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Carly Chaikin
Carly Chaikin
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Carly Chaikin (born 1989 or 1990)[1][2] is an American actress. Her acting career began in 2009 and she received her breakout role two years later, co-starring as Dalia Royce in the ABC sitcom Suburgatory. She played the role until the series' cancellation in 2014, and one year later began playing the role of Darlene in the USA Network thriller drama series Mr. Robot.

Key Information

Early life

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Chaikin was born in Santa Monica, California, to a cardiologist father and a psychotherapist mother.[3] She was raised Jewish and has a sister.[4][5][better source needed]

She attended The Archer School for Girls and the New Roads School.[5] During this time she played a variety of sports, including volleyball, softball, basketball, and soccer.[6]

Career

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2009–2011: Early career

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Chaikin knew she wanted to be an actress since she was 11.[7] During high school, she decided to forgo college and dedicate herself to acting.[5]

In 2009, Chaikin landed the role of Veronica in the film The Consultants, released December 4, 2010 in the US. The same year, Chaikin starred alongside Miley Cyrus in the film adaptation of Nicholas Sparks' The Last Song, initially released in the US on March 31, 2010. She played the role of Blaze, the antagonist of the film, a rebel that stirs up trouble for Ronnie, played by Cyrus.[8]

2011–2014: Early television work and Suburgatory

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In 2011, Chaikin was cast as Dalia Oprah Royce in the ABC sitcom Suburgatory alongside Jeremy Sisto and Cheryl Hines.[9][10] Chaikin's character, Dalia, was the mean girl to Jane Levy's Tessa,[11] Her performance received universal acclaim; she quickly became a fan favorite and her performance a popular highlight of the show.[12][13][14] Chaikin originally auditioned for the role of Tessa.[15] Chaikin wrote a series of articles as her character, Dalia, for the magazine, Parade.[16] As her character, Dalia, she shot a music video called "You Missed A Spot." In 2013, Chaikin was nominated for the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Suburgatory[17] and was discussed as a potential Emmy nomination.[18] The series ended its run on May 14, 2014.[19]

Chaikin appeared in the 2012 independent film My Uncle Rafael starring John Michael Higgins.[3]

In addition to acting, Chaikin is a writer and producer of short films, including Happy Fucking Birthday, and Nowhere to Go, which was honored at the First Glance Film Festival in 2013.[20]

2014–2019: Mr. Robot

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In September 2014,[21] Chaikin was cast in the USA Network TV series, Mr. Robot,[22][23] starring Rami Malek ("Elliot") and Christian Slater ("Mr. Robot").[24] She plays the programmer Darlene, one of the show's central characters, who is a member of the fsociety group and writes malicious rootkit code.[25][26] Chaikin auditioned for the roles of both Angela and Darlene. She said that it was a great pilot and that the bad-ass nature of the character really appealed to her.[27] Mr. Robot has received widespread critical acclaim. At the 2015 SXSW film festival, the show won the Audience Award for Episodic TV shows.[28][29] Chaikin was a series regular for all four seasons of Mr. Robot.

Chaikin, emceeing the 2016 NAMIWalks[30] Los Angeles, and introducing Secretary of State Alex Padilla[31]

During the five years Chaikin was involved with Mr. Robot, she also appeared in three independent films, the 2015 thriller Bad Blood, the 2017 comedy People You May Know, and the 2018 rom-com Social Animals, as well as filmed the currently unreleased film Last Moment of Clarity. In 2015, Chaikin guest-starred on Marc Maron's TV show, Maron, as Tina, a college teaching assistant whom Marc's friend (played by Adam Goldberg) has slept with. In 2019, she was featured in the New Years episode of Hulu's horror anthology Into the Dark. Additionally, Chaikin has been a guest judge on Project Runway two times; in season 15 (2016) and season 16 (2017).

