It has been over fifteen years since we first sat down at the Walker family table, and honestly, the wine hasn’t stopped pouring. We all remember the overlapping dialogue, the dramatic phone calls, and that iconic Pasadena estate. But when you look back at the brothers and sisters tv cast, it's easy to realize how much we’ve collectively forgotten—or just flat-out gotten wrong—about the people who brought those messy, lovable Walkers to life.
You’ve probably seen the headlines about Sally Field or Matthew Rhys lately. They’re still everywhere. Yet, if you try to track the entire ensemble from that 2006 premiere to right now in 2026, the paths they took are anything but predictable.
The Recasting Drama Nobody Mentions
Most fans think the pilot we saw on ABC was the only version. Nope. Not even close. Before Sally Field became the definitive Nora Walker, the matriarch was actually played by Betty Buckley. Can you even imagine? Field didn't just step into the role; she basically reinvented it, turning Nora from a background figure into the beating heart of the show.
It wasn't just the mom, either. Kevin Walker, played so perfectly by Matthew Rhys, was originally a character named Bryan, played by Jonathan LaPaglia. The showrunners basically scrapped the original pilot and started over. It's wild to think that the chemistry we obsess over almost didn't happen because of a few casting sheets.
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Sally Field: The Matriarch Who Never Stopped
Sally Field is 79 now. Let that sink in. When she won her Emmy for playing Nora, she gave that famous "if mothers ruled the world" speech that people still quote. Since the show ended in 2011, she hasn't just coasted on her legend status.
She did the Spider-Man thing as Aunt May, which she famously wasn't a huge fan of, but then she turned around and gave us 80 for Brady and a powerhouse memoir called In Pieces. Most recently, she’s been a staple in prestige TV, like her run on Winning Time. She still has that "Nora" energy—fierce, a little bit overbearing, but someone you’d want in your corner during a crisis.
Where the Walker Siblings Landed
Let’s talk about the kids. The casting for the five siblings was some of the best in TV history because they actually looked like they shared DNA.
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Calista Flockhart (Kitty Walker)
Calista kind of pulled a vanishing act for a while, didn't she? After Brothers & Sisters, she focused heavily on her family with Harrison Ford. She did a stint as Cat Grant on Supergirl, but she’s always been picky. Just last year, she reminded everyone why she’s a pro in Feud: Capote vs. The Swans. She plays Lee Radziwill, and honestly, the "icy but vulnerable" vibe she perfected as Kitty Walker is still very much there.
Matthew Rhys (Kevin Walker)
If anyone "won" the post-show career race, it’s Matthew. He went from being the anxious lawyer Kevin to a Russian spy in The Americans, which is arguably one of the best shows of the last two decades. He met his partner, Keri Russell, on that set too. Lately, he’s been reviving Perry Mason on HBO. He’s transitioned from "the guy from that soap" to a heavy-hitting dramatic lead.
Dave Annable (Justin Walker)
Justin was the soul of the show—the veteran struggling with addiction. Dave Annable is doing great, but he’s had a weird run with "The Taylor Sheridan Effect." He was the first person to die in Yellowstone (RIP Lee Dutton), and now he’s a series regular on Special Ops: Lioness. He’s also moved to Austin, Texas, living a much quieter life than the Hollywood scene would suggest.
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Rachel Griffiths (Sarah Walker)
The eldest sister moved back to Australia! She’s been huge in the Aussie film industry, directing and producing. She hasn't been as present on US screens, but she’s basically royalty in Melbourne.
The Ones Who Faded (And the Ones Who Didn't)
- Balthazar Getty (Tommy): He was always the "troubled" one on and off screen. These days, he’s more into the fashion and DJ world than acting.
- Luke Macfarlane (Scotty): Kevin’s husband became the king of Hallmark. If you turn on a Christmas movie in December, there’s a 40% chance he’s the lead. But he also broke into big-screen rom-coms with Bros.
- Emily VanCamp (Rebecca): She went from the "is she a sister or not?" mystery to a lead in Revenge and then the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Sharon Carter.
Why We Still Care in 2026
The reason the brothers and sisters tv cast still trends is that the show filled a gap that modern TV often misses. It wasn't about superheroes or dragons; it was about people shouting over each other at dinner.
People often ask if there will be a revival. Dave Annable has gone on record saying he’d do it in a heartbeat. He even joked that they didn't get to say a proper goodbye because the cancellation was so sudden. The writers never got to wrap it up perfectly.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're looking to revisit the Walkers or keep up with the cast, here is the best way to do it:
- Stream the whole run: It’s currently available on platforms like Hulu or Disney+ (depending on your region). It holds up surprisingly well, though the 2000s fashion is... a choice.
- Follow the "The Americans": If you loved Matthew Rhys, this is mandatory viewing. It’s a completely different vibe but shows his range.
- Check out "Feud" on Hulu: Seeing Calista Flockhart back in a high-fashion, high-drama role is the closest we’ll get to a Kitty Walker spin-off.
- Read Sally Field’s memoir: If you want the real story behind her time on set, In Pieces is raw and doesn't hold back.
The Walker family legacy isn't just about the show itself; it’s about how this specific group of actors captured a very specific moment in American drama. They weren't just a cast; for five years, they were the family we wished we could drink wine with. Still are, basically.