Are You Afraid of the Dark Cast: Full List & Characters (1990-2022)

If you grew up in the 1990s, chances are you remember gathering around the TV on Saturday nights for SNICK programming, waiting for that eerie blue-hued intro to begin.

Are You Afraid of the Dark wasn’t just another Nickelodeon horror series—it was a cultural phenomenon that introduced an entire generation to kid-friendly horror through the legendary Midnight Society and their campfire storytellers.

From 1990 to 2022, this groundbreaking anthology horror series featured dozens of talented young actors who brought spine-tingling tales to life. Whether you’re searching for the original Are You Afraid of the Dark cast, wondering about the Are You Afraid of the Dark 2019 cast, or curious about where these child actors are today, this comprehensive guide covers every cast member who ever sat around that infamous campfire.

Original Series Cast (1990-1996)

The original cast members of Are You Afraid of the Dark became household names for 90s kids who tuned in religiously to watch the Midnight Society members share their terrifying tales. This Canadian TV series, produced by CINAR production and created by D.J. MacHale and Ned Kandel, featured a rotating ensemble of teenage storytellers who defined an era of television.

Founding Midnight Society Members (1990-1992)

The founding members of the Midnight Society established the show’s legacy during its first few seasons. These series regulars became synonymous with the show and helped launch Are You Afraid of the Dark into becoming one of the most beloved programs in YTV series and Nickelodeon history.

Ross Hull as Gary

Ross Hull portrayed Gary, the bespectacled leader and president of the original Midnight Society. As one of the longest-running main cast members, Gary served as the founding member who established many of the group’s traditions. Ross Hull appeared in 68 episodes from 1990 to 1996, making him the actor most synonymous with the show.

Gary’s stories often featured magic and mysticism, with the recurring character Sardo frequently appearing in his tales. His most memorable story, “The Tale of the Crimson Clown,” remains one of the series’ most terrifying episodes.

After Are You Afraid of the Dark, Hull continued acting in projects like Student Bodies, Stargate: Atlantis (as Doctor Corrigan), and Mutant X. His last major acting role was in the series Dark Matter in 2017, though he appeared in Global National in 2020.

Raine Pare-Coull as Betty Ann

Raine Pare-Coull brought Betty Ann to life as one of the core Midnight Society storytellers from 1990 to 1996, appearing in 65 episodes. Betty Ann was known for her theatrical approach to storytelling—she loved to dress up for effect and often brought props to enhance her tales. Her stories typically dealt with ghosts from the past who had unfinished business that required help from the living.

Betty Ann represented an important voice in the Midnight Society, bringing empathy and emotional depth to her narratives. After the show, Pare-Coull largely stepped away from the spotlight, maintaining a low profile unlike some of her cast mates.

Jodie Resther as Kiki

Jodie Resther portrayed Kiki, one of the original Midnight Society members known for her creative and imaginative storytelling style. Resther appeared in the early seasons of the show, contributing memorable tales before her character departed.

Beyond Are You Afraid of the Dark, Resther found tremendous success as a voice actress. She became well-known for voicing characters in the animated series Arthur and appeared in the 2018 film Death Wish. Her voice acting career has remained steady, making her one of the most successful performers from the original series.

Jason Alisharan as Frank

Jason Alisharan played Frank, the punk-rock teenager with an in-your-face attitude who brought edge to the Midnight Society. Frank appeared for five seasons, and his stories often featured the recurring villain Dr. Vink (the infamous character who always corrected people: “Vink, with a va-va-va!”).

Frank’s first appearance was in “The Tale of the Phantom Cab,” where he auditioned for membership in the Midnight Society. Alisharan remained consistently involved in Hollywood after the show, working as a producer on the 2009 film A Single Man starring Colin Firth and Julianne Moore. He also appeared in the documentary Orange Years: The Nickelodeon Story, discussing his time on the show.

Rachel Blanchard as Kristen

Rachel Blanchard joined the cast as Kristen, a Midnight Society member who brought sophistication and sometimes skepticism to the group. Blanchard impressed creator D.J. MacHale so much that he cast her in the British series Chris Cross while she was still on Are You Afraid of the Dark.