2020s

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In February 2021, it was announced that Chaikin was developing her television series Messy with Miramax TV, with Chaikin writing, starring, and also showrunning with producer Liz Brixius.[32]

Personal life

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Chaikin is also a painter, focusing on acrylics and oil, with some mixed media collage.[6] Although she took painting classes growing up, Chaikin says that she is mostly self-taught.[33]

In 2012 she had 11 tattoos, one of which features song lyrics by Bob Dylan.[34]

Chaikin has been involved with the charitable organization National Alliance on Mental Illness, which conducts research and support for people and their families impacted by mental illness. She served as emcee of NAMIWalks in both 2016 and 2017, as well as raising money for the organization and matching incoming donations.[35][36] She has recorded public service announcements for the group.[37]

On September 3, 2018, Chaikin announced that she was engaged to her longtime boyfriend, television director Ryan Bunnell.[38] The two wed in November 2021 and lived in Los Angeles together.[39][40] In February 2023 Bunnell filed for divorce from Chaikin, citing irreconcilable differences.[41]

Filmography

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Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2009 The Consultants Veronica
2010 The Last Song Blaze
2011 Escapee Lynne Petersen
2012 My Uncle Rafael Kim
2013 In a World... Excruciating
2015 Bad Blood Frances
2017 People You May Know Oakley
2018 Social Animals Claire
2020 Last Moment of Clarity Kat
2022 Daniel's Gotta Die Jessica Powell

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
2011–2014 Suburgatory Dalia Royce Main cast; 50 episodes
2012 Harder Than It Looks Katie 2 episodes: "Sisters" and "The Tutors"
2012 NTSF:SD:SUV:: Brittany Episode: "16 Hop Street"
2015 Maron Tina Episode: "Professor of Desire"
2015–2019 Mr. Robot Darlene Alderson Main cast; 32 episodes
2019 Into the Dark Danielle Williams Episode: "New Year, New You"

Shorts and web series

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Year Title Role Notes
2012 Harder Than It Looks Katie Web series; 2 episodes
2012 Nowhere to Go[42] Austyn short film; also writer and executive producer
2013 Happy Fucking Birthday Maddy McDowell short film
2014 Dissonance Julia short film; also producer
2014 Literally[43] Hello Giggles shorts[26]
2016 Into Me[44] short film; also writer, executive producer and editor

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Category Nominated work Result
2013 13th FirstGlance Film Fest Hollywood Best Shorts Too (shared with Robert May) Nowhere to Go Won
3rd Critics' Choice Television Awards[45] Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Suburgatory Nominated
15th Teen Choice Awards Choice TV: Villain Nominated

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Carly Chaikin is an American , , , and , best known for her portrayal of Darlene Alderson in the critically acclaimed series (2015–2019) and Dalia Royce in the ABC (2011–2014). Born Carly Hannah Chaikin on March 26, 1990, in , to a cardiologist father and a psychotherapist mother, she was raised in a Jewish family and attended . Her acting career began in 2009 without formal training, leading to her breakout role as Blaze in the 2010 romantic drama The Last Song, opposite and . Chaikin's performance as the hacker Darlene in Mr. Robot earned widespread praise, contributing to the series' wins for Best Drama Series at the 2016 and Critics' Choice Awards, while her role in garnered her nominations for a Critics' Choice Television Award and a Teen Choice Award in 2013. Beyond television, she appeared in films such as the romantic sci-fi In Your Eyes (2014) and the thriller The Squeeze (2015). In addition to , Chaikin has built a notable career as a visual artist, holding her first solo exhibition in 2014 and presenting "NOUN," a solo show of abstract paintings, in 2018; her work has been featured in outlets including , , and . She also created the dark comedy series Messy in partnership with Miramax Television, announced in 2021. As of 2025, Chaikin continues to expand her portfolio, starring alongside Douglas Smith, Sean Bridgers, and Chloe Guidry in the upcoming murder mystery film Red Camellia, announced in late 2024. Her multifaceted career highlights her versatility across entertainment and fine arts, establishing her as a prominent figure in Hollywood.

