Who Is Julia Garner? Your Guide to ‘Ozark’s Scrappy and Smart Ruth

Published July 22, 2017, 11:00 a.m. ET

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Ozark

By now you’ve likely treated yourself to the gothic Southern horror show that is Ozark. The Netflix original is a near-perfect crime drama, packed with incredible performances by both Jason Bateman and Laura Linney, jaw-dropping twists, and some of the most delightfully sinister villains to grace 2017 television. However, even when you’re talking about such an all-around addicting show, some great elements rise above the rest of the pack. Julia Garner’s Ruth absolutely fits that description.

The young and whip-smart matriarch is the first real foe Marty (Bateman) has to face when he relocates his family to the Ozarks. Surrounded by her incompetent family, Ruth initially seems to be merely a smarter-than-average trailer trash girl. However, as the series progresses, it quickly becomes apparent that this small curly-haired woman should not be messed with. Here’s your guide to everything you need to know about Ruth and the incredible actress who plays her.

Who Is Ruth Langmore?

Ruth is the unofficial matriarch of the Langmores, a local family who’s known for making trouble. Marty and Wendy (Laura Linney) first learn about her after Ruth’s brothers frame Charlotte (Sofia Hublitz) for the boat they stole. She’s described as someone who has the potential to be a dangerous criminal, which gets Marty’s attention.

However, we don’t really see the full force of Ruth’s barbed power until she confronts Marty face-to-face. Marty later learns that the stolen boat was just a distraction so the Langmores could steal the millions he was storing in his family’s motel room. After he tracks the criminals down and threatens them until they return the money, Ruth is the last one to step down.

How old is Ruth supposed to be?

Arguably one of the most sinister characters in this dark series is only 19 years old. However, the actress playing her is 23.

Where have I seen Julia Garner before?

Though she’s still pretty young, Garner has an impressive list of credits already. One of her first roles was as Sarah in the cult drama Martha Marcy May Marlene. She’s also played Susan in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Charlie’s roommate in an episode of Girls, and starred as Claudia Gunns in The Get Down. However, she’s likely best known for playing Kimberly Breland in The Americans.