After leaving the show, Blanchard’s career took off spectacularly. She landed the starring role of Cher in the Clueless TV series, appeared in The Rage: Carrie 2 and Road Trip, became a regular on 7th Heaven, and had notable appearances in Snakes on a Plane and the British comedy Peep Show. She’s one of the most successful stars from the original cast.

Nathaniel Moreau as David

Nathaniel Moreau portrayed David, the quiet, introspective member of the Midnight Society with a mysterious expression and deep thoughts. David’s stories reflected his introverted nature, often focusing less on external threats and more on the darkness within people and the consequences of unresolved past events. His crush on Kristen was a subtle ongoing thread in the series.

In Season 3, David and his family moved away, leading to his departure from the Midnight Society. After the show ended, Moreau appeared in Tales from the Crypt Keeper and Street Legal, and starred in the TV movie A Haunting Harmony.

Mid-Series Members (1993-1996)

As the show evolved, new cast members joined the Midnight Society, bringing fresh perspectives and new storytelling styles to the beloved campfire stories.

Daniel DeSanto as Tucker

Daniel DeSanto made his debut as Tucker, Gary’s brother Tucker—the younger, more obnoxious sibling who joined the Midnight Society in Season 3. Initially portrayed as Gary’s annoying little brother, Tucker grew into his role and eventually became the leader of the Midnight Society when the show was revived in 1999.

Tucker appeared in 65 episodes from 1994 to 2000, making him one of the longest-running cast members. His stories often explored family relationships and featured themes of accidentally unleashing evil upon the world.

After Are You Afraid of the Dark, DeSanto continued acting steadily, appearing in Mean Girls as Jason and maintaining a successful career as both an actor and voice artist. He graduated from Martingrove Collegiate Institute in 1999 and studied Film Studies at Ryerson University.

JoAnna Garcia as Sam

JoAnna Garcia Swisher (professionally known as JoAnna Garcia) joined in Season 3 as Sam, replacing Betty Ann after she moved away. Sam quickly became a fan favorite and one of the most successful actors from the Are You Afraid of the Dark cast then and now.

Garcia commuted from Florida to Montreal while still in high school to film the series, appearing in two seasons. Her post-AYAOTD career has been remarkable—she starred as Cheyenne in Reba alongside country legend Reba McEntire, played Ariel in ABC’s Once Upon a Time, and appeared in Not Another Teen Movie as the cheerleader with Tourette’s Syndrome. Recent projects include Sweet Magnolias and Christmas with the Campbells. She’s arguably had the most successful career of any original cast member.

Jacob Tierney as Eric

Jacob Tierney played Eric, a cocky teenager with a disdainful attitude toward other Midnight Society members. Eric only lasted one season (appearing in episodes like “The Tale of Jake and the Leprechaun” and “The Tale of the Dark Music”), but Tierney went on to have an impressive career.

While Eric may not have been the most popular character, Tierney has thrived in show business. He’s been acting steadily since the late ’80s and shifted focus to directing and producing in the mid-2000s. He’s worked extensively with comedian Jay Baruchel on films including The Trotsky and Good Neighbors, both of which Tierney directed. He’s also known for his voice work and has become a respected filmmaker.

Codie Lucas Wilbee as Stig

Codie Lucas Wilbee portrayed Stig, the last member initiated into the original generation of the Midnight Society. His nickname possibly comes from the term “stigma,” as he was marked as an outsider due to his notable lack of hygiene—a character trait that made him unique among the typically well-groomed cast.

Before Are You Afraid of the Dark, Wilbee had small roles in shows like The Outer Limits and movies such as Knight Moves. However, the show marked his final acting role. After AYAOTD, Wilbee has remained virtually absent from the internet and public life, making him one of the most mysterious cast members in terms of current whereabouts.

First Revival Cast (1999-2000)

After a three-year hiatus, Are You Afraid of the Dark returned in 1999 with a new generation of Midnight Society members. This revival cast brought fresh energy to the series while maintaining the show’s signature scary stories format.

