If you’ve ever laughed until your sides hurt watching Whose Line Is It Anyway, you know the magic comes from its incredibly talented Whose Line Is It Anyway Cast members.
This legendary improv comedy show has entertained millions with its spontaneous comedy and improvisational genius since the late 1990s. Whether you remember the original series with Drew Carey or love the revival hosted by Aisha Tyler, this complete guide covers every regular performer, guest performer, and behind-the-scenes talent that made the show unforgettable.
The American version of Whose Line has gone through two major eras: the ABC network run from 1998-2007 and The CW revival from 2013-2024. Both versions featured improv games, comedy sketches, and audience suggestions that created pure comedic gold.
Let’s dive deep into the complete Whose Line Is It Anyway cast history and discover what made each era special.
Table of Contents
Original Series Cast (1998-2007)
The original series of Whose Line Is It Anyway ran for nine incredible seasons on ABC, producing 220 episodes of pure improvisational comedy. This era introduced American audiences to the short-form improv format that had already been successful in the British version. The show’s format centered around four talented regular performers who performed various improv games based on audience suggestions.
Host: Drew Carey
Drew Carey served as the host for all 220 episodes of the original series from 1998-2007. The comedian brought his signature laid-back style and quick wit to the show, perfectly balancing the chaos of improvisational comedy with structure and guidance. Unlike traditional hosts who stay on the sidelines, Drew Carey actively participated in the fun, often becoming part of the jokes himself.
Drew Carey’s role included:
- Introducing each improv game and explaining the rules
- Reading audience suggestions that fueled the comedy sketches
- Awarding completely arbitrary points that “don’t matter”
- Occasionally jumping into scenes himself
- Building chemistry with the regular performers
His catchphrase “Welcome to Whose Line Is It Anyway, the show where everything’s made up and the points don’t matter” became iconic in comedy history. Drew Carey left the show in 2007 when ABC ended its run, but his legacy as the face of American Whose Line remains strong.
Regular Performers
The heart of the original series consisted of four main cast members who appeared in nearly every episode. These regular performers became household names through their incredible improvisational skills:
Colin Mochrie
Colin Mochrie appeared in all 220 episodes of the original series, making him the most consistent cast member. The Canadian comedian became famous for his deadpan delivery, bald head jokes (often at his own expense), and incredible ability to create characters instantly. His partnership with Ryan Stiles created some of the show’s most memorable moments.
Colin Mochrie’s specialty skills included:
- Physical comedy and exaggerated movements
- Playing the straight man in absurd situations
- Song improvisation (despite admitting he can’t sing well)
- Creating quirky character voices
- Perfect timing in scene improvisation
Ryan Stiles
Ryan Stiles also appeared in all 220 episodes, serving as both regular performer and executive producer. His tall, lanky frame made him perfect for physical comedy, while his razor-sharp wit delivered countless hilarious one-liners. Ryan Stiles and Colin Mochrie’s chemistry became legendary in improv comedy circles.
Notable characteristics:
- Lightning-fast comebacks and zingers
- Sarcastic delivery style
- Physical comedy using his height
- Strong scene work and commitment
- Natural leadership among cast members
Wayne Brady
Wayne Brady appeared in 212 episodes, showcasing perhaps the most versatile skill set of any regular performer. His ability to sing, dance, rap, and create characters made him indispensable to the show’s success. Wayne Brady brought an energy and musicality that elevated every comedy sketch he participated in.
Wayne Brady’s unique talents:
- Incredible vocal range and singing ability
- Freestyle rap skills that seemed superhuman
- High-energy physical performance
- Character acting across multiple genres
- Perfect pitch for musical improv games
Drew Carey (as Performer)
While primarily the host, Drew Carey occasionally stepped in as a fourth performer, especially during Scene to Music and other improv games that needed an extra player. His self-deprecating humor and willingness to look foolish endeared him to both cast members and audiences.
Frequent Guest Performers
While the show had four core regular performers, several talented comedians appeared regularly as the rotating fourth seat, bringing fresh energy and different comedic styles to the improvisational comedy format.
Greg Proops
Greg Proops appeared in 58 episodes, making him the most frequent guest performer during the original series. His intellectual, verbose style contrasted beautifully with the other cast members. Greg Proops brought cultural references, political humor, and a distinctive speaking style that added sophisticated comedy to the mix.
