Let's be real. Holiday movies are usually a dime a dozen. Most of them follow that same tired formula: a snowy town, a misunderstanding, and a magical kiss under some plastic mistletoe. But every once in a while, a movie like Almost Christmas (2016) comes along and actually feels like a real family dinner—loud, chaotic, and occasionally stressful.
Why do people still search for the almost christmas movie cast nearly a decade later? It isn't just because the movie is funny. It’s because the chemistry between these actors was lightning in a bottle. When Walter Meyers (played by the legendary Danny Glover) tries to make his late wife’s sweet potato pie, you don't just see an actor in a kitchen. You see every dad trying to hold things together when the "glue" of the family is gone.
The Heavy Hitters: Who Was Who?
The Meyers family is a lot. Honestly, if you put these personalities in a room for five days without a script, you'd probably get the same level of drama.
Danny Glover as Walter Meyers
Danny Glover is the anchor. Period. He plays Walter, a retired mechanic who is navigating his first Christmas without his wife, Grace. It’s a grounded, heartbreaking performance that keeps the movie from becoming too slapstick. Walter’s only wish is for his four adult children to get along for five measly days. Spoiler alert: they don’t make it easy.
Mo’Nique as Aunt May
If Walter is the anchor, Aunt May is the hurricane. Mo’Nique basically stole every single scene she was in. She plays Grace’s sister, a backup singer who has traveled the world and isn't afraid to tell her nieces exactly why their outfits are tragic. Her one-liners are legendary. Interestingly, Mo’Nique later shared some pretty wild behind-the-scenes stories about her trailer literally blowing up on set, but on screen? She was pure comedic gold.
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Gabrielle Union and Kimberly Elise (The Rivalry)
The heart of the "sibling drama" falls on Rachel (Gabrielle Union) and Cheryl (Kimberly Elise).
- Rachel: A divorced, struggling law student who is perpetually broke and perpetually annoyed.
- Cheryl: The high-achieving, slightly stuck-up older sister who is a dentist.
Their bickering is so authentic it’s almost uncomfortable. You’ve probably got siblings or cousins who trade barbs exactly like this at Thanksgiving. Union brings a vulnerability to Rachel that makes you root for her, even when she’s being stubborn.
The Rest of the Meyers Clan
It’s a big house, and director David E. Talbert filled it with faces you definitely recognize from elsewhere.
Romany Malco plays Christian, the eldest son. He’s running for Congress and is way too focused on his campaign to realize his family is imploding. Then there’s Jessie T. Usher as Evan, the youngest. He’s a college football star recovery from an injury, but the movie takes a serious turn when it reveals his secret addiction to painkillers. It’s a heavy subplot for a "comedy," but it adds a layer of realism that most holiday flicks ignore.
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And we can't forget the partners and "plus ones":
- J.B. Smoove as Lonnie: Cheryl’s husband and a former basketball player who is, frankly, a mess. He’s the guy who flirts with the checkout girl (played by Keri Hilson) while his wife is standing right there.
- Omar Epps as Malachi: The "one that got away" for Rachel. Their chemistry is a nice throwback for anyone who grew up watching Love & Basketball.
- Nicole Ari Parker as Sonya: Christian's wife, who is basically the only person trying to keep the "political" side of the family sane.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Cast
Some people think this was just another "Will Packer production" (the guy behind Think Like a Man), but the cast actually had a lot of input on the vibe. The famous dance-off scene in the kitchen? That felt like a genuine moment of joy between actors who actually liked each other.
Also, a lot of viewers forget that Gladys Knight makes an appearance! She plays Dorothy, the director of a homeless shelter. Having a literal Motown legend in the mix just adds to the "black excellence" energy of the entire project.
Why the Chemistry Worked
Most ensemble casts feel like they were put together by an algorithm. Here, the age gaps and the archetypes fit perfectly. You have the "cool" aunt, the "perfect" sister, the "golden boy" athlete, and the "busy" politician.
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The DC Young Fly Factor
For the younger crowd, seeing DC Young Fly as Eric (Evan's friend) was a huge draw. At the time, he was blowing up on Vine and Wild 'N Out, and his inclusion helped the movie bridge the gap between older generations who love Danny Glover and Gen Z.
Where Are They Now?
If you're looking up the almost christmas movie cast today, it's cool to see where they've landed.
- Jessie T. Usher became a massive star in The Boys as A-Train.
- Gabrielle Union continues to be a powerhouse producer and advocate.
- Danny Glover is still an icon, though he’s slowed down on the heavy acting roles.
- Mo'Nique finally made her big "comeback" with a Netflix special after years of public disputes with the industry.
Take Action: How to Revisit the Magic
If you’re planning a holiday movie marathon, Almost Christmas is a mandatory entry. It’s currently available on various streaming platforms like Peacock or for rent on Amazon.
Pro Tip: Don't just watch the movie. Watch the blooper reel during the credits. Half the fun of this cast was seeing them break character because J.B. Smoove or Mo'Nique said something totally unscripted.
To get the most out of your rewatch, pay attention to the background characters during the dinner scene. The facial expressions from the kids (like Nadej K. Bailey and Alkoya Brunson) during the big adult blowups are hilariously accurate for anyone who grew up in a loud household.
If you're a fan of this specific ensemble, you should also check out Baggage Claim, which was also directed by David E. Talbert and features a similarly high-energy cast.