New Midnight Society Members

Daniel DeSanto as Tucker (Leader)

Tucker returned as the new leader of the Midnight Society, bridging the gap between the original series and the revival. His evolution from annoying little brother to confident leader showed impressive character growth.

Vanessa Lengies as Vange

Vanessa Lengies played Vange, instantly recognizable by her beanie and braided pigtails. Vange became known for telling one of the show’s most terrifying tales, “The Tale of the Night Nurse.” Like Jodie Resther, Lengies also voiced a character on Arthur, playing Emily.

Lengies achieved her big break in 2003 with American Dreams opposite Brittany Snow. She went on to appear in films like The Perfect Man and Stick It, worked on the medical drama HawthoRNe, and landed a recurring role as Sugar Motta on Glee. Her career post-AYAOTD has been consistently successful.

Kareem Blackwell as Quinn

Kareem Blackwell portrayed Quinn, a member of the New Midnight Society who, along with Vange, often teased Andy. Quinn brought a different dynamic to the group during the revival years.

David Deveau as Andy

David Deveau played Andy, another member of the New Midnight Society who was frequently the target of jokes from Quinn and Vange. His stories included “The Tale of the Misfortune Cookie” and “The Tale of the Photo Finish.”

Interestingly, Deveau had already appeared in a 1995 episode of Are You Afraid of the Dark as a different character in “The Tale of the Manaha.” After the revival, Deveau starred in the 2002 Canadian movie Drummer Boy but hasn’t acted since, becoming another cast member with virtually no online presence.

Elisha Cuthbert as Megan

Elisha Cuthbert joined the revival cast as Megan, the quintessential rich girl who wasn’t a fan of the outdoors. This role came early in Cuthbert’s career, which would soon skyrocket.

Cuthbert became internationally famous for playing Kim Bauer in 24, appeared in the teen comedy The Girl Next Door, starred in the horror remake House of Wax, and has been voted one of the sexiest actresses in the world. At 14, she made her feature film debut in Dancing on the Moon. In 2013, she was elected the “most Beautiful woman of American TV,” and her career has remained robust with various film and television projects.

Second Revival Cast (2019-2022)

In 2019, Nickelodeon brought back Are You Afraid of the Dark for a modern audience through Paramount+ revival as a limited series. Unlike previous iterations, this reboot cast featured standalone seasons with different Midnight Society members each time, creating a thematic series with unique horror scenarios.

Carnival of Doom Cast (Season 1)

The first season of the new revival, which premiered in October 2019, featured an entirely new group of teenagers facing a sinister carnival that came to life.

The Cast:

• Sam Ashe Arnold as Gavin – A member of the new Midnight Society who helped lead the group against the Carnival of Doom
• Miya Cech as Akiko – One of the core storytellers in the Season 1 ensemble
• Tamara Smart as Louise – A British actress who brought international flavor to the cast
• Jeremy Ray Taylor as Graham – Known for his role in IT, Taylor brought horror credibility to the series
• Lyliana Wray as Rachel – Completed the Season 1 Midnight Society lineup
• Rafael Casal as Mr. Tophat – The villainous ringmaster of the Carnival of Doom

This season was announced on June 10, 2019, and represented a bold new direction for the franchise, treating each season as a self-contained miniseries rather than an ongoing anthology.

Curse of the Shadows Cast (Season 2)

The second season, subtitled “Curse of the Shadows,” premiered on February 12, 2021, with an entirely new Midnight Society cast and a fresh supernatural threat.

The Cast:

• Bryce Gheisar as Luke McCoy – The leader of this iteration of the Midnight Society
• Arjun Athalye as Jai – A key member who embraced the show’s legacy while making it his own
• Beatrice Kitsos as Hanna – One of the players in Season 2’s interconnected story
• Malia Baker as Gabby – Part of the core group facing the curse
• Dominic Mariche as Seth – Contributed to the season’s horror narrative
• Parker Queenan as Connor – Completed the Season 2 ensemble

The cast was announced on October 29, 2020, and the season continued the show’s tradition of combining genuinely scary moments with coming-of-age themes. In interviews, the cast members discussed feeling the weight of the show’s legacy and hoping to create something that would resonate with both new audiences and nostalgic fans of the original cast.

