Once Upon a Time: Cast, Roles, Net Worth, Height, Families, and Relationships

Once Upon a Time (2011–2018) is an American fantasy adventure drama series created by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, produced by ABC Studios and distributed by ABC.

Inspired by classic fairy tales and Disney properties, it follows Emma Swan, a cynical bail bondsman, who arrives in the cursed town of Storybrooke, Maine, where fairy tale characters live without memories of their enchanted lives due to the Evil Queen’s spell.

As Emma uncovers the truth through her son Henry and battles dark forces across realms, the series weaves romance, family redemption, and epic quests, alternating between fairy tale flashbacks and modern-day arcs.

Filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia (doubling as Storybrooke and Enchanted Forest), the seven-season run (156 episodes) premiered October 23, 2011, and concluded May 18, 2018.

With an estimated $2–3 million per episode budget (totaling ~$300–$500 million), it featured elaborate sets, CGI for magic, and Disney crossovers (e.g., Frozen in season 4). Averaging 7–10 million viewers, it generated $500 million+ in syndication (Disney+, Hulu) and merch (e.g., Evil Queen apparel topped sales).

A spin-off, Once Upon a Time in Wonderland (2013–2014, 13 episodes), focused on Alice. It holds an 88% critic score and 85% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes (aggregated seasons), plus an 8.0/10 on IMDb (from 250,000+ ratings), praised for inventive lore, ensemble chemistry, and empowerment themes but critiqued for repetitive plots, filler arcs, and declining quality post-season 3.

Main Cast and Their Roles

Ginnifer Goodwin as Snow White / Mary Margaret Blanchard

• Role: Snow White, the brave princess and teacher Mary Margaret, Emma’s mother and Charming’s true love, fighting curses with optimism and archery skills. Goodwin’s “fierce yet tender” dual performance anchored the family core; appeared in 134 episodes (seasons 1–6, guest 7).
• Net Worth: $8 million.
• Height: 5’6″ (1.68 m).
• Family: Born May 22, 1978, in Memphis, Tennessee, to teacher Linda Kantor Goodwin (Jewish) and musician/recording studio owner Tim Goodwin (English). Siblings: older sister Melissa (animator, Robot Chicken). Attended Lausanne Collegiate School; Boston University BFA in acting (2001); studied at Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
• Relationships: Married actor Josh Dallas (Once Upon a Time co-star, engaged October 2013; wed April 12, 2014). Sons: Oliver Finlay (b. May 29, 2014), Hugo Wilson (b. June 1, 2016). Previously engaged to actor Joey Kern (2010–2011).
• Post-Film: Voiced Judy Hopps in Zootopia (2016) and sequel (November 2025); starred in Why Women Kill (2019–2021). Recent: Pivoting (2022); Buddy Games: Spring Awakening (2023); clothing line Keep It Regal (2020–present).

Jennifer Morrison as Emma Swan / The Savior

• Role: Emma, the skeptical bail bondsman and prophesied Savior who breaks curses, reunites with her family, and battles villains like Rumplestiltskin. Morrison’s “reluctant hero” led seasons 1–6; appeared in 124 episodes (guest 7).
• Net Worth: $8 million.
• Height: 5’5½” (1.66 m).
• Family: Born April 12, 1979, in Chicago, Illinois, to music teachers Judy and David L. Morrison (Irish descent). Siblings: younger sister Julia (singer-songwriter), brother Daniel (band director). Attended Prospect High School; Loyola University Chicago BA in theater/English (2000).
• Relationships: Married actor Gerardo Celasco (since 2019; dated since 2019). No children. Previously engaged to actor Jesse Spencer (House co-star, 2006–2007); dated Amaury Nolasco (2009–2012), Sebastian Stan (Once Upon a Time co-star, 2012–2013).
• Post-Film: Starred in Warrior (2011); directed Sun Dogs (2017). Recent: Recurring as Cassidy Sharp in This Is Us (2019–2022); Star Trek (2009); The Rainmaker (August 2025).

Josh Dallas as Prince Charming / David Nolan

• Role: Charming, the heroic prince and amnesiac teacher David, Snow’s true love and Emma’s father, wielding a sword and unyielding hope. Dallas’s “chivalrous everyman” drove romantic arcs; appeared in 134 episodes (seasons 1–6, guest 7).
• Net Worth: $3 million.
• Height: 6’2″ (1.88 m).
• Family: Born December 18, 1978, in Louisville, Kentucky, to unknown parents (details private). One brother. Attended New Albany Senior High School; Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts (full scholarship).
• Relationships: Married actress Ginnifer Goodwin (Once Upon a Time co-star, engaged October 2013; wed April 12, 2014). Sons: Oliver Finlay (b. May 29, 2014), Hugo Wilson (b. June 1, 2016). Previously married actress Lara Pulver (2007–2011).
• Post-Film: Starred as Fandral in Thor (2011); Ben Stone in Manifest (2018–2023). Recent: The Unforgivable (2021); The Big Sick (2017); Manifest movie teases (2025 Netflix).