Early life

Childhood and family

Carly Chaikin was born on March 26, 1990, in . She grew up in the coastal city alongside her identical twin sister, Sam Chaikin, who later pursued a career in . Her father, Michael Chaikin, is a cardiologist, while her mother, Lori Chaikin, is a psychotherapist who played a key role in fostering creativity in the household. Raised in a Jewish , Chaikin experienced a supportive upbringing that emphasized artistic expression from an early age. Her mother enrolled her in art classes, sparking a lifelong passion for and other creative outlets that complemented the family's encouraging environment. Although Chaikin spent much of her youth focused on sports like , she internalized a strong sense of purpose toward the arts. Chaikin's interest in acting emerged around age 11, when she first envisioned pursuing a career in , despite initially showing little outward sign of it amid her active lifestyle. This early aspiration was nurtured within her family's dynamic, though it later faced some skepticism as she chose to forgo for professional opportunities.

Education

Chaikin attended , an independent, college-preparatory high school in , , during her teenage years. She also studied at the New Roads School in Santa Monica. Born in 1990, she completed high school around 2008, participating in arts programs that included classes throughout middle and high school, an interest nurtured by her family from childhood. While at these schools, Chaikin engaged in numerous sports such as , , , and soccer, but showed no formal involvement in or theater activities. Opting against college attendance after graduation, she instead focused on building her through self-taught preparation and post-high school auditions, supplemented by workshops. This direct path into professional pursuits marked the beginning of her entry into the entertainment industry without structured higher education.

Career

2009–2011: Early roles

Chaikin launched her professional acting career in 2009 at age 19, shortly after graduating high school, with the role of Veronica in the independent comedy The Consultants, a film about an executive hiring unconventional advisors after his boss's death; it was released theatrically in the United States on December 4, 2010. This debut marked her entry into the industry without formal training, relying on self-determination after deciding during high school to skip college and pursue acting in . In 2010, she secured her first major supporting role as Blaze, the snarky and rebellious best friend to Miley Cyrus's character in the romantic drama The Last Song, directed by and based on Nicholas Sparks's novel, which grossed $89 million worldwide. These early film parts, obtained after a limited number of auditions, helped her gain visibility in Hollywood while navigating the competitive landscape of small independent projects. By 2011, Chaikin continued building her resume with the role of Lynne Petersen in the low-budget thriller Escapee, playing a young woman targeted by an escaped mental patient in a story of survival and pursuit. Relocating to post-high school, she faced typical early-career hurdles such as frequent auditions for minor roles and the instability of sporadic bookings, which tested her resolve in a city dominated by aspiring talent. Despite these obstacles, her persistence in securing these initial credits laid the groundwork for subsequent opportunities.

2011–2014: Suburgatory and breakthrough

In 2011, Carly Chaikin landed her breakout role as Dalia Royce, the spoiled and enigmatic socialite daughter of Dallas Royce (played by ), in the ABC sitcom , co-starring alongside as George Altman. Originally auditioning for the lead role of Tessa Altman, Chaikin was recast as Dalia after dyeing her hair blonde to fit the character's vapid, high-society persona, a decision that highlighted her versatility in comedic timing and delivery. The series, created by , followed a teenager adjusting to suburban life in fictional Chatswin, with Dalia serving as a key and comic foil whose quirky behaviors, like creating Auto-Tuned music videos, added satirical edge to the show's exploration of superficiality. Suburgatory aired for three seasons from 2011 to 2014, comprising 57 episodes and earning positive for its sharp suburban , with Season 1 holding an 83% approval rating on based on 35 reviews praising its "abrasive wit and left-field jokes." Chaikin's portrayal of Dalia was particularly lauded for evolving the character from a one-note mean girl into a more layered figure, with outlets like noting her "brilliantly " performance that stole scenes through subtle and vocal inflections. Her work garnered a 2013 Critics' Choice Television Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, alongside a Teen Choice Award nod, underscoring the role's acclaim and her rising profile in ensemble casts. During this period, Chaikin balanced her series regular status with minor film appearances, including a supporting as Kim in the independent comedy (2012) and a brief voice part in the Lake Bell-directed In a World... (), which allowed her to diversify beyond television while building comedic credentials. The show's cancellation in May 2014, attributed to declining ratings and budget constraints despite a loyal fanbase, marked the end of her first major television commitment but propelled her career forward by amplifying her visibility for dramatic opportunities. Post-, Chaikin's fanbase expanded significantly, leading to auditions for higher-profile projects and establishing her as a sought-after talent transitioning from sitcoms to more complex .

