Free Willy stars Jason James Richter as Jesse, a troubled boy who befriends a captive orca, with Lori Petty as Rae and Michael Madsen as Glen.
Main cast
- JesseJason James RichterMain
- Rae LindleyLori PettyMain
- Randolph JohnsonAugust SchellenbergMain
- Glen GreenwoodMichael MadsenMain
Supporting cast
- Annie GreenwoodJayne AtkinsonSupp
- Dwight MercerMykelti WilliamsonSupp
- DialMichael IronsideSupp
- Willy (Whale)KeikoSupp
- WadeRichard RiehleSupp
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About this cast
The 1993 family drama Free Willy follows Jesse, a young boy who forms an unlikely bond with a captive killer whale named Willy. The film features Jason James Richter in the lead role, with Lori Petty and Michael Madsen as the adults who help him.
FAQs
Who plays Jesse in Free Willy?
Jesse is played by Jason James Richter.
Who plays Willy the whale?
The whale Willy is played by a real orca named Keiko.
Is Free Willy based on a true story?
No, but it was inspired by real events and the plight of captive orcas.
Who are the main human characters?
The main human characters are Jesse (Jason James Richter), Rae (Lori Petty), Randolph (August Schellenberg), and Glen (Michael Madsen).
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026