The King of Queensis one sitcom that was never short on quirky and outrageous supporting characters during its nine-season run. From the fiery-tempered Carrie (Leah Remini) to her sandwich-loving husband Doug (Kevin James), and all the rotating supporting characters and dysfunctional relationships in between, there are more than enough distinctive and memorable roles over the series' 207 episodes to satisfy viewers' cravings for humorous altercations and the hijinks that come with clashing personalities. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering the show’s re-runs in syndication, here’s a handy cast and character guide to keep track of who’s who in the long-running sitcom.
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Doug Heffernan (Kevin James)
Doug is a driver for the fictional International Parcel Service and lover of all things food. He is married to Carrie and they frequently bicker with each other. Most of their arguments usually revolve around Doug’s weight, laziness, and lack of romantic gestures towards Carrie. He’s frequently caught scheming with his friends to get what he wants, such as taking Carrie away for a spa weekend to earn husband “credit” for a Vegas trip. Doug’s patience is often tested by Arthur, Carrie’s father, who lives in their basement and makes insulting comments about Doug’s size and compulsive eating.
James has also appeared as Doug Heffernan in crossover episodes ofEverybody Loves Raymond. He also starred in the seriesKevin Can WaitandThe Crew. In addition to roles in family-friendly comedy films likeGrown Ups,Pixels,Paul Blart: Mall Cop, and theHotel Transylvaniaseries, he can be seen in adult comedies like50 First DatesandHitch, as well as more dramatic turns as an escaped prisoner in the action thrillerBecky. James will be seen in theupcoming sports comedy filmHome Team(2022).
Carrie Heffernan (Leah Remini)
Carrie is Doug’s husband. She works as a legal secretary in Manhattan and frequently tries to climb the corporate ladder by schmoozing with her bosses at the firm. She always pushes Doug to be more romantic or to put forth more effort in their relationship, much to Doug’s disappointment. Carrie also has a short temper, causing some of the people she interacts with to be intimidated by her. She often harps on Doug about his selfishness but shows that she can be just as self-centered, like when she buys a closet full of expensive clothes and hides them from Doug. Carrie has a complicated relationship with her father and bounces back and forth between feeling frustrated and burdened by his living in their basement, and guilty that she doesn’t do more for him.
Aside from starring in all nine seasons ofKing of Queens, Remini has starred in a number of other series. She is known for portraying Charlie Briscoe inLiving Dolls, Stacey Carosi inSaved by the Bell, Dominique Constellano inFirst Time Out, Nicki inThe Exes, and, most recently, Vanessa Cellucci inKevin Can Wait, where she reunited with Kevin James. She can also be seen in films likeOld SchoolandSecond Act.
Arthur Spooner (Jerry Stiller)
Arthur is Carrie’s father who lives in the Heffernans' basement after he burns his own house down at the beginning of the series. Arthur wasn’t the most nurturing father to Carrie and even lost her birth name (Simone) in a poker game. Arthur was neglected as a child and, as a result, frequently acts like one during his stay with Doug and Carrie. He is brash and prone to fits of yelling when he doesn’t get his way and is not above making fun of Doug’s weight and Carrie’s temper despite living in their house rent-free. Arthur is terrible at managing his own money and regularly engages in a series of get-rich-quick schemes.
Prior toKing of Queens,Jerry Stillerrose to fame alongside his wife,Anne Meara, as the comedy team of Stiller and Meara in the 1960s and ’70s. With over 50 years in film and TV, it’s hard to find a show that Stillerhasn’tappeared on. Though he has popped up in films such asZoolanderandHairspray, he’s best known for his many television credits ranging from stints on classic shows likeThe Ed Sullivan Show,The Love Boat,Archie Bunker’s Place, andJoe and Sons, all the way through to more modern shows likeLaw & Order,The Good Wife, and playing the fan-favorite character of Frank Costanza inSeinfeld.
Deacon Palmer (Victor Williams)
Deacon (left) is Kelly’s husband and Doug’s best friend. They first met when an unemployed Doug was trying to impress Carrie and snuck into IPS (where Deacon already worked) pretending to have a job. Ever since, Doug and Deacon have worked together as drivers and usually have lunch together where they talk about their marital issues. Though considerably less scheming than Doug, Deacon is known to be persuaded to join in Doug’s sneaky plans.
With a filmography that boasts an acting credit nearly every year over the past 25 years, Williams is no stranger to television. He is known for long-running characters like Detective Jeffries inThe Affairand Gerald inHappy Together, along with appearances inLaw & Order,ER,Fringe,The Good Wife, andThe Blacklist. On the film side, he has starred inThe Preacher’s Wife,Hungry Hearts, andNovember Criminals.
