Apple TV+‘sBeforenot only presents a thrilling psychological drama but also features some memorable characters portrayed by talented cast members. Written by Sarah Thorp,Beforehas received an underwhelming reception from viewers and critics since its release. Many critics have expressed their disappointment in theApple TV+ original show’s inability to present a cohesive storyline and its over-the-top fantastical elements that gradually weigh down its initial promise of being a compelling and atmospheric psychological drama.
However, despite garnering negative reviews,Beforehas been appreciated for the performances of its cast members. Many have cited the leading star, Billy Crystal, as the show’s only saving grace and even commended the performances of other familiar and new faces that appear in the series. Since the actors inBeforehave played a crucial role in making it more watchable, many viewers may be curious about who plays whom in the show after watching it on Apple TV+.
Billy Crystal as Eli
Date Of Birth: July 11, 2025
Actor:Born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx, Billy Crystal attended Long Beach High School before going to study at Marshall University on a baseball scholarship. However, he did not return to university as a sophomore and started his journey as an actor by honing his skills at HB Studio. He later attended New York University, where Oliver Stone and Christopher Guest were, interestingly, his classmates, while Martin Scorsese was one of his instructors.
Billy Crystal & Jacobi Jupe Discuss Starring In The New Apple TV+ Psychological Thriller Before
Screen Rant interviews Before stars Billy Crystal and Jacobi Jupe about working off one another in Apple TV+’s new psychological thriller.
During his early years, Crystal built his career in comedy by performing solo acts in shows likeThe ImprovandCatch a Rising Star. He also made guest appearances in several game shows, likeThe $20,000 PyramidandThe Hollywood Squares. His first major television role came in 1977when he got to portray Jodie Dallas on the sitcom Soap. Since then, Crystal has not only risen in the ranks and acquired a leading man status through his performances but has also proven to be an incredible host at award functions like the Oscars.
Saturday Night Live
Multiple roles across 19 episodes
Character:In Apple TV+‘sBefore, Billy Crystal plays the main character, Eli, a child psychiatrist grieving the recent death of his wife. He crosses paths with a young boy named Noah, who has strange connections to his past.
Billy Crystal also serves as the executive producer for Apple TV+‘sBefore.
The more Eli connects with the boy and tries to help him as a psychiatrist, the more he is forced to confront some harsh truths about his own life. Although Billy Crystal is better known for his comedic roles, he does a commendable job of capturing the seriousness and gravitas of his role inBefore.
Jacobi Jupe as Noah
Date Of Birth: June 17, 2025
Actor:Born in Islington, London,Jacobi Jupe is Noah Jupe’s younger brother. He started his acting journey by starring in a short titled Fridge in 2020. Since then, the young star has appeared ina handful of other TV shows and movies, likeBritannia,Tom Jones, andPeter Pan & Wendy. Although Jupe is still in the early years of his acting career, he has already garnered immense appreciation for his portrayal of characters like Cyrus inBritanniaand Noah inBefore.
Cupid
Beau
Character:In the Apple TV+ miniseries, Jacobi Jupe plays a troubled eight-year-old boy named Noah. When he meets child psychologist Dr. Eli Adler to seek help, Eli is surprised by how much he knows about him and his past. This marks the inception of a psychological journey for both characters, where they gradually learn their connection is far deeper than they initially realized.
Before Supporting Cast & Characters
Rosie Perez as Denise:Noah’s foster mother, Denise, is portrayed by Rosie Perez inBefore. Perez is best known for her roles inFearless,White Men Can’t Jump, andHuman Resources.
Judith Light as Lynn:Judith Light, who has starred in shows andmovies likeThe Menu,Transparent, andUgly Betty, portrays Eli’s wife Lynn inBefore.
Julia Chan as Therapist:Best known for her roles inshows likeArchive 81andBoJack Horseman, Julia Chan plays the therapist who Eli visits inBefore.
Sakina Jaffrey as Gail:Sakina Jaffrey, who is recognizable for playing roles inThe Nanny Diaries,Raising Helen, andThe Truth About Charlie, portrays Eli’s boss, Gail, who assigns him Noah’s case.
Itzhak Perlman as Drake:Eli’s linguist friend, Drake, is played by Itzhak Perlman inBefore, who is best known for his brilliant music compositions.
Before
Before: After losing his wife, child psychiatrist Dr. Eli Adler becomes entangled with a disturbed young boy linked to his past. The series unravels the complex intersections of grief and memory as Dr. Adler searches for answers, revealing deeper connections between his present and the boy’s mysterious background.
