* Jake Gyllenhaal as Homer Hickam
* Laura Dern as Elsie Hickam
* Chris Cooper as John Hickam
* Bill Cobbs as Mr. Turner
* Natalie Canerday as Miss Riley
* Chad Lindberg as Quentin "Q" Wilson
* William Lee Scott as Sherman "Sonny" Tynes
* Scott Glenn as Jim "Slim" Pickett
* Nora Dunn as Judy
* Stephen Root as Colonel Tom Pride
This list includes the most notable actors and actresses who starred in the film. There were also many supporting and background actors who contributed to the film's success.