HBO’s True Blood first premiered in 2008, in the midst of the “vampire boom” sparked by the Twilight franchise. Based on the Sookie Stackhouse novels penned by Charlaine Harris, the series has recently come back into the spotlight. HBO has ordered a reboot of the vampire drama, which is currently in early stages of production. Regardless of the path that the showrunners choose to take, the original series lives on the hearts of fans.
A dark and sensual exploration of vampires and other folkloric creatures living in the deep South, the show remained fairly popular throughout its seven season run, not only for its subject matter, but for its cast. Tall or short, vampire or human (or werewolf, or witch, or fairy), the ensemble of talented cast members kept the show popular with its fans.
Tallest: Kevin Alejandro (Jesus Velasquez) - 6’
Kevin Alejandro is a familiar face in the world of fantasy, he's most recently known for his starring role in Lucifer and his guest spot as Sebastian Blood in Arrow. Hailing from San Antonio, Alejandro squeaks by as one of the tallest recurring cast members at 6 feet tall.
First appearing in True Blood season three, Alejandro endeared fans everywhere as Jesus Velasquez, a kindly nurse who goes on to date Lafayette. He remains a part of the cast until his character's tragic death in season 5.
Shortest: Marshall Allman (Tommy Mickens) – 5’5 ¼
Tommy Mickens became an important member of the True Blood cast over season 3 and season 4 when Sam Merlotte gets the chance to meet his biological family. Playing Sam's younger brother, Tommy is initially aggressive and emotionally closed off because he is jealous that Sam was adopted and didn't have to grow up with the family that he was born into.
Marshall Allman was in a total of 22 episodes. He has also been featured in hit shows Prison Break, Bates Motel, and Humans.
Tallest: Chris Bauer (Andy Bellefleur) – 6' ¼
A California born actor known for his work in television including Survivor's Remorse and The Wire, Chris Bauer starred as Andy Bellefleur, a detective who later becomes the Sheriff of Renard Parish.
Irritable and loaded with insecurities, Andy is often rough around the edges because of his belief that the town doesn't respect him as an authority figure. Despite his flaws, Andy saw a considerable amount of growth through the series, especially after becoming a father to quadruplets.
Shortest: Rutina Wesley (Tara Thornton) – 5’5
The daughter of a professional tap dancer and a former Las Vegas showgirl, Rutina Wesley brings genuine depth and personality to Tara Thornton. Her attitude and confidence makes her seem much taller than 5'5. Still recovering from the throes of her abusive childhood, Tara has real love in her heart, especially when it comes to her best friend, Sookie.
Though she died in early season 7, she continued to be featured in the form of visions, dreams, and memories for the rest of the show.
Tallest: Jim Parrack (Hoyt Fortenberry) – 6’4
Jim Parrack towers over many of his fellow cast members as 6 foot 4 inches tall. Prior to his work on the gritty vampire drama, he had not had any major roles, but since, he has gone on to work on HBO's The Deuce and he also had a role in DC's Suicide Squad.
Throughout the show, Hoyt is discovering who he is and developing independence from his mother. One of the more innocent characters in the show, Hoyt Fortenberry nearly always means well.
Shortest: Anna Paquin (Sookie Stackhouse) – 5’5
Anna Paquin made a name for herself in the acting world from a young age, earning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress when she was only 11 years old. Also playing Rogue from the X-Men franchise, she went on to lead True Blood as the innocent but spunky Sookie Stackhouse, a plucky waitress with the uncanny ability to hear other people's thoughts.
Her work on the popular drama didn't only bring her continued fame, but it also brought her love. She married co-star Stephen Moyer in 2010, and they have two children together.
Tallest: Alexander Skarsgård (Eric Northman) – 6' 4 ½
One of many talented Skarsgårds in the world, Alexander started his career young, but left acting for a number of years to focus on school and later serve in the Swedish Marines. Lured back into the world of television, Skarsgård starred in True Blood as the broody yet seductive Eric Northman.
A former Viking with over a thousand years under his belt, Eric appears calm and collected, but can and will turn in an instant. Initially cool and aloof, it becomes clear that Eric not only feels very deeply, but that he is head over heels for the sweet waitress Sookie.
Shortest: Carrie Preston (Arlene Fowler) – 5’4
Known for her work in The Good Wife and Claws, Carrie Preston shines as Arlene Fowler, waitress and occasionally single mom. Fiercely loyal and forever protective of her children and her friends, Arlene often says the first thing that comes to mind, even if it isn't all that nice or politically correct, but she has a good heart.
Though Arlene has a rough track record with men in the show, Preston has been happily married to fellow actor Michael Emerson since 1998.
Tallest: Joe Manganiello (Alcide Herveaux) – 6’5
This handsome Magic Mike star stands at 6 feet 5 inches tall. Prior to True Blood, he had recurring roles in One Tree Hill and How I Met Your Mother, and he is currently slated to play Slade Wilson in Deathstroke.
An avid fan of Dungeons and Dragons, the sweet-hearted actor occasionally drops by Critical Role, and has participated in numerous charity events, teaching children in hospitals how to play the classic tabletop game. Manganiello appeared as the charming werewolf Alcide Herveaux in True Blood seasons 3 through season 7.
Shortest: Amelia Blaire Rose (Willa Burrell) – 5’3
Introduced near the end of the series, Willa Burrell was featured heavily in season 6 and part of season 7 as Eric's most recent progeny. A peaceful woman who believed in vampire rights, she butted heads with her prejudiced father who resented vampires and even ran experiments on them in a cruel lab.
Blaire's other work includes guest roles in Quantum Break, Scream: The TV Series, and she also voiced "Theo" in Cyberpunk 2077.