The Greatest Showman: Cast, Roles, Net Worth, Height, Families, And Relationship

The Greatest Showman (2017) is an American biographical musical drama directed by Michael Gracey in his debut, written by Jenny Bicks and Bill Condon, and inspired by the life of P.T. Barnum, founder of the Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Set in 19th-century New York, it follows Barnum’s rise from poverty to creating a global circus sensation, emphasizing themes of inclusion, ambition, and family.

The film features vibrant musical numbers by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, including the Oscar-nominated “This Is Me.”

Filmed in New York City, it grossed $459 million worldwide on an $84 million budget, making it the third-highest-grossing musical ever.

With a 56% Rotten Tomatoes score, critics praised the performances, music, and visuals but criticized its historical inaccuracies and simplistic storytelling.

Main Cast and Their Roles

Hugh Jackman as P.T. Barnum

• Role: Barnum, an ambitious showman, transforms from a poor tailor’s son into the creator of the Barnum & Bailey Circus, recruiting unique performers and facing personal and societal challenges. Jackman’s “charismatic, commanding” performance, also as a producer, earned a Golden Globe nomination. Appeared in ~90 minutes of the 105-minute runtime. Trained in singing and choreography for a decade-long passion project. Salary: ~$10 million
• Net Worth: $180 million to $200 million
• Height: 6’2″ (1.88 m)
• Family: Born October 12, 1968, in Sydney, Australia, to Christopher (accountant) and Grace Jackman. Youngest of five; parents divorced when he was eight. Raised by father; Anglican upbringing. University of Technology, Sydney graduate (BA, Communications)
• Relationships: Married Deborra-Lee Furness since 1996; separated 2023. Two adopted children: Oscar (born 2000) and Ava (born 2005). Dating uncertain as of 2025
• Post-Film: Starred in The Son (2022), Deadpool & Wolverine (2024). Upcoming: Song Sung Blue (2025)

Michelle Williams as Charity Hallett-Barnum

• Role: Charity, Barnum’s supportive wife, navigates his ambition and their family life with daughters Caroline and Helen. Williams’ “poignant” performance added emotional depth, though critics noted her underdeveloped role. Appeared in ~40 minutes
• Net Worth: $30 million to $35 million
• Height: 5’4″ (1.63 m)
• Family: Born September 9, 1980, in Kalispell, Montana, to Larry (commodities trader) and Carla Williams. One sister, Paige; three half-siblings. Homeschooled; moved to LA at 15
• Relationships: Partnered with Heath Ledger (2004–2007); one daughter, Matilda (born 2005). Married Phil Elverum (2018–2019), Thomas Kail (2020–present); two children, Hart (born 2020) and another (born 2022)
• Post-Film: Starred in The Fabelmans (2022, Oscar nomination), Showing Up (2023). Upcoming: Fever (2025)

Zac Efron as Phillip Carlyle

• Role: Carlyle, a wealthy theater producer, joins Barnum’s circus, falls for Anne Wheeler, and becomes ringmaster. Efron’s “charming” singing and dancing (High School Musical roots) shone in “Rewrite the Stars.” Appeared in ~50 minutes
• Net Worth: $25 million to $30 million, from The Greatest Showman, High School Musical trilogy (2006–2008), Hairspray (2007), The Lucky One (2012), Neighbors (2014), Baywatch (2017), The Iron Claw (2023), and A Family Affair (2024). Endorsements: Hugo Boss
• Height: 5’8″ (1.73 m)
• Family: Born October 18, 1987, in San Luis Obispo, California, to David (engineer) and Starla Efron. One brother, Dylan. Raised agnostic; Jewish descent
• Relationships: Dated Vanessa Hudgens (2005–2010), Sami Miró (2014–2016). Single as of 2025; no children. Linked to Vanessa Valladares (2020–2021)
• Post-Film: Starred in Extremely Wicked (2019), Firestarter (2022), A Family Affair (2024). Upcoming: Three Men and a Baby (2025)