2014–2019: Mr. Robot

In 2015, Carly Chaikin was cast as Darlene Alderson in the series , created by . Initially auditioning for the role of Angela Moss, Chaikin faced resistance from Esmail and producer Chad Hamilton, who doubted her suitability due to her comedic portrayal of Dalia Royce in . Casting director Susie Farris advocated for her, emphasizing Chaikin's versatility beyond the bubbly blonde character, ultimately securing the part of Darlene, the sharp-tongued hacker and younger sister to Elliot Alderson (played by ). The series aired from 2015 to 2019 across four seasons, comprising 43 episodes, and follows a cybersecurity engineer entangled in a web of corporate corruption and vigilante hacking. Darlene emerges as a pivotal figure in the narrative, serving as a core member of the underground hacktivist fsociety, which targets societal and economic injustices through cyber operations. Her character drives key plot arcs centered on the group's high-stakes activities, including orchestrating disruptions against powerful entities, while grappling with interpersonal tensions and personal revelations that deepen her bond with and expose vulnerabilities in her resolve. Throughout the series, Darlene navigates the fallout from fsociety's actions, including scrutiny from , which forces her to confront isolation and the psychological toll of her choices. Mr. Robot garnered widespread praise for its intricate exploration of psychological themes, including identity, paranoia, and systemic inequality, with Esmail's direction of all episodes in later seasons enhancing its cinematic intensity. Chaikin's performance as Darlene was particularly acclaimed for authentically depicting struggles, such as emotional breakdowns, substance use as coping mechanisms, and a desperate yearning for familial connection amid chaos, positioning her as the series' emotional core. This role marked a significant career milestone for Chaikin, earning the Emmy-nominated series international recognition and shifting her from lighthearted comedy to intense dramatic leads, fundamentally altering her approach to .

2020–present: Later projects

Following the conclusion of Mr. Robot in 2019, Chaikin adopted a more selective approach to her roles, seeking projects that allowed for character depth similar to her experience portraying Darlene Alderson. In 2020, she starred as Kat in the indie thriller , directed by Colin and James Krisel, alongside and Brian Cox; the film follows a man haunted by his fiancée's murder who believes he spots her in a movie, leading to a cross-continental pursuit involving identity and deception. Chaikin's creative ambitions expanded in 2021 when she announced Messy, a dark comedy series she created, wrote, and planned to star in, developed with Miramax Television and showrunner Liz Brixius; as of 2025, the project remains in development without a network or release date confirmed. She continued with independent fare in 2022, playing Jessica Powell in the black comedy Daniel's Gotta Die, directed by Jeremy LaLonde, where a family schemes around an inheritance; the ensemble cast included Mary Lynn Rajskub, Jason Jones, and Bob Saget in one of his final roles before his death. The film premiered at the Austin Film Festival in October 2022 and received a limited theatrical release on February 21, 2025. From 2023 to , Chaikin focused on selective opportunities aligning with her interest in nuanced storytelling. In December 2024, she was announced in the lead role of the indie murder mystery Red Camellia, directed by Tamlin Hall, co-starring Douglas Smith and as a small-town unraveling a to clear her name; production began late that year, with no release date set as of 2025. This period reflects Chaikin's evolving career trajectory, emphasizing quality over volume while increasingly incorporating producing and writing to explore multifaceted female characters.

