Bert Rigby, You’re a Fool

A miner with big ambitions who moves from a local stage to touring shows, chasing fame across the country. He endures misunderstandings and misfortunes, yet his resilience and charm keep him moving forward. His journey tests loyalty to Laurel and reveals how performance can both save and break him.

Bert's sweetheart, living above the pub where she works, and later his wife. She remains a grounding presence amid Bert's travels, pregnancy, and the strains of miscommunication. Laurel embodies devotion and the consequences of Bert's restless pursuit of stardom.

Bert's manager who guides his early career in amateur shows. His reliability wanes as Bert's opportunities grow, and he ultimately leaves Bert stranded in America. Sid represents the transactional side of show business and the fragility of loyalty.

The glamorous wife of a powerful Hollywood mogul who becomes entangled with Bert. She embodies flirtation and manipulation within the upper echelons of the film world. Her interactions with Bert highlight the temptations and power dynamics of fame.

A caddish Hollywood star whom Bert serves as a technical advisor and companion. Jim's arrogance and vanity illuminate the celebrity culture Bert encounters. Their dynamic exposes the harsh realities behind cinema's glamour.

An ad director who first films Bert in a contraceptives commercial and later familiarizes him with the American industry. Kyle's professional ambition drives Bert's exposure to the broader media landscape. His presence marks the shift from local theater to national advertising.

Sid Trample's wife who travels with the troupe and adds another layer to the tour dynamic. Tess contributes to the group's interpersonal tensions and the blurred lines between personal and professional lives. Her presence underscores the complexities of relationships on the road.

Bert's mother, a musical fan whose encouragement anchors his early dreams. She embodies the supportive but practical voice of a mining-town matriarch. Her presence highlights family loyalty amid Bert's ambitions.

The younger version of Bert's mother, representing the family’s past and the seeds of Bert's early fascination with music and performance. Her memory underscores how family history informs Bert's choices. She reflects the generational thread in the story.