That film has since become a beloved classic. Speaking of which, Astin will always be remembered fondly as hobbit Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Frodo would have never completed his journey without his loyal companion and best friend at his side.

15. Jack Kesy as Gabriel Bolivar

Jack Kesy is a relatively new face on the scene, appearing for the first time (uncredited) in Yelling to the Sky (2011).

16. Jack Kesy in Morgan and 8:46

Kesy later appeared, credited, as Tommy in 8:46 (2011). That ensemble film painstakingly leads its cast up to the events of September 11, 2001. He followed that film up with Morgan (2012) where he plays Dean, a man who develops a friendship/romantic connection wtih Morgan (a recent paraplegic).

17. Natalie Brown as Kelly Goodweather

Natalie Brown is one of those lovely Canadian actresses that pops up in your favorite genre shows from time to time. Remember Mutant X (2002)? You might recognize her from Covert Affairs (2010), Skins (2011), and most recently Bitten (2014). Brown has also appeared in films like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003), and Dawn of the Dead (2004).

18. Natalie Brown on Being Human and Lost Girl

Though she only appeared in 6 episodes, Brown left quite an impression with genre fans as werewolf Josh's ex-fiancée Julia on Being Human (2012). It was a memorable role and Brown had a truly memorable death scene. She also appeared as Sabine Purcell on Lost Girl (2011).

19. Miguel Gomez as Gus Elizalde

Like Jack Kesy, Miguel Gomez is a fresh face having appeared in only 2 smaller films prior to The Strain. They are the Domino Effect (2012) starring Theo James (Divergent) and Bless Me, Ultima (2013). A drama set in New Mexico during WWII.

20. Miguel Gomez on Louie and Southpaw

Gomez first appeared on TV in FX's Louie (2012) playing Ramon, a Cuban-American lifeguard Louie meets while in Miami. Later this year, he's set to co-star alongside Rachel McAdams and Jake Gyllenhaal as Miguel Escobar in Southpaw (2014), a boxing flick.

21. Ben Hyland as Zach Goodweather

Little Ben Hyland made his feature film debut at just 5 years old in Marley & Me (2008). He might be young, but he's quickly building an impressive resume. Guest spots include Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2010), Blue Bloods (2012) and House of Cards (2013). By the way, did you know Hyland also played Corey Stoll's son on House of Cards? That's right, he's Peter Russo's son Kevin. Guess they make a good team eh?

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Before They Were Stars
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The Strain Quotes

Love is going to guide them all back. To their homes. To their loved ones.

Eichhorst

He's back. I don't know if I have the strength to do it all over again.

Setrakian