Ghost Island Cast (Season 3)

The third and final season of the revival, subtitled “Ghost Island,” premiered on July 30, 2022. This season brought the modern revival to a close with another brand-new Midnight Society facing terrors on a haunted island.

The Cast:

• Telci Huynh as a Midnight Society member
• Conor Sherry as a Midnight Society member
• Luca Padovan as a Midnight Society member
• Dior Goodjohn as a Midnight Society member
• Chance Hurstfield as a Midnight Society member
• Julian Curtis as a hotel manager

This season completed the 2019-2022 revival before the series was removed from Paramount+ on March 28, 2024, as part of a strategic decision by the streaming service.

Recurring Characters & Guest Stars

Beyond the Midnight Society cast members, Are You Afraid of the Dark featured numerous recurring characters and guest stars who became integral to the show’s mythology.

Dr. Vink (Aron Tager)

Aron Tager portrayed the infamous Dr. Vink (emphatically “with a va-va-va,” not Fink!), one of the show’s most memorable recurring characters. Dr. Vink appeared primarily in Frank’s stories as either the villain or the creator of the episode’s antagonist.

Tager was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1934, where he became an artist and sculptor before moving to Canada. After a 25-year hiatus from acting to focus on art, sculpting, and poetry, he and his wife, Ann Page, returned to film and theatre work in 1991. His portrayal of Dr. Vink made him an icon of 90s Nickelodeon programming. Tager appeared in various Canadian feature films and continued acting until his later years.

Sardo (Richard Dumont)

Richard Dumont played Sardo, the sleazy magic shop owner who appeared in multiple episodes. His character’s catchphrase—insisting his name was “Sar-DO, no mister, accent on the ‘do'”—became legendary among fans. Sardo typically sold cursed or magical items that drove the plots of various episodes, particularly in Gary’s stories.

Dumont has continued working as an actor and voice artist, with credits including video games like Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla and Assassin’s Creed: Origins. His work extends across multiple media, showcasing his versatility as a performer.

Notable Guest Appearances

Are You Afraid of the Dark served as a launching pad for numerous future stars who made guest appearances before becoming famous. The show’s guest stars list reads like a who’s who of Hollywood talent:

Ryan Gosling appeared in “The Tale of Station 109.1” as Jamie Leary, playing a normal teenager whose brother is obsessed with death and discovers a radio station that brings listeners to the afterlife. This was before his breakthrough roles in The Notebook and beyond.

Neve Campbell had an early role before achieving fame in Party of Five and the Scream franchise. Born in Guelph, Ontario, to a Dutch-born mother and Scottish-born father, Campbell would become one of Canada’s most successful exports to Hollywood.

Mia Kirshner appeared on the show before her acclaimed work in The L Word, The Vampire Diaries, and Defiance. She was ranked #43 on the Maxim Hot 100 Women of 2002 and has become one of Canada’s most decorated female performers, also known for her 2007 book I Live Here.

Aaron Ashmore made multiple appearances—first in Season 2’s “The Tale of the Thirteenth Floor” as Billy, and later in Season 7 as Jake. He would go on to become well-known for playing Jimmy Olsen in Smallville and has had a successful career in both Canadian and American productions.

Emily VanCamp played Peggy Gregory in an early role before becoming famous as Sharon Carter in the Captain America movies and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. She also starred in The Ring 2, had a memorable appearance on Law & Order: SVU, and currently stars in The Resident.

Other notable guest appearances included:

• Tatyana Ali from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
• Danny Cooksey from Salute Your Shorts
• Melissa Joan Hart from Clarissa Explains It All
• Tia and Tamera Mowry from Sister, Sister
• Danny Tamborelli from The Adventures of Pete & Pete
• Veteran film actor Charles S. Dutton

Behind the Scenes: Creators & Crew

D.J. MacHale (Creator)

D.J. MacHale (born March 11, 1955) co-created Are You Afraid of the Dark alongside Ned Kandel and served as one of the show’s executive producers. The show was initially titled “Scary Tales” when MacHale and Kandel first pitched it to Nickelodeon, but the network rejected it, fearing they couldn’t scare kids on television.

