Hulu’s comedy series This Fool quickly became a fan favorite thanks to its sharp writing, authentic South Los Angeles setting, and outstanding ensemble cast. Created by Chris Estrada, Pat Bishop, Matt Ingebretson, and Jake Weisman, the show follows Julio Lopez, a nonprofit worker trying to improve his community while navigating family obligations and his unpredictable cousin Luis.
If you’re wondering who plays the main characters in This Fool, here’s a complete guide to the cast, characters, and where you’ve seen them before.
Quick Facts About This Fool
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Comedy |
| Platform | Hulu |
| Seasons | 2 |
| Episodes | 20 |
| Created By | Chris Estrada, Pat Bishop, Matt Ingebretson, Jake Weisman |
| Setting | South Los Angeles |
| Original Release | 2022–2023 |
Main Cast and Characters
| Actor | Character | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Chris Estrada | Julio Lopez | Stand-up comedian, Co-creator of This Fool |
| Frankie Quiñones | Luis | The Dress Up Gang, Cholofit sketches |
| Michael Imperioli | Minister Payne | The Sopranos, The White Lotus |
| Michelle Ortiz | Maggie | MADtv revival, sketch comedy |
| Laura Patalano | Esperanza | Gentefied |
| Julia Vera | Maria | Veteran film and television actor |
Chris Estrada as Julio Lopez
Chris Estrada stars as Julio Lopez and serves as one of the show’s creators. Before creating This Fool, Estrada built a reputation in the Los Angeles stand-up comedy scene, performing at major comedy venues and developing material based on his experiences growing up in working-class communities.
Julio works at Hugs Not Thugs, a rehabilitation nonprofit dedicated to helping former gang members rebuild their lives. Despite wanting to help everyone around him, Julio often struggles to move forward in his own life. His journey forms the emotional core of the series.
Estrada’s real-life experiences heavily influenced the character, giving the show an authenticity rarely seen in modern sitcoms.
Frankie Quiñones as Luis
Frankie Quiñones plays Luis, Julio’s cousin who returns home after serving time in prison. Luis is loud, impulsive, and often creates problems wherever he goes, but beneath his tough exterior is someone genuinely trying to improve.
Quiñones became widely known through his viral “Cholofit” videos and his popular character Creeper. He also gained recognition as a member of the comedy group The Dress Up Gang.
His performance as Luis became one of the most praised aspects of the show, blending outrageous comedy with surprising emotional depth.
Michael Imperioli as Minister Payne
Michael Imperioli portrays Minister Payne, the eccentric leader of Hugs Not Thugs.
Imperioli is best known for his Emmy-winning role as Christopher Moltisanti in The Sopranos. More recently, he earned acclaim for his role in The White Lotus Season 2.
As Minister Payne, he brings an unpredictable energy to the workplace scenes, balancing wisdom, absurdity, and occasional chaos.
Michelle Ortiz as Maggie
Michelle Ortiz plays Maggie, Julio’s girlfriend.
Ortiz previously gained national attention as a cast member on the 2016 revival of MADtv, where she showcased her talent for character work and sketch comedy.
Maggie often challenges Julio to take more risks and pursue personal growth. Her relationship with Julio provides many of the show’s most relatable moments.
Laura Patalano as Esperanza
Laura Patalano portrays Esperanza, Julio’s mother.
Many viewers recognize Patalano from her work in Netflix’s Gentefied. Throughout her career, she has frequently played strong family-centered characters, making Esperanza a natural fit.
Esperanza acts as the backbone of the Lopez household, offering guidance, criticism, and support in equal measure.
Julia Vera as Maria
Julia Vera plays Maria, Julio’s grandmother.
A veteran performer with decades of experience in television and film, Vera brings warmth and sharp comedic timing to the role. Maria’s blunt observations frequently produce some of the show’s funniest moments.
Her interactions with both Julio and Luis add depth to the family’s multi-generational dynamic.
Important Supporting Cast
While the main cast receives most of the attention, several recurring characters play important roles throughout the series.
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Sandra Marcela Hernandez | Ana |
| Anna LaMadrid | Rocio |
| Fabian Alomar | Fabian |
These recurring characters help expand the show’s world and contribute to many memorable storylines across both seasons.
Awards and Critical Reception
This Fool received widespread critical praise for its authentic portrayal of Latino communities, strong writing, and standout performances.
Critics particularly praised:
- Chris Estrada’s grounded lead performance
- Frankie Quiñones’ scene-stealing role as Luis
- The show’s balance of humor and social commentary
- Its realistic depiction of family and community life in South Los Angeles
Frankie Quiñones earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination for his work on the series, further highlighting the show’s strong critical reception.
The series currently holds strong audience and critic scores and is frequently listed among Hulu’s best original comedies.
Why the Cast Works So Well Together
One of the biggest strengths of This Fool is its chemistry.
Chris Estrada provides a grounded center for the series, while Frankie Quiñones delivers unpredictable energy. Michael Imperioli adds authority and eccentricity, and Michelle Ortiz serves as an effective counterbalance to Julio’s indecisiveness.
Meanwhile, Laura Patalano and Julia Vera create a believable family environment that gives the series much of its emotional heart.
Together, the ensemble creates a comedy that feels authentic, funny, and relatable.
Where Are They Now?
Chris Estrada
Following the success of This Fool, Estrada has continued performing stand-up comedy and developing new television projects while expanding his career as a writer and producer.
Frankie Quiñones
Quiñones remains active in stand-up comedy, podcasting, and television. His live tours and comedy specials continue to attract a growing fanbase.
Michael Imperioli
Imperioli continues appearing in television and film projects while also pursuing writing, directing, and music-related ventures.
Michelle Ortiz
Ortiz remains active across television, voice acting, writing, and comedy projects.
Laura Patalano
Patalano continues working in television and film, building on her reputation as a versatile character actor.
Julia Vera
Vera remains a respected veteran performer with ongoing appearances in film and television productions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created This Fool?
The series was created by Chris Estrada, Pat Bishop, Matt Ingebretson, and Jake Weisman.
How many seasons of This Fool are there?
The show ran for two seasons consisting of 20 episodes.
What is Hugs Not Thugs?
Hugs Not Thugs is the fictional nonprofit organization where Julio works and where many of the show’s storylines take place.
Where is This Fool set?
The series is set in South Los Angeles and incorporates many real-life cultural influences from the area.
Where can I watch This Fool?
In the United States, This Fool streams on Hulu. In many international regions, it is available through Disney+ under the Star brand.
Final Thoughts
The cast of This Fool is a major reason the series became one of Hulu’s most acclaimed comedies. Chris Estrada, Frankie Quiñones, Michael Imperioli, Michelle Ortiz, Laura Patalano, and Julia Vera create a memorable ensemble that balances humor, family drama, and heartfelt storytelling. Whether you’re watching for the first time or revisiting the series, the performances remain one of the show’s greatest strengths.