Personal life and activism

Relationships and marriage

Chaikin began a long-term relationship with television producer and filmmaker Ryan Bunnell in the early . The couple announced their engagement on September 3, 2018, after dating for nearly five years. They married on November 10, 2021, in an intimate ceremony, which Chaikin shared via with a photo and the caption noting their joy. The marriage lasted just over a year before Bunnell filed for divorce in February 2023, citing as the reason for the split. The couple had no children together, and there were no public details released regarding spousal support, property division, or other settlement terms. Following the divorce, Chaikin has maintained a high level of concerning her personal relationships, with no further romantic partnerships publicly disclosed.

Philanthropy and advocacy

Carly Chaikin serves as an ambassador for the (NAMI), a role she took on in the late 2010s to support awareness and destigmatization efforts. In this capacity, she shares personal experiences from the entertainment industry to educate the public and advocate for better access to resources, drawing from the pressures she has observed and faced in Hollywood. Her advocacy emphasizes open conversations about mental illness, highlighting how stigma affects individuals in high-stress professions like . Chaikin has engaged in public speaking engagements focused on wellness and mental health in the entertainment sector, positioning herself as a voice for change among her peers. On social media, she has promoted NAMI's initiatives, including a 2017 call to action for donations to NAMIWalks, urging followers to contribute even small amounts to support those affected by mental illness. These efforts reflect her commitment to using her platform for broader societal impact beyond her acting career. Chaikin continues to serve as an for NAMI, having participated in events and fundraisers as noted in the organization's annual reports from 2021 to 2023, where she is recognized as an active contributing to and community-building activities. Her work aligns with NAMI's mission to foster supportive environments for , including sporadic support for related causes tied to her artistic background, though she has not established any major foundations.

Filmography

Film

Chaikin's first role was as Veronica in the 2010 independent comedy The Consultants, directed by Dave Fraunces. In the same year, she portrayed the antagonistic Blaze, a rebellious teenager, in the adaptation The Last Song, co-starring with , , , and ; the film received a wide theatrical release. Her next appearance was as Lynne Petersen, a student targeted by an escaped convict, in the 2011 horror thriller Escapee, alongside and Christine Adams. In 2012, Chaikin played Kim, a family member navigating cultural clashes, in the independent comedy My Uncle Rafael, featuring John Michael Higgins and Vahik Pirhamziei. She had a small role as the hilariously named Excruciating in the 2013 independent comedy In a World..., written and directed by and starring Lake Bell, with co-stars including Rob Corddry and Michaela Watkins; the film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. In the 2015 thriller Bad Blood, Chaikin portrayed Frances, a in a story of and murder, opposite Taylor Cole, Billy Miller, and Christine Adams. Chaikin took on the role of Oakley, a sharp-witted friend entangled in drama, in the 2017 independent comedy-drama People You May Know, co-starring , , and . She played Claire, a loyal but exasperated best friend, in the 2018 independent comedy Social Animals, directed by Theresa Bennett and featuring , , , and ; the film had a . In 2020, Chaikin appeared as Kat Zaro, a mysterious ally in a mystery, in the independent thriller , alongside , , Brian Cox, and ; it premiered at virtual festivals during the before streaming release. Chaikin starred as Jessica Powell, a scheming family member in a dysfunctional inheritance plot, in the 2022 black comedy , directed by Jeremy LaLonde and co-starring , , Jason Jones, , and the late in one of his final roles; the film had a limited release. As of late 2024, Chaikin is set to lead the upcoming independent murder mystery Red Camellia, directed by Tamlin Hall, playing a small-town determined to prove her innocence, opposite Douglas Smith, , and Chloe Guidry; production wrapped in .

Television

Chaikin's television debut came in the ABC sitcom (2011–2014), where she portrayed the spoiled Dalia Royce as a series regular across all 57 episodes. In 2012, she made a guest appearance as in a single episode of the series NTSF:SD:SUV:: ("16 Hop Street"). Chaikin guest-starred as Tina, a , in the 2015 IFC series Maron ("Professor of Desire"), appearing in one episode. She achieved further prominence as Darlene Alderson, the sharp-witted sister of the protagonist, in the cyber-thriller (2015–2019), serving as a main cast member in 43 episodes. During the run of , Chaikin appeared as in the anthology horror series Into the Dark (2018), in the "New Year, New You," marking another one- guest role. No additional television credits have been reported for Chaikin from 2020 through 2025.