A year later, a new executive named Jay Mulvaney discovered their three-page treatment in Nickelodeon’s files and asked why they weren’t making the show. This led to the series finally getting greenlit. MacHale wrote three episodes under his own name and fifteen under the pen name Chloe Brown. He directed nineteen episodes and served as showrunner for all ninety-one episodes of the original series.

MacHale’s storytelling philosophy centered on depicting kids facing challenges unrelated to the supernatural situations they encountered. He wanted to show children taking charge of difficult situations, demonstrating they aren’t powerless in their own lives. The show also emphasized diversity in characters and stories, avoiding stereotypes—an approach that earned the series an NAACP Image Award nomination in 1996.

The famous opening line, “Submitted for the approval of the Midnight Society,” was MacHale’s homage to The Twilight Zone creator Rod Serling, who would introduce episodes saying “Submitted for your approval.”

Beyond Are You Afraid of the Dark, MacHale has created, written, directed, and produced numerous award-winning television series and movies, including Flight 29 Down and Disney’s Tower of Terror. As an author, he’s written the bestselling Pendragon series, the Morpheus Road trilogy, and The SYLO Chronicles, along with the adult collection Beyond Midnight: Seven Peculiar Tales of Mystery and Suspense. He lives in Southern California.

Ned Kandel (Creator)

Ned Kandel co-created the series with D.J. MacHale and served as executive producer. Kandel partnered with MacHale to develop the original “Scary Tales” concept and fought alongside him to bring the show to television despite initial network resistance.

Kandel’s contribution to the show’s success cannot be overstated. His collaborative work with MacHale established the tone, structure, and mythology of the Midnight Society that would captivate audiences for decades. When the show was revived in 2019, Kandel received creator credit alongside MacHale and new showrunner BenDavid Grabinski.

Production Details

Are You Afraid of the Dark was filmed primarily in Montreal, Quebec, with some additional filming in Richmond, British Columbia. The show was a co-production between Montreal-based CINAR Films and Nickelodeon. The production teams were represented by ACTRA and STCVQ (Syndicat des techniciens du cinéma et de la vidéo du Québec) labor unions.

The series debuted as a Halloween special on October 25, 1991, on Nickelodeon, before beginning its regular run on August 15, 1992. In Canada, it premiered on Family Channel in September 1992, before moving to YTV by 1993. The show became a cornerstone of the SNICK Saturday night programming block, typically airing as the final show before the channel reverted to other programming.

Where Are They Now? Cast Updates

Then and Now: Original Cast Members

• Ross Hull (Gary) transitioned from acting to journalism. After his 2017 role in Dark Matter, Hull’s most recent public appearance was on Global National in 2020. He remains one of the most recognizable faces from the original series.
• Daniel DeSanto (Tucker) has maintained the most consistent career among male cast members, continuing to work steadily in television and voice acting. He graduated from university with a degree in Film Studies and has remained active in Canadian entertainment.
• JoAnna Garcia Swisher (Sam) has arguably achieved the greatest mainstream success, starring in multiple hit television series including Reba, Once Upon a Time, and Sweet Magnolias. She’s become one of Hollywood’s most reliable leading ladies.
• Rachel Blanchard (Kristen) successfully transitioned from child actress to adult performer, with notable roles in Clueless, 7th Heaven, and Peep Show. She’s maintained steady work across multiple decades.
• Elisha Cuthbert (Megan) became an international star through 24 and has been recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful women. She continues to work in both film and television.
• Vanessa Lengies (Vange) found success on Glee and has maintained a consistent presence in Hollywood with various television and film roles.
• Jacob Tierney (Eric) successfully transitioned to directing and producing, working behind the camera on critically acclaimed projects.

Many other cast members, including Raine Pare-Coull, Nathaniel Moreau, Codie Lucas Wilbee, and David Deveau, stepped away from the spotlight after the show, maintaining private lives away from entertainment.