Brad Sherwood
Brad Sherwood graced 57 episodes with his enthusiastic performance style and excellent musical abilities. His background in theater made him perfect for the song-based improv games. Brad Sherwood later toured extensively with Colin Mochrie in their own improv shows.
Charles Esten (Chip Esten)
Charles Esten, credited as Chip Esten, appeared in 40 episodes from 1999-2005. His southern charm and strong singing voice made him a favorite for musical comedy sketches. He later found fame as an actor on the TV series Nashville.
Kathryn Greenwood
Kathryn Greenwood appeared in 34 episodes between 2000-2007, bringing a unique female perspective to the predominantly male cast. Her character work and willingness to commit fully to absurd scenarios made her guest performer appearances memorable.
Other Notable Guest Performers
- Denny Siegel (15 episodes) – Physical comedy specialist
- Jeff Bryan Davis (9 episodes) – Later became regular performer in revival
- Kathy Griffin (4 episodes) – Celebrity comedian appearances
- Karen Maruyama (4 episodes) – Character actress with improv background
- Josie Lawrence (3 episodes) – From the British version
- Stephen Colbert (2 episodes) – Before The Daily Show fame
Musicians
The musicians of Whose Line Is It Anyway don’t get enough credit for their incredible improvisational skills. They had to create music instantly, matching whatever genre, style, or tempo the comedy sketch required.
Laura Hall
Laura Hall appeared in 217 episodes as the show’s primary pianist and keyboardist. Her ability to instantly create music in any style—from Broadway to blues, opera to hip-hop—made the musical improv games possible. Laura Hall could sight-read the performers’ energy and support their scene improvisation perfectly.
Laura Hall’s contributions:
- Keyboard and piano accompaniment for all musical games
- Creating instant melodies based on audience suggestions
- Supporting Wayne Brady and other singers
- Occasionally participating in on-screen sketches
- Musical direction for song-based comedy sketches
Linda Taylor
Linda Taylor joined in 156 episodes from 1999-2007 as the guitarist. Her addition brought fuller musical arrangements to the show. Linda Taylor’s versatility on guitar complemented Laura Hall’s keyboard work, creating a richer sound for the improvisational musical numbers.
Cece Worrall Rubin
Cece Worrall Rubin appeared in 67 episodes from 2000-2007, primarily playing percussion and providing additional instrumentation. The three-piece band created sophisticated musical backing that made the improv comedy musical numbers sound professional despite being completely spontaneous.
Revival Series Cast (2013-2024)
After a six-year hiatus, Whose Line Is It Anyway returned in 2013 on The CW network. The revival or reboot maintained the classic format while introducing a new host and expanding the roster of guest performers. The show ran for twelve seasons, producing 212 episodes before ending in 2024.
Host: Aisha Tyler
Aisha Tyler took over hosting duties for the revival series, appearing in 211 episodes from 2013-2024. The actress, comedian, and voice artist brought a different energy than Drew Carey—more animated, interactive, and openly excited about the performances. Aisha Tyler wasn’t just a host; she became a fan favorite for her genuine enthusiasm and occasional participation in games.
Aisha Tyler’s hosting style included:
- High-energy introductions and reactions
- More frequent interaction with regular performers
- Occasional participation as a fifth performer
- Stronger comedic presence between games
- Better integration of celebrity guests
Her catchphrase evolved slightly but maintained the show’s spirit: “Welcome to Whose Line Is It Anyway, where everything’s made up and the points don’t matter.” Aisha Tyler made the role her own while respecting the show’s legacy.
Regular Performers
The revival series brought back three beloved cast members from the original series, providing continuity while adding new voices to the mix.
Colin Mochrie
Colin Mochrie returned for all 211 episodes of the revival, proving his improvisational comedy skills hadn’t diminished. Now older and even more self-deprecating about his baldness, Colin Mochrie continued delivering the perfect straight-man performances that made him famous.
Ryan Stiles
Ryan Stiles appeared in 208 episodes of the revival, continuing his role as both regular performer and executive producer. His chemistry with Colin Mochrie remained as strong as ever, and he seamlessly adapted to working with Aisha Tyler as host.
Wayne Brady
Wayne Brady returned for 205 episodes, once again showcasing his incredible musical talents and character work. If anything, Wayne Brady became even more impressive in the revival, incorporating modern music styles and pop culture references into his improvisational performances.
Frequent Guests
The revival series significantly expanded its roster of guest performers, with several comedians becoming nearly regular fourth chairs.
