'Death By Lightning' Cast And The Real People They Play, What Really Happened To Them In History?

Death by Lightning premiered on Netflix on November 6, 2025. This miniseries, created by Mike Makowsky, has become the talk of the town after its nuanced depiction of an important but not much talked-about historical event. It shows the complex relationship between the former US President, James A. Garfield and his once admirer, Charles J. Guiteau, who ended up taking his life. 

Amid the actors enacting a tale of power, politics, and jealousy in Death by Lightning, real people whose actions and decisions shaped history were involved in the incident that drives the show's main plot. So, here's a look at the starcast along with the real-life historical figure they play. 

Michael Shannon plays 'President James Garfield' in Death by Lightning

In an unexpected turn of events, James A. Garfield, a humble and quiet leader, became the 20th President of the United States of America. Michael Shannon plays the role with a lot of gravity. In an interview with Tudum, Michael Shannon shared that he had not found history like this very interesting however, he learned a lot through his portrayal of 'James Garfield'. However, over the delusions of Charles Guiteau that he would have a chance to get a job if Chester Arthur became the President, he assassinated James Garfield. Hence, after President Garfield rose to power in 1881, he was shot within the same year. However, he did not die on the spot. Rather, James Garfield died two months later after the wound was infected.

Matthew Macfayden as the obsessed assassin, 'Charles Guiteau' 

Matthew Macfayden has starred in many iconic roles. His portrayal of the aloof 'Mr. Darcy', in Pride and Prejudice, and as the money-hungry, ambitious 'Tom Wambsgans' in Succession, has won Tom both praise and prestige. And now, Matthew has again proved his acting prowess by essaying the complicated role of 'Charles Guiteau'. The role Matthew played was quite complex.

Charles Guiteau has been described in history as a grifter, delusional, and a narcissist. He was once an admirer of Garfield, but his delusions led him to believe that if James Garfield died and Chester Arthur became President, he would have a job in the government. Guiteau was executed on June 30, 1882, for the assassination of the 20th US President. Mike Makowsky shared why he chose Matthew to essay the role and said:

“Matthew Macfadyen is an immensely likable, good-hearted human being. I think that this doesn’t work if all you feel for Guiteau the entire journey is just pure contempt and derision. It was interesting to me to try to understand why people do such destructive and self-destructive things.”

'Lucretia Garfield' played by Betty Gilpin

Betty Gilpin did a lot of research before portraying the role of 'Lucretia Garfield', and it definitely shows in her performance. The creator of the miniseries, Mike shared that Betty had read an entire book of letters exchanged between Lucretia and James Garfield. She had also acquired parts of the former First Lady's diary and read it to understand the character completely. In real life, Lucretia sat by her husband while he suffered and died from the gunshot wound. Many years after his death, she passed away from pneumonia at the age of 85. As James Garfield's widow, she did her best to carry forward his legacy and arranged all his documents and books to preserve the record of her husband's short Presidency. 

Nick Offerman as 'Vice President Chester Allen Arthur'

Parks and Recreation's anti-social and impasive boss, 'Ron Swanson,' played by Nick Offerman, takes on the role of 'VP Chester Allen Arthur' in the series. He is rivals with 'James Garfield' but turns over a new leaf by the end of the series, making this a very compelling point of Death by Lightning. In history, after the death of James Garfield, Chester Arthur became the next President. He served in office from 1881 to 1884. In 1886, Arthur passed away from complications of kidney disease. He had also been unwell for most of his terms as Vice President and President. 

What are your thoughts on the Death by Lightning cast's portrayal of real-life historical figures?

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