Zendaya as Anne Wheeler

• Role: Anne, a trapeze artist and W.D.’s sister, faces racism and falls for Carlyle. Zendaya’s “graceful” acrobatic performance and “Rewrite the Stars” duet were highlights. Appeared in ~40 minutes. Salary: ~$300,000–$500,000
• Net Worth: $22 million to $25 million
• Height: 5’10” (1.78 m)
• Family: Born September 1, 1996, in Oakland, California, to Kazembe (teacher) and Claire Stoermer (teacher). Five half-siblings from father. Of African-American and German-Scottish descent
• Relationships: Dated Jacob Elordi (2019–2020). Dating Tom Holland since 2021; not married, no children
• Post-Film: Starred in Dune: Part Two (2024), Challengers (2024). Upcoming: Dune Messiah (2027)

Rebecca Ferguson as Jenny Lind

• Role: Jenny Lind, the “Swedish Nightingale,” tours with Barnum, sparking scandal with a kiss. Ferguson’s “captivating” singing (despite her fear of heights) was a standout, though the romance was fictional. Appeared in ~20 minutes. Salary: ~$500,000–$1 million
• Net Worth: $6 million to $10 million
• Height: 5’7″ (1.70 m)
• Family: Born October 19, 1983, in Stockholm, Sweden, to Rosemary Ferguson (British) and Olov Sundström (Swedish). One brother, Sam; one sister, Hannah; one half-brother, Daniel. Raised bilingual; moved to London at 25
• Relationships: Married Rory St. Clair Gainer (2018–present); one daughter (born 2018). One son, Isac (born 2007), with ex-partner Ludwig Hallberg
• Post-Film: Starred in Dune: Part Two (2024), Silo season 2 (2025). Upcoming: Mercy (2025)

Keala Settle as Lettie Lutz

• Role: Lettie Lutz, the Bearded Lady (inspired by Annie Jones), leads “This Is Me,” embracing her identity. Settle’s “powerful” vocals earned a Golden Globe for the song and an Oscar nomination. Appeared in ~30 minutes. Salary: ~$100,000–$200,000
• Net Worth: $1 million to $2 million
• Height: 5’3″ (1.60 m)
• Family: Born November 5, 1975, in Laie, Hawaii, to David (New Zealander) and Susanne Settle (Maori). Four siblings: Kelly, Sean, Mahina, Shay. Raised Mormon; left church in 2015
• Relationships: Private; single as of 2025, no children reported
• Post-Film: Starred in American Reject (2022), Wicked (2024, cameo). Performs on Broadway and concerts

Sam Humphrey as Charles Stratton / General Tom Thumb

• Role: Stratton, a dwarf performer dressed as Napoleon, adds charm to Barnum’s troupe. Humphrey, with acrodysplasia, walked on knees to appear shorter (4’2″ vs. real Stratton’s 2’8″). Appeared in ~15 minutes. Salary: ~$50,000–$100,000
• Net Worth: $500,000 to $1 million
• Height: 4’2″ (1.27 m)
• Family: Born April 19, 1994, in Auckland, New Zealand. Parents’ names private; no siblings reported. Moved to Australia as a teen
• Relationships: single
• Post-Film: Limited roles; appeared in Jeremy Brooks (2019). Low public profile

Paul Sparks as James Gordon Bennett

• Role: Bennett, a skeptical newspaper editor, critiques Barnum’s show. Sparks’ “dry” performance added tension. Appeared in ~10 minutes. Salary: ~$50,000–$100,000
• Net Worth: $2 million to $3 million
• Height: 5’11” (1.80 m)
• Family: Born October 16, 1971, in Lawton, Oklahoma, to Michael (football coach) and Jane Sparks (teacher). Raised in Marlow, Oklahoma; no siblings reported. NYU Tisch graduate
• Relationships: Married Annie Parisse (actress) since 2005; two children, Emmett (born 2009) and Lydia (born 2014)
• Post-Film: Starred in Joe Pickett (2021), The Bikeriders (2024). Upcoming: The Patient (2025)

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as W.D. Wheeler

• Role: W.D., Anne’s acrobat brother, supports the troupe and faces prejudice. Abdul-Mateen’s “energetic” performance was a breakout. Appeared in ~20 minutes. Salary: ~$50,000–$100,000
• Net Worth: $2 million to $3 million
• Height: 6’3″ (1.91 m)
• Family: Born July 15, 1986, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Yahya Sr. (contractor) and Mary Abdul-Mateen. Five siblings; raised in Oakland, California. UC Berkeley graduate (architecture); Yale Drama School (MFA)
• Relationships: single
• Post-Film: Starred in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024), Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023). Upcoming: The Handmaid’s Tale season 6 (2025)