Lana Parrilla as The Evil Queen / Regina Mills

• Role: Regina, the vengeful mayor and former Evil Queen who cursed Storybrooke, seeking redemption through her son Henry and budding heroism. Parrilla’s “nuanced villain-to-hero” stole the show; appeared in all 156 episodes.
• Net Worth: $4 million.
• Height: 5’5″ (1.65 m).
• Family: Born July 15, 1977, in Brooklyn, New York, to painter mother Lucille (Sicilian) and ex-MLB player Sam Parrilla (Puerto Rican). Stepfather: Vincent Sgroia (NYPD detective). Attended Sunset High School (Los Angeles).
• Relationships: Married software executive Fred Di Blasio (2014–2018; stepmother to his three sons). Single as of 2025; previously dated producer Juan Carlos Bermúdez (mid-2000s).
• Post-Film: Starred in Why Women Kill (2019–2021); The Lincoln Lawyer (2023–present). Recent: Atlas (2024 Netflix); Scrap (2022); clothing line Keep It Regal (2020–present).

Colin O’Donoghue as Captain Hook / Killian Jones

• Role: Hook, the charming pirate captain turned anti-hero, seeking revenge on Rumplestiltskin before redeeming through love with Emma. O’Donoghue’s “suave swashbuckler” became a fan favorite; appeared in 124 episodes (seasons 2–7).
• Net Worth: $2 million.
• Height: 5’11” (1.80 m).
• Family: Born January 26, 1981, in Drogheda, Ireland, to Con and Mary O’Donoghue (Roman Catholic). Siblings: older brother Allen. Attended Dundalk Grammar School; Gaiety School of Acting.
• Relationships: Married actress Helen O’Donoghue (since 2013; met in theater). Children: son Evan (b. August 1, 2013), daughter Millie (b. May 2017).
• Post-Film: Starred in The Rite (2011); voiced Douxie in Tales of Arcadia (2016–2021). Recent: Heartstrings (2019); co-hosts The Sync Report podcast (2022–present); Electric Easy (2023 sci-fi podcast).

Emilie de Ravin as Belle / Belle French

• Role: Belle, the intelligent bookworm and Rumplestiltskin’s true love, enduring captivity and curses with courage and curiosity. de Ravin’s “resilient romantic” charmed; appeared in 97 episodes (recurring seasons 1–2, regular 3–6, guest 7).
• Net Worth: $4 million.
• Height: 5’2″ (1.57 m).
• Family: Born December 27, 1981, in Mount Eliza, Australia, to French-ancestry father (details private) and mother (English/Irish). Two older half-sisters. Attended Australian Ballet School (dropped out for acting); National Institute of Dramatic Art.
• Relationships: Engaged to writer-director Eric Bilitch (since July 6, 2016; dated since 2014). Daughter: Vera Audrey (b. March 2016). Previously married actor Josh Janowicz (2003–2014).
• Post-Film: Starred in Lost (2004–2010, Claire Littleton); Remember Me (2010). Recent: The Hills Have Eyes (2006); Air Force One Is Down (2013); Onimusha: Way of the Sword (2025 Netflix, canceled).

Jared S. Gilmore as Henry Mills

• Role: Henry, Emma’s son and the Truest Believer who brings the storybook to life, bridging worlds and family bonds. Gilmore’s “wide-eyed believer” grew from child to teen; appeared in 133 episodes (seasons 1–6, guest 7).
• Net Worth: $500,000–$1 million.
• Height: 5’9″ (1.75 m).
• Family: Born May 30, 2000, in San Diego, California, to parents (details private). Sibling: twin sister Taylor (actress). Homeschooled; attended John Robert Powers San Diego.
• Relationships: Engaged to girlfriend Jessica (since November 2023; dated four years). No children.
• Post-Film: Played Bobby Draper in Mad Men (2009–2010); The Back-up Plan (2010). Recent: Twitch streamer “CowboyBeBAMF” (2019–present, Overwatch League); Vampire Academy (2014); Atlanta Reign esports (2019–2021).

Robert Carlyle as Mr. Gold / Rumplestiltskin

• Role: Rumplestiltskin, the cunning Dark One and deal-maker whose tragic past fuels villainy and redemption arcs with Belle. Carlyle’s “menacing manipulator” was Emmy-nominated; appeared in all 156 episodes.
• Net Worth: $10 million.
• Height: 5’6″ (1.68 m).
• Family: Born April 14, 1961, in Glasgow, Scotland, to Elizabeth (bus employee, left at age 4) and Joseph Carlyle (painter/decorator). No siblings. Attended North Kelvinside Secondary School (left at 16); Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.
• Relationships: Married makeup artist Anastasia Shirley (since 1997). Children: daughter Ava (b. 2002), sons Harvey (b. 2004), Pearce Joseph (b. 2006).
• Post-Film: Starred in Trainspotting (1996); The Full Monty (1997); Stargate Universe (2009–2011). Recent: The Full Monty sequel series (2023); Toxic Town (2025 Netflix); November 1963 (2025, as Jack Ruby).

