Everything You Need to Know About the AP Bio Cast

The AP Bio cast brought a unique blend of comedy, charisma, and quirky charm to NBC’s cult-favorite series. With sharp writing and a stellar ensemble, AP Bio quickly built a loyal fanbase. In this article, we explore the main cast members who brought Whitlock High to life, their characters, career paths, and where you might have seen them before or after their time on the show.

Introduction to AP Bio and Its Cast

AP Bio premiered in 2018 on NBC, centering on Jack Griffin, a disgraced Harvard philosophy professor who ends up teaching Advanced Placement Biology at a high school in Toledo, Ohio. Instead of teaching biology, he uses his students to plot revenge against his academic enemies.

One of the major reasons for the show’s success was its dynamic and talented ensemble. The AP Bio cast included seasoned comedy veterans and promising newcomers, making the show a refreshing standout among network sitcoms.

Glenn Howerton as Jack Griffin

Glenn Howerton played the series lead, Jack Griffin. Known for his role as Dennis Reynolds in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Howerton brought a sharp edge and intellectual sarcasm to the role of Jack. His portrayal of a bitter, egocentric, yet oddly likable teacher resonated well with audiences.

Jack Griffin is a character with layers. Despite his arrogant exterior, his interactions with the students and fellow staff slowly reveal more depth. Howerton’s delivery and comedic timing played a huge role in anchoring the AP Bio cast.

Patton Oswalt as Principal Durbin

Comedy icon Patton Oswalt portrayed the well-meaning but often clueless Principal Ralph Durbin. His character added a layer of absurdity and heart to the show. Known for his stand-up and voice work (most notably as Remy in Ratatouille), Oswalt balanced Principal Durbin’s naivety with genuine warmth.

As part of the AP Bio cast, Oswalt’s chemistry with Howerton was a major highlight. Their constant back-and-forth provided many of the show’s funniest and most memorable moments.

Paula Pell as Helen

Veteran writer and actress Paula Pell joined the AP Bio cast as Helen, Principal Durbin’s eccentric secretary. With a background in writing for Saturday Night Live, Pell infused her character with a sharp wit and offbeat humor.

Helen’s unique personality and bizarre stories added unpredictable twists to many episodes. Her comedic presence helped diversify the dynamic within the school administration.

Mary Sohn as Mary Wagner

Mary Sohn portrayed Mary Wagner, one of the biology teachers at Whitlock High and a close friend to Jack despite his cold demeanor. Her character was supportive, witty, and often served as a bridge between Jack and the rest of the staff.

Mary’s previous work in improv and sketch comedy gave her character a natural and relatable presence, making her an essential part of the AP Bio cast.

Lyric Lewis as Stef Duncan

Lyric Lewis played Stef Duncan, another teacher and part of the trio of staffroom allies. Bold, brash, and always ready with a hilarious one-liner, Stef brought a strong, confident presence to the staff room. Lewis’s comedic chops shone brightly through this role.

Her chemistry with Mary Sohn and Jean Villepique created a comedic trio that viewers loved and looked forward to each episode.

Jean Villepique as Michelle Jones

Completing the teacher trio was Jean Villepique as Michelle Jones. Quieter and more anxious than her colleagues, Michelle added subtle humor to the show. Villepique’s experience in improv and background roles on shows like BoJack Horseman gave her the tools to make Michelle memorable.

This trio of teachers—Mary, Stef, and Michelle—rounded out the core adult members of the AP Bio cast, often stealing scenes with their quirky interactions and hilarious commentary.

The Students: Rising Stars of the AP Bio Cast

The students of Whitlock High played an integral role in the series, and many young actors made a name for themselves through their recurring roles.

• Jacob Houston as Victor: His awkwardness and unpredictable logic made him a fan favorite.

• Sari Arambulo as Grace: Bright and ambitious, Grace often clashed with Jack’s unorthodox teaching style.

• Tucker Albrizzi as Colin: Colin added a slacker attitude and great comedic delivery.

• Spence Moore II as Dan Decker: Dan brought energy, athleticism, and charm to the student body.

These young actors added energy, innocence, and heart to the show. Their interactions with Jack often highlighted the contrast between teacher apathy and student enthusiasm.

Why the AP Bio Cast Stood Out

What made the AP Bio cast so special was the balance between comedic veterans and fresh faces. The chemistry among cast members felt organic, and the writing allowed each character to shine in their own way. The cast’s ability to bring both heartfelt and ridiculous moments to life was one of the reasons the show cultivated a passionate fanbase.

Life After AP Bio

Though AP Bio ended in 2021 after four seasons, the cast has gone on to other exciting ventures.

• Glenn Howerton continues his role on It’s Always Sunny and appears in dramatic roles like BlackBerry.

• Patton Oswalt remains active in stand-up, voice acting, and writing.

• Paula Pell has starred in shows like Girls5eva and continues her screenwriting career.

• Mary Sohn, Lyric Lewis, and Jean Villepique frequently appear in TV comedies and perform in improv troupes.

• The student cast has moved on to new projects in both film and television, with some entering the world of indie film and streaming platforms.

Conclusion: The Legacy of the AP Bio Cast

The AP Bio cast played a major role in turning a high-concept sitcom into a beloved cult classic. With dynamic characters, heartfelt moments, and outrageous humor, the ensemble turned every episode into a memorable one. Whether you’re rewatching the series or discovering it for the first time, the cast’s chemistry and talent are undeniable.

 

As comedy evolves, the success and uniqueness of AP Bio remind us how important a strong cast is to any great show.