Austyn Johnson as Caroline Barnum

• Role: Caroline, Barnum’s elder daughter, dreams of ballet and supports her father. Johnson’s “charming” child performance added warmth. Appeared in ~15 minutes. Salary: ~$20,000–$50,000
• Net Worth: $500,000 to $1 million
• Height: 5’0″ (1.52 m, estimated as of 2017; likely taller now)
• Family: Born April 28, 2006, in New York City. Parents’ names private; no siblings reported. Began acting at age 8
• Relationships: Single
• Post-Film: Limited acting; appeared in Lost Girls (2020). Focuses on school and theater

Cameron Seely as Helen Barnum

• Role: Helen, Barnum’s younger daughter, shares his playful spirit. Seely’s “adorable” role complemented Johnson’s. Appeared in ~10 minutes. Salary: ~$20,000–$50,000
• Net Worth: $500,000 to $1 million
• Height: 4’10” (1.47 m)
• Family: Born February 17, 2007, in Connecticut. Parents’ names private; no siblings reported. Trained in musical theater
• Relationships: Single
• Post-Film: Voiced The Grinch (2018). Limited recent roles; focuses on theater

Additional Notes

Salaries

Jackman earned $10 million, reflecting his star power and producer role.

Efron and Williams likely earned $1–$3 million, Zendaya and Ferguson $500,000–$1 million, Settle and Abdul-Mateen $100,000–$200,000, and Sparks, Johnson, and Seely $20,000–$100,000.

The $84 million budget covered elaborate sets, costumes, CGI (e.g., circus animals), and choreography.

Streaming residuals (Disney+, Hulu) boost earnings.

Casting Insights

Jackman, a Broadway veteran, was attached since 2009, driving the project.

Williams was cast for her dramatic depth, Efron and Zendaya for their musical experience (High School Musical, Shake It Up).

Ferguson, despite no singing background, learned for Lind.

Settle’s Broadway chops secured “This Is Me.”

Humphrey’s casting reflected Barnum’s real troupe diversity.

Impact and Legacy

The film’s $459 million gross and Grammy-winning soundtrack made it a cultural hit, though its 56% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects mixed reviews for glossing over Barnum’s exploitation (e.g., Chang and Eng Bunker’s real story).

“This Is Me” became an anthem for self-acceptance, performed at the 2018 Oscars.

Fans on Reddit praise the Efron–Zendaya chemistry but criticize the fictional Lind-Barnum romance.

The film’s diversity and “freak” empowerment resonated, though disability advocates noted problematic framing.

Post-Film Careers

Jackman and Zendaya lead with blockbusters (Deadpool & Wolverine, Dune).

Williams focuses on prestige films (The Fabelmans).

Efron and Abdul-Mateen mix mainstream and indie (The Iron Claw, Candyman).

Ferguson thrives in action (Mission: Impossible).

Settle, Humphrey, Sparks, Johnson, and Seely have quieter careers, with Settle on Broadway and others in TV or limited roles.

Cultural Influence

The soundtrack, especially “This Is Me” and “A Million Dreams,” dominates playlists, with 3 billion Spotify streams by 2025.

The film’s vibrant costumes and circus aesthetic inspired fashion trends.

Its romanticized Barnum sparked debate on X about historical whitewashing, yet its feel-good vibe ensures replay value.

The Brooklyn Bridge anachronism (construction began 1869, not 1830s) is a noted flaw.

Conclusion

The Greatest Showman’s cast, led by Jackman’s dynamic Barnum, Williams’ heartfelt Charity, and breakout stars like Zendaya and Settle, delivered a dazzling musical spectacle.

Net worths range from $500,000 (Johnson, Seely) to $200 million (Jackman), reflecting varied careers.

Personal lives, from Jackman’s long marriage to Zendaya’s high-profile romance, add depth.

Despite historical critiques, its infectious music and inclusive message cement its status as a modern musical classic, available on Disney+ and Hulu.