Kelly Palmer (Merrin Dungey)
Kelly is Deacon’s wife and Carrie’s high school friend. Like Carrie, she has little tolerance for nonsense and is not shy about voicing her opinions. She and Deacon often have turmoil in their relationship, causing them to briefly separate before eventually reconciling.
Dungey has portrayed recurring characters like Kitty Kenarban inMalcolm in the Middle, Francie Calfo inAlias, Ursula inOnce Upon a Time, and Detective Adrienne Quinlan inBig Little Lies, as well as making guest appearances in shows likeMan With a Plan,American Horror Stories,The Resident, andLucifer. She can also be seen in films likeSome Kind of Beautiful,CHiPs,Greenland, and most recently,The Madness Inside Me.
Holly Shumpert (Nicole Sullivan)
Holly is a meek and mild single friend of the Heffernans whose kindness and sweet nature are frequently taken advantage of by those around her, especially Carrie. She is initially hired to walk Spence’s dog, but Doug later hires her to “walk” Arthur as well in an attempt to get him out of the house for long stretches of time. Holly is portrayed as insecure and usually looks to those around her for approval.
In addition to being a cast member in over 140 episodes ofMADtv, Sullivan has played recurring characters in comedies such asFamily Guy,Black-ish, andBob Hearts Abishola. She has also guest-starred inMom,The Middle,Will & Grace, andThe Neighborhood. On the big screen, she can be seen in films likeThe Ant Bully,Meet the Robinsons, and17 Again.
Spence Olchin (Patton Oswalt)
Spence (left) is the outsider in Doug’s friend group. He begins the series as a subway token taker and enjoys comics, gaming, and other hobbies that his friends deem uncool. He lives with his mom for many years until moving in with Doug’s cousin, Danny. Spence is usually portrayed as being weak (such as his food allergies and living with his mother) and usually manages to get roped into Arthur’s schemes.
Oswalt has a long and varied career in TV with roles as Penn Epner inVeronica Mars, Teddy Sykes inVeep, Adult Adam inThe Goldbergs, and various characters inAgents of S.H.I.E.L.D.He can also be found popping up in comedy and drama films likeTaxi,Zoolander,The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,The Circle, and Remy the rat in the beloved Pixar filmRatatouille.
Danny Heffernan (Gary Valentine)
Danny (far right) is Doug’s cousin and ends up becoming part of his friend group along with Deacon and Spence. He loses his job (and his wife) early in the series and Doug reluctantly helps him get back on his feet with a job at IPS. Danny becomes roommates with Spence later in the series, something which earns both of them a great amount of ridicule from their friends.
On the television front, Valentine has appeared inMen of a Certain Age, the first season ofFargo, and the sitcomKevin Can Wait. He also made the jump to the big screen with roles in the filmsStuck on You,I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry,Paul Blart: Mall Cop, andZookeeper.
Lou Ferrigno (as himself)
Lou Ferrignomoves next door to the Heffernans in Season 3. His neighbors (especially Doug) frequently makeIncredible Hulkjokes when referencing something that might make Lou angry or go “green.” Despite others' picking on his politeness and calm demeanor, he usually takes the moral high ground in any given situation, like when he admonishes Doug and Arthur after they conspire to supply Carrie with cocktails in order to make her easier to live with.
In addition to a career as a bodybuilder, Ferrigno also starred as the Hulk inThe Incredible HulkTV series and John Six in the medical dramaTrauma Center, as well as appearing in episodes of various comedies such asMy Wife and Kids,Reno 911!, andChuck. He also starred in films likeHercules, the docudramaPumping Iron, and had cameo appearances inI Love You, Man,The Avengers, andMoms' Night Out.
Richie Iannucci (Larry Romano)
Richie (left) has known Doug since high school and they have remained friends since. He is a New York firefighter and always looking to pick up women (especially after splitting with his wife). He has even dated Doug’s sister and Carrie (prior to her meeting Doug).
Aside from his role onKing of Queens, Romano might be best known for portraying Aldo in the sitcomKristinas well as Richie Biondi inPublic Morals. He can also be seen in films such asDonnie Brasco,The Thin Red Line, and most recently,Bad Education.
In addition to the main cast,The King of Queensalso features memorable recurring and guest appearances from Anne Meara (Night at the Museum) as Spence’s mom Veronica,Ray Romano(Everybody Loves Raymond) as Ray Barone,Dakin Matthews(True Grit) as Doug’s father Joe,Jenny O’Hara(Big Love) as Doug’s mom Janet,Ricki Lake(Hairspray) as Doug’s sister Stephanie, andGavin MacLeod(The Love Boat) as Doug’s Uncle Stu.
