McFarland, USA is a movie, and a true story about a Latino group of high school students who become incredible cross-country runners against all odds. With Kevin Costner playing their devoted coach and an incredible, talented cast of actors who help to deliver this phenomenal true story to the screen.
This article will take you through the McFarland, USA movie cast, with details on the actors in McFarland, USA, as well as more details about the cast of McFarland that brought this movie to life.
Main Cast of McFarland, USA
Kevin Costner as Coach Jim White
Jim White is played by Kevin Costner, the coach who inspires a group of Disadvantaged kids to become state champions. The film presents White as a father figure, a loving mentor who guides the boys through their physical training as well as emotional confusion.
Costner, an Academy Award-winning actor, is famous for Dances with Wolves, Field of Dreams and The Bodyguard. His role in McFarland USA Represents the determination and spirit it takes to Promote young athletes.
Ramiro Rodriguez as Danny Diaz
Danny Diaz is played by Ramiro Rodriguez, one of the team’s runners. His character isn’t the fastest, but he ends up being the backbone of “the team” and his tenacity and heart is commendable.
This was Rodriguez’s first significant acting role, and he turned in a completely natural performance that people responded to.
Carlos Pratts as Thomas Valles
Carlos Pratts as Thomas Valles, the most gifted runner on the McFarland team. His character must deal with issues of his own at home but finds hope and discipline in the world of running.
Pratts has also starred in Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones as well as television series The Bridge. His performance as Thomas added an emotional dimension to the film.
Johnny Ortiz as Jose Cardenas
Johnny Ortiz plays Jose Cardenas, another team member dedicated to the cause. His character Represents the work ethic of the McFarland community.
Ortiz last appeared in American Crime Soy Nero.
Sergio Avelar as Victor Puentes
Sergio Avelar as Victor Puentes, a cocky team member who sometimes acts out. His character is there to inject some humor and energy into the film.
Like some of his co-stars, Avelar wasn’t a professional actor prior to making McFarland, USA, which made making this movie even more impressive.
Hector Duran as Johnny Samaniego
Johnny Samaniego (played by Hector Duran), a reliable, industrious runner. His character, which is an essential element of the team’s success.
Duran has previously starred in Los Americans and Superkid Academy.
Supporting Cast Members
Diana Maria Riva as Señora Diaz
Danny Diaz’s mother is played by Diana Maria Riva, who, through both abandon and resilience, lends emotional heft to the film by showing how the parents of McFarland suffer, too.
Riva has appeared in Dead to Me and The West Wing.
Valente Rodriguez as Principal Camillo
Valente Rodriguez plays the school principal, who first doubts the potential of the team but ultimately becomes one of their greatest supporters.
Rodriguez is famous for his work on George Lopez.
Martha Higareda as Maria Marisol White
Martha Higareda as Jim White’s wife, Maria. Her character supports her husband and their family as they acclimate to life in McFarland.
Higareda is known for her roles in Altered Carbon and No Manches Frida.
Morgan Saylor as Julie White
Morgan Saylor as Jim White’s teenage daughter, Julie. She doesn’t know how to deal with being in McFarland at first, but eventually she makes a close friend and companions in the community.
The 41-year-old Saylor is best known for her work on Homeland.
Remarkable Guest Appearances
The film also features several real-life McFarland runners who made cameo appearances. The film becomes more legitimate because they were involved with it — pretty powerful stuff.
Cast Interviews and Fun Facts
Kevin Costner’s Familiarity with Sports Movies
Costner has appeared in numerous sports-related movies, including Field of Dreams, Bull Durham and Draft Day. That love for sports storytelling shines through in McFarland, USA.
The Actors Who Trained Like Real Runners
The young actors went through intense running training early in the filming process to make their performances authentic.
Inspired by a True Story
The true-crime McFarland team won several championships and helped shift the perception of Latino athletes in the 1980s.
FAQ
Q: Is McFarland, USA based on a true story?
A: Yes, the movie is based on the true story of Coach Jim White and the 1987 McFarland High School cross-country team.
Q: What is Kevin Costner doing now?
A: Kevin Costner continues to act and direct. He currently stars in the hit TV series Yellowstone.
Q: Who played Thomas Valles in McFarland, USA?
A: Carlos Pratts played Thomas Valles, the fastest runner on the team.
Q: Where can I watch McFarland, USA?
A: The movie is available on Disney+, Amazon Prime, and other streaming platforms.
Q: Did the real McFarland team win the championship?
A: Yes, the real McFarland High School cross-country team won multiple state championships.
Conclusion
During production, McFarland, USA was cast with some of the best in the business, who transformed this inspiring true story into a masterpiece. The role of Coach White was brilliantly played by Kevin Costner, and the way the young actors brought the runners to life with their heartwarming performances was stellar.
McFarland, USA continues to be one of the most tuneful sports movies ever made, with a strong message about perseverance, teamwork and how a driven coach can make all the difference.