Jeff Bryan Davis
Jeff Bryan Davis appeared in 52 episodes, making him the most frequent guest performer of the revival. His previous appearances in the original series gave him valuable experience, and he brought strong character work and musical ability to every episode.
Gary Anthony Williams
Gary Anthony Williams graced 42 episodes with his energetic, physical comedy style. His larger-than-life presence and commitment to absurd characters made him a fan favorite among revival viewers.
Jonathan Mangum
Jonathan Mangum appeared in 37 episodes, bringing smooth improv skills from his work on Let’s Make a Deal. His ability to play both straight man and comedic character made him versatile in various improv games.
Greg Proops
Greg Proops returned for 29 episodes of the revival, maintaining his intellectual, reference-heavy comedy style. His appearances provided a direct connection to the original series.
Brad Sherwood
Brad Sherwood came back for 21 episodes, continuing his strong musical performances and enthusiastic energy that made him popular in the original series.
Heather Anne Campbell
Heather Anne Campbell appeared in 16 episodes, bringing a female perspective to the predominantly male revival cast. Her background in improv theaters and writing made her a strong addition.
Keegan-Michael Key
Keegan-Michael Key of Key & Peele fame appeared in 13 episodes, bringing his sketch comedy background and high-energy performance style to the improvisational comedy format.
Musicians
The revival series brought back the musical dream team from the original series, proving their irreplaceable value to the show’s format.
Laura Hall
Laura Hall returned for 201 episodes of the revival, continuing her role as primary keyboardist. Her decades of experience made her even more skilled at supporting the regular performers in musical improv games.
Linda Taylor
Linda Taylor played guitar in 196 episodes of the revival, maintaining the two-person musical core that audiences loved. The chemistry between Laura Hall and Linda Taylor remained as tight as ever.
The musicians continued their tradition of spontaneous comedy support, creating instant soundtracks for whatever absurd scenario the cast members invented. Their ability to shift genres mid-song while maintaining musical quality is truly underappreciated genius.
British Version Cast
Before the American version became famous, the British version or UK version of Whose Line Is It Anyway aired on Channel 4 from 1988-1998. Understanding this version’s cast members provides important context for how the format evolved.
Host: Clive Anderson
Clive Anderson, a British barrister and television host, created the original hosting style that Drew Carey would later adapt. Clive Anderson hosted all ten series of the British version, establishing the sarcastic, quick-witted hosting approach that became the show’s signature.
British Regular Performers
Several performers from the UK version later appeared in the American version:
Colin Mochrie
Colin Mochrie was a regular performer in the British version before joining the American version. He appeared in multiple series on Channel 4, building the character types and skills he’d later perfect in the US.
Ryan Stiles
Ryan Stiles also regularly appeared on the British version, developing his partnership with Colin Mochrie years before American audiences discovered them.
Greg Proops
Greg Proops participated in several British version episodes, making him one of the few performers to work extensively in both versions.
Tony Slattery
Tony Slattery was a beloved regular performer in the British version but never transitioned to the American version. His manic energy and clever wordplay made him a fan favorite in the UK.
Paul Merton
Paul Merton brought his deadpan British humor to many UK version episodes, though he remained UK-focused and didn’t join the American cast.
Josie Lawrence
Josie Lawrence was one of the few female regular performers in the British version, known for her excellent singing voice and character work. She made a few guest performer appearances in the American version.
The British version established the format of short-form improv games, audience suggestions, and the “points don’t matter” structure that the American version would perfect. Many of the classic improv games like Scenes from a Hat, Hoedown, Sound Effects, and Props originated in the UK version.
Notable Celebrity Guests
Both the original series and revival featured numerous celebrity guests who either participated in games or served as special guests providing suggestions. These appearances added star power and demonstrated that improvisational comedy could intimidate even famous performers.
Original Series Celebrity Guests
Robin Williams (1 episode, 2000) – The legendary comedian showed why he was considered one of the greatest improvisers ever, completely stealing scenes with his manic energy.
Whoopi Goldberg (2 episodes, 2001-2002) – The EGOT winner participated enthusiastically, proving her comedy chops extended beyond scripted material.
Sid Caesar (1 episode, 2001) – Comedy legend Sid Caesar appeared, connecting improv comedy’s golden age to its modern form.
Florence Henderson (1 episode, 2002) – The Brady Bunch star showed her comedic versatility in scene improvisation.
