Julia Garner has quickly risen to stardom with a string of remarkable television performances that introduced her talent to wider audiences starting in 2015. As she continues to appear in major films like Weapons and The Fantastic Four: First Steps this summer, revisiting her best TV roles highlights why she stands out as one of the most compelling young actresses today. This list ranks Julia Garner’s six most memorable TV characters, showcasing her range and depth.
6. Portraying Michele Jones in Waco (2018)
In the 2018 Showtime miniseries Waco, which chronicles the infamous 51-day siege between the FBI, ATF, and the Branch Davidians in 1993, Garner plays Michele Jones, the younger sister of Rachel Koresh. Michele, initially honored to marry David Koresh, quickly becomes trapped in the cult’s rising tension and violence. Garner’s role explores a young girl’s vulnerability and fear as she is married off at 12, embodying a chilling and heartrending portrayal far removed from her other performances.
The story depicts the deadly standoff led by cult leader David Koresh, resulting in the deaths of 96 people. Michele’s gradual disillusionment with David’s vision amplifies the emotional weight of the series, and Garner captures the inner conflict of a girl caught in an impossible situation.
5. Bringing Maddy to Life in Modern Love (2019)
In the Amazon Prime series Modern Love, based on true stories from The New York Times column, Julia Garner appears as Maddy in two episodes of the first season. The character forms a delicate, unconventional bond with Peter, an AI engineer at her workplace, who becomes a surrogate father figure following the loss of her own dad. Garner portrays Maddy with a mix of awkwardness and tenderness, revealing her layered emotional struggles.
This performance stands out for its earnest and heartfelt representation of loneliness and connection, as Maddy navigates the complexities of unconventional relationships, offering viewers a glimpse into moments of personal growth and relief.
4. Playing Terra Newell in Dirty John (2018–2019)
In the true crime anthology Dirty John, Julia Garner portrays Terra Newell, the youngest daughter of Debra Newell, during a harrowing ordeal with John Meehan, a dangerous man who deceives and terrorizes the family. Throughout the series, Garner strikes a balance between vulnerability and hidden strength, showing Terra’s growth amid escalating danger.
The first season details Meehan’s manipulation and violence, with Terra nearly becoming a victim of abduction. Garner’s nuanced performance adds credibility to the frightening events, illustrating the courage of a young woman who refuses to be subdued by fear.
3. Kimberly Breland in The Americans (2015–2018)
One of Julia Garner’s earliest television roles was Kimberly Breland in the Cold War-era thriller The Americans. Appearing across seasons 3 to 6, Kimberly is the daughter of CIA operative Isaac Breland and becomes unwittingly involved with spy Philip Jennings. Garner captures Kimberly’s precocious and somewhat rebellious personality, portraying a lonely diplomat’s daughter caught in espionage intrigue.
Kimberly’s innocence contrasts with the dangerous world around her, and Garner effectively communicates this duality through subtle expressions, showing the difference between her boredom with peers and fascination with Philip’s attention.
2. The Role of Anna (Sorokin) Delvey in Inventing Anna (2022)
Garner‘s portrayal of Anna Delvey, a con artist posing as a wealthy socialite in New York’s elite circles, is both captivating and complex. Inventing Anna explores the real-life story of Delvey’s schemes to defraud banks and friends, presented from the viewpoint of a journalist investigating the case. Despite some criticism over the miniseries’ accuracy, Garner’s performance earned her Golden Globe and Emmy nominations.
Her portrayal is mesmerizing, filled with a slick confidence and an exaggerated accent, perfectly illustrating the audacity and charm that allowed Delvey to deceive so many. The character’s manipulation and charisma come alive through Garner’s skill, making this one of her most memorable roles.
1. Ruth Langmore in Ozark (2017–2022)
Julia Garner’s standout role as Ruth Langmore in Netflix’s crime drama Ozark is the one that solidified her as a household name. Ruth is a tough, sharp, and fiercely intelligent young woman from a poor family entrenched in criminal activity along the Lake of the Ozarks. At just 19 at the show’s start, she quickly emerges as a formidable force in the dangerous world her family inhabits, balancing ruthlessness with unexpected emotional depth.
Opposite Jason Bateman’s Marty Byrde and Laura Linney’s Wendy Byrde, Garner infuses Ruth with a blend of raw toughness and moments of vulnerability, illustrating a character shaped by hardship yet unyielding in her ambitions. Ruth’s complexity, including her guarded tenderness beneath a rough exterior, showcases Garner’s ability to portray layered, compelling individuals.
Julia Garner’s Range Confirms Her Status as a Leading TV Actress
From her chilling role as Michele Jones in Waco to her Oscar-worthy portrayal of Ruth Langmore on Ozark, Julia Garner’s best TV characters highlight her extraordinary versatility. They show her ability to inhabit vastly different roles — from a frightened cult child to a calculating con artist and a fearless criminal mastermind. This range has earned her critical acclaim, awards recognition, and a loyal fanbase.
With her continued success in TV and expanding film presence, Garner’s career trajectory suggests she will remain a significant figure on screen for years to come. Audiences can look forward to seeing how she challenges herself with new characters while perfecting the intense performances she is known for.