Revival Cast: 2019-2022

The modern revival cast members have continued pursuing acting careers, with many appearing in various film and television projects. The experience of joining such a legendary franchise while creating something new has been described by the cast as both daunting and exciting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the original cast of Are You Afraid of the Dark?

The original Are You Afraid of the Dark cast included Ross Hull (Gary), Raine Pare-Coull (Betty Ann), Jodie Resther (Kiki), Jason Alisharan (Frank), Rachel Blanchard (Kristen), and Nathaniel Moreau (David) as the founding Midnight Society members.

How many cast members were there total?

Throughout the original series (1990-2000) and two revivals (1999-2000 and 2019-2022), there were over 30 main cast members who served as Midnight Society storytellers, not counting the hundreds of guest stars and supporting cast who appeared in individual episodes.

Where can I watch Are You Afraid of the Dark?

As of March 28, 2024, the revival series (seasons 8-10) was removed from Paramount+. The original series is available on Paramount+, though some episodes are missing from the streaming service. The show has had various home video releases throughout the years.

Who created Are You Afraid of the Dark?

Are You Afraid of the Dark was created by D.J. MacHale and Ned Kandel. The show was produced by CINAR Films in Montreal in partnership with Nickelodeon.

What is the Midnight Society?

The Midnight Society is the name of the group of teenagers who meet around a campfire in the woods to tell scary stories. Each storyteller would begin by saying “Submitted for the approval of the Midnight Society, I call this story…” before the episode would transition to the dramatized tale.

Were there any famous actors on the show?

Yes! Many future stars made guest appearances including Ryan Gosling, Neve Campbell, Mia Kirshner, Aaron Ashmore, Emily VanCamp, Melissa Joan Hart, and Tatyana Ali, among many others.

Why was Are You Afraid of the Dark so scary for kids?

Unlike other kid-friendly horror shows, Are You Afraid of the Dark didn’t pull punches with its content. The show featured genuine scares, unhappy endings, and disturbing imagery that pushed the boundaries of children’s television. Creator D.J. MacHale committed to telling stories with “guts” and refusing to talk down to young audiences.

How many seasons of Are You Afraid of the Dark were there?

The original series ran for seven seasons (1990-2000), and the 2019 revival ran for three seasons (2019-2022), for a total of ten seasons across all iterations.

What was the scariest episode of Are You Afraid of the Dark?

Fan favorites for scariest episodes include “The Tale of the Crimson Clown,” “The Tale of the Night Nurse,” “The Tale of Laughing in the Dark,” “The Tale of the Ghastly Grinner,” and “The Tale of the Dangerous Soup.” Different episodes terrified different viewers, making it hard to crown a single scariest tale.

Is Are You Afraid of the Dark coming back?

As of December 2025, there are no announced plans for another revival of Are You Afraid of the Dark. The most recent revival concluded in 2022 and was removed from Paramount+ in 2024.

Conclusion

Are You Afraid of the Dark remains one of the most influential Nickelodeon shows ever produced, introducing millions of young viewers to horror storytelling through its innovative campfire anthology format. From the original cast members who defined Saturday night television in the 1990s to the modern revival cast who brought the Midnight Society to a new generation, the actors who participated in this series became part of television history.

Whether you remember Ross Hull adjusting his glasses as Gary before beginning another tale, Daniel DeSanto’s Tucker becoming the leader of a new generation, or the modern ensemble facing the Carnival of Doom, each iteration of the cast contributed something unique to the franchise.

The show’s legacy extends beyond entertainment—it taught a generation of kids that they could face their fears, that diverse characters could be heroes, and that being different was okay. For many 90s kids, Are You Afraid of the Dark wasn’t just a show; it was a formative experience that sparked a lifelong love of horror and storytelling.

As we look back at the complete cast list spanning 1990-2022, we celebrate not just the actors and performers who brought these campfire stories to life, but the creators, crew, and everyone who worked on making the Midnight Society’s tales unforgettable. The blue-hued intro, the throwing of midnight dust into the fire, and those immortal words—”Submitted for the approval of the Midnight Society”—will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who grew up with this groundbreaking series.

The campfire may have gone out, but the stories told around it will continue to terrify and delight audiences for generations to come.