Jerry Springer (2 episodes, 2003) – The talk show host played himself in various comedy sketches.
David Hasselhoff (1 episode, 2003) – The Baywatch star gamely participated in self-deprecating humor.
Richard Simmons (1 episode, 2003) – The fitness personality brought his trademark energy to the show.
Stephen Colbert (2 episodes, 1999-2006) – Before becoming a major talk show host, Colbert demonstrated his improv background from Second City.
Revival Series Celebrity Guests
The revival featured an even more extensive list of celebrity guests, often from CW network shows:
Lauren Cohan (2 episodes, 2013-2024) – The Walking Dead star appeared as special guest.
Candice Patton (2 episodes, 2017-2020) – The Flash actress participated in improv games.
Katie Cassidy (1 episode, 2016) – Arrow star joined the improvisational comedy fun.
Keegan-Michael Key (13 episodes, 2013-2023) – The comedian became a frequent guest performer, not just a celebrity guest.
Penn & Teller (2 episodes each, 2015-2023) – The magic duo brought their performance skills to improv games.
Tiffany Haddish (2 episodes, 2023-2024) – The comedian and actress participated near the show’s end.
Alyson Hannigan (2 episodes, 2023-2024) – How I Met Your Mother star appeared in later seasons.
Rachel Bloom (2 episodes, 2016-2023) – Crazy Ex-Girlfriend creator showed her musical improv skills.
Chris Hardwick (1 episode, 2019) – The Talking Dead host joined the fun.
Tony Hawk (1 episode, 2017) – The skateboarding legend tried his hand at improv comedy.
Bill Nye (1 episode, 2015) – The Science Guy participated as special guest.
These celebrity guests demonstrated Whose Line’s broad appeal and the universal challenge of improvisational comedy. Even experienced performers found the format demanding, highlighting how skilled the regular performers truly were.
Behind the Scenes Cast
While performers get the spotlight, the behind-the-scenes cast members made Whose Line Is It Anyway possible. These creative professionals shaped the show’s format, selected games, and ensured quality.
Creators and Producers
Dan Patterson and Mark Leveson created the format for both the British version and American version. They served as executive producers throughout both eras, maintaining creative control and consistency.
Jimmy Mulville served as executive producer on both the original series (217 episodes) and revival (137 episodes), providing continuity across eras.
Ryan Stiles served as executive producer on all 220 episodes of the original series and 137 episodes of the revival, giving performers a voice in production decisions.
Wayne Brady became executive producer for the revival, starting with 137 episodes from 2013 onward.
Colin Mochrie joined as executive producer for 50 episodes starting in the revival’s later seasons (2017-2024).
Aisha Tyler became executive producer for 20 episodes in the final seasons (2023-2024), cementing her integral role beyond hosting.
Directors
Arthur Forrest directed 124 episodes of the original series (1998-2007), establishing the show’s visual style.
Bruce Gowers directed 75 episodes of the original series, sharing duties with Forrest.
Geraldine Dowd directed 148 episodes of the revival (2013-2024), maintaining the format while updating production values.
Editors
Ray Miller edited 218 episodes of the original series, then continued as post-production consultant for 145 episodes of the revival. His work shaped which jokes made the final cut and how games flowed together.
Mykola Pawluk edited 140 episodes of the revival, learning from Miller’s techniques while adding modern editing styles.
Production Design
Bruce Ryan designed the set for all 220 episodes of the original series, creating the simple but effective stage that let performances shine.
John Ivo Gilles served as production designer for 136 episodes of the revival, updating the look while maintaining the show’s intimate feel.
These behind-the-scenes cast members rarely get recognition, but their contributions were essential to making spontaneous comedy look effortless on screen.
Cast Comparison Table
| Category | Original Series (1998-2007) | Revival Series (2013-2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Network | ABC | The CW |
| Episodes | 220 episodes | 212 episodes |
| Host | Drew Carey | Aisha Tyler |
| Regular Performers | Colin Mochrie, Ryan Stiles, Wayne Brady | Colin Mochrie, Ryan Stiles, Wayne Brady |
| Most Frequent Guest | Greg Proops (58 episodes) | Jeff Bryan Davis (52 episodes) |
| Primary Musician | Laura Hall (217 episodes) | Laura Hall (201 episodes) |
| Guitarist | Linda Taylor (156 episodes) | Linda Taylor (196 episodes) |
| Years Active | 1998-2007 | 2013-2024 |
| Format Changes | Established American version format | More celebrity guests, updated games |
FAQ About Whose Line Is It Anyway Cast
Who are the main cast members of Whose Line Is It Anyway?