Shorts and web series

Chaikin's involvement in short films and began early in her career, often allowing her to explore multifaceted roles as both performer and creative collaborator in experimental and digital formats. These projects, frequently premiered at film festivals or released online via platforms like and , highlighted her ability to tackle intimate, character-driven stories outside traditional television and constraints. Her debut in came with the comedy Harder Than It Looks (2012), where she portrayed across two episodes, "Sisters" and "The Tutors," contributing to the show's humorous take on mishaps directed by Weitberg. In 2014–2015, Chaikin co-starred in the Hello Giggles Literally, acting out humorous interpretations of everyday phrases alongside Nina Steffel. In short films, Chaikin took on lead roles while expanding into writing and producing. She starred as Austyn in Nowhere to Go (2012), a poignant drama about post-breakup isolation that she also wrote and executive produced; the film was honored at the First Glance Film Festival and screened at events like the Beloit International Film Festival. The following year, she led as Maddy McDowell in Happy Fucking Birthday (2013), a dramatic she co-wrote and produced, centering on a woman's obsessive attempts to post a birthday message to her ex on ; the short premiered at festivals and emphasized Chaikin's comedic timing in awkward, relatable scenarios. By 2014, Chaikin appeared as Julia in Dissonance, a short directed by that examined relational stagnation and personal reinvention; she also served as producer, and the film earned an Award of Excellence at the Best Shorts Competition for its introspective narrative. Her collaboration with the Mr. Robot creative team extended to the horror short The Careful Massacre of the Bourgeoisie (2016), where she played Julia in a faux-1980s slasher film-within-a-film, written and directed by series writer Adam Penn; released online as promotional content, it featured and blended nostalgia with unsettling tension. That same year, Chaikin starred in and wrote Into Me (2016), a dark romantic tragedy directed by Adrian Lazarus, portraying a lead in a poetic exploration of ; she also executive produced and edited the project, which premiered at industry events and was distributed via Contentmode. In more recent digital work, Chaikin featured as the lead "Girl" in It's All in Your Head (2021), a mental health-focused short directed by Kelsey Darragh that depicts the internal struggles of depression; the film won Best Actress for Chaikin at the Chicago Indie Film Awards and screened at festivals like FFFLondon. These and web projects, often self-produced or tied to her television collaborators, underscore Chaikin's commitment to non-traditional storytelling through platforms like festivals and online releases up to 2025.

Recognition

Awards

Chaikin has garnered a few awards for her performances in independent , recognizing her early contributions to indie cinema. In 2013, she co-wrote, produced, and starred in the Nowhere to Go, which won the Best Shorts Too award (shared with Robert May) at the FirstGlance Film Fest Hollywood, highlighting her multifaceted role in the project. In 2021, Chaikin received the Chicago Indie Film Award for for her lead role in the short It's All in Your Head, directed by Kelsey Darragh, underscoring her ability to deliver compelling performances in genre pieces.

Nominations

Chaikin received her first major award nominations in 2013 for her performance as Dalia Royce in the ABC sitcom . She was nominated for the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. That same year, she earned a Teen Choice Award nomination for Choice TV . Her work on Mr. Robot also garnered recognition, particularly as part of the show's ensemble. In 2016, Chaikin and her co-stars were nominated for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for their roles in the USA Network series.
YearAwardCategoryProjectNotes
2013Critics' Choice Television AwardBest Supporting Actress in a Comedy SeriesSuburgatoryNominated alongside Kaley Cuoco, Sarah Hyland, Melissa Rauch, and Sofía Vergara.
2013Teen Choice AwardChoice TV VillainSuburgatoryCompeted against Joseph Morgan, Lana Parrilla, and Janel Parrish.
2016Screen Actors Guild AwardOutstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama SeriesMr. RobotShared nomination with Rami Malek, Christian Slater, Portia Doubleday, Martin Wallström, and others.

References

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