Rebecca Mader as Zelena / Wicked Witch

• Role: Zelena, Regina’s jealous half-sister and Wicked Witch, whose envy drives chaos before seeking family bonds. Mader’s “fiery antagonist” joined in season 3; appeared in 52 episodes (recurring 3–4, 7; regular 5–6).
• Net Worth: $4 million–$5 million.
• Height: 5’6″ (1.68 m).
• Family: Born April 24, 1977, in Cambridge, England, to parents (partial German descent, details private). No siblings reported. Attended university briefly; modeled for L’Oréal/Colgate.
• Relationships: Married producer Marcus Kayne (engaged December 2014; wed November 23, 2016). No children. Previously married businessman Joseph Arongino (divorced 2008).
• Post-Film: Starred in Lost (2008–2010, Charlotte Lewis); Iron Man 3 (2013). Recent: The Mindy Project (2012–2017); At Home with Sean and Bex YouTube series (2020–present, with Sean Maguire).

Sean Maguire as Robin Hood

• Role: Robin, the charming outlaw thief whose true love with Regina redeems his roguish ways amid curses. Maguire’s “swashbuckling rogue” recast the role in season 3; appeared in 36 episodes (3–5, 7).
• Net Worth: $2 million–$3 million.
• Height: 5’8″ (1.73 m).
• Family: Born April 18, 1976, in Ilford, England, to teachers (Irish dance family, Maguire-O’Shea Academy). Siblings: five (brothers Darren, Ciaran, Michael; sisters Ellie, Katherine). Attended Catholic schools.
• Relationships: Married police detective Tanya Flynn (wed October 19, 2012; second ceremony December 30, 2014). Son: Flynn Patrick (b. July 14, 2015).
• Post-Film: Starred in EastEnders (1993–1996, Aidan Brosnan); Grange Hill (1987–1991). Recent: Scott & Bailey (2012–2016); The Magicians (2015–2020); Action Royale (Snapchat series, 2020).

Additional Notes

• Salaries: Leads like Morrison/Goodwin/Dallas earned $175,000 per episode by season 6; Carlyle/Parrilla ~$150,000; supporting ~$50,000–$100,000. Budgets funded Vancouver shoots, Disney lore (e.g., Frozen licensing), and effects. Spin-off Wonderland ($20M total) and merch boosted residuals.
• Casting Insights: Kitsis/Horowitz prioritized fairy tale twists; Goodwin (33) won Snow after Big Love tape for “grounded grace.” Morrison (32) beat 100+ for Emma’s “tough vulnerability.” Dallas (32) nailed Charming via chemistry reads; Parrilla (34) channeled 24 intensity for Regina. Carlyle (50) brought Trainspotting edge; de Ravin (29) Lost fame secured Belle. Boot camps included Disney immersion for authenticity.
• Impact and Legacy: Reviving fairy tales post-Shrek, it spiked Disney+ views (top 10 in 2025) and cosplay (Wicked Witch trends 500M+ TikTok). Fans on Reddit/X praise “Captain Swan” but critique season 7 recast; 88% RT reflects magical allure. Influenced The Magicians, His Dark Materials; 2025 10-year anniversary reunion (D23 Expo) trended. Streaming on Disney+ sustains nostalgia.
• Post-Film Careers: Morrison/Goodwin/Dallas balance MCU/Disney; Parrilla/O’Donoghue thrive in genre TV; de Ravin/Mader pivot to indies. Gilmore streams esports; Maguire teaches acting. Bonds via cons (e.g., 2025 MegaCon); revival talks swirl.
• Cultural Influence: Blended folklore with modern feminism (Regina’s arc), boosting LGBTQ+ rep (e.g., Mulan). Diversity (Parrilla’s Latina, de Ravin’s Aussie) advanced, though X notes “whitewashed” realms. “Evil Regal” fandom endures; 2025 Zootopia 2 ties (Goodwin) spark crossovers.

Conclusion

Once Upon a Time‘s enchanted ensemble, ignited by Morrison’s defiant Emma and Parrilla’s redemptive Regina, wove fairy tale threads into a sprawling saga of curses and comebacks. Net worths from $500,000 (Gilmore) to $10 million (Carlyle) chronicle quests from Storybrooke sets to Disney dynasties.

Personal spells—from Goodwin-Dallas’s family fairy tale to O’Donoghue’s Irish hearth—echo the show’s belief in happy endings. Its syndication sorcery, spin-off scrolls, and fan-forged lore endure as ABC’s timeless tome, where every “once upon” whispers eternal magic.