The main regular performers across both eras are Colin Mochrie, Ryan Stiles, and Wayne Brady, with hosts Drew Carey (original) and Aisha Tyler (revival).
How many episodes did Colin Mochrie appear in?
Colin Mochrie appeared in all 220 episodes of the original series and 211 episodes of the revival, totaling 431 episodes overall.
Who hosted the original Whose Line Is It Anyway?
Drew Carey hosted the American version’s original series on ABC from 1998–2007, while Clive Anderson hosted the British version on Channel 4 from 1988–1998.
When did Aisha Tyler start hosting?
Aisha Tyler began hosting when the show returned in 2013 on The CW network, continuing through 2024 for 211 episodes across twelve seasons.
Who are the musicians on Whose Line?
Laura Hall (keyboardist/pianist) and Linda Taylor (guitarist) are the primary musicians, with Cece Worrall Rubin occasionally adding percussion during the original series.
Did Wayne Brady appear in every episode?
No. Wayne Brady appeared in 212 episodes of the original series and 205 episodes of the revival, missing a handful due to scheduling conflicts.
Who was the most frequent guest performer?
Greg Proops with 58 episodes in the original series, and Jeff Bryan Davis with 52 episodes in the revival.
Why did Drew Carey leave the show?
Drew Carey left when ABC ended the show in 2007. When it returned on The CW in 2013, producers chose Aisha Tyler as the new host.
Is Whose Line Is It Anyway still on TV?
The revival series ended in 2024 after twelve seasons on The CW. No new episodes are currently in production, though the performers tour with Whose Live Anyway.
What happened to the British version cast?
Some British version performers like Colin Mochrie, Ryan Stiles, and Greg Proops joined the American version. Others like Tony Slattery and Paul Merton remained UK-focused.
Can you participate in the audience?
Yes! Audience members provide suggestions for improv games and occasionally get pulled on stage for games like Sound Effects where they create noises for scenes.
Who are the female cast members?
Kathryn Greenwood (34 episodes, original), Heather Anne Campbell (16 episodes, revival), and Josie Lawrence (3 episodes, original) were the main female guest performers.
Conclusion About Whose Line Is It Anyway Cast
Whose Line Is It Anyway has entertained audiences for over two decades through the incredible talents of its cast members. From Drew Carey’s laid-back charm to Aisha Tyler’s enthusiastic energy, from Colin Mochrie’s deadpan delivery to Wayne Brady’s musical genius, every performer contributed to making this show a cultural phenomenon.
The original series on ABC (1998-2007, 220 episodes) established the format that American audiences loved, while the revival on The CW (2013-2024, 212 episodes) proved that improvisational comedy could thrive across generations. With regular performers like Colin Mochrie, Ryan Stiles, and Wayne Brady remaining consistent across both eras, the show maintained its quality while evolving with the times.
Don’t forget the crucial contributions of musicians Laura Hall and Linda Taylor, whose spontaneous comedy support made musical improv games possible. The numerous guest performers like Greg Proops, Brad Sherwood, Jeff Bryan Davis, and Gary Anthony Williams kept the show fresh with different comedic styles.
While the show is no longer producing new episodes, the legacy of Whose Line Is It Anyway lives on through streaming platforms and the continuing tours of its performers. The British version started it all on Channel 4, but the American version perfected the format and brought short-form improv and improvisational comedy to mainstream audiences worldwide.
Whether you’re a longtime fan who remembers every episode or discovering the show for the first time, the Whose Line Is It Anyway cast represents some of the most talented improv comedy performers ever assembled. Their ability to create spontaneous comedy from audience suggestions, perform scene improvisation flawlessly, and make it all look effortless remains the gold standard for improvisational entertainment.
The show where everything’s made up and the points don’t matter gave us countless laughs, memorable moments, and proved that the best comedy comes from talented performers trusting each other and taking creative risks. Here’s to the legendary cast members who made Whose Line Is It Anyway unforgettable!
I’m Watson, a faith-inspired writer passionate about sharing heartfelt blessings and uplifting words that bring peace, gratitude, and hope. Through my daily blessings, I aim to comfort the soul and inspire spiritual growth.