‘Halston’ True Story: Who Were Liza Minnelli, Elsa Peretti, and John David Ridge?

Slip on some slick shades: Ryan Murphy‘s new fashion series, Halston, has landed on Netflix. Full of gorgeous red dresses, fantastic ’70s tunes, and Liza Minnelli performances, Halston is the perfect weekend series for anyone interested in learning more about the fashion world. And it’s based on Halston’s true story, of course — so, it’s definitely best to learn about the real cast before diving in.

Halston follows Roy Halston Frowick, or, in simple terms, Halston. The limited biopic series charts Halston’s rise to fame in the fashion industry, paired with a handful of gorgeous up-and-coming models and bundles of dark fabric. McGregor nails his performance as the famous fashion designer; although the Halston family and archives have said otherwise.

You may recognize a few faces (see: Liza Minnelli), but what about the other folks? Here’s everything you need to know about the real people in Halston, and the cast that plays them.

Ewan McGregor as Roy Halston Frowick, aka Halston

Ewan McGregor stars as the titular Halston — there’s plenty to say about the designer, but why not watch the series instead? Halston rose to fame in the 1970s, skyrocketing to international notoriety thanks to his distinct clothes designs.

McGregor wears those signature sunglasses a lot for the role. Before Halston, he’s won a Golden Globe for his performance in Noah Hawley’s Fargo. He’s also starred in movies like Moulin Rouge!, Trainspotting, and the Star Wars series.

Krysta Rodriguez as Liza Minnelli

Krysta Rodriguez embodies Liza Minnelli in Halston, tackling her delightful songs and dances with ease. She looks exactly like the actress, down to the short, dark haircut and wonderful clothes. Minnelli was one of Halston’s many muses, and the pair were nearly inseparable. Halston dressed Minnelli for many of her performances, and Minnelli was great at consoling Halston as a good friend of his.

The actress is known for her work on other TV series like Daybreak, Trial & Error, Smash, and Inside Amy Schumer.

Rebecca Dayan as Elsa Peretti

Elsa Peretti was a famous Italian jewelry designer, and she’s played by actress Rebecca Dayan in the series. Peretti designed jewelry alongside Halston’s fashion company, another one of his muses and friends who’d wear his brilliant dresses. In the episodes we see in the season, she rises to her own notoriety in the fashion world thanks to the craft jewelry modeled with Halston’s designs. Peretti also designed the tear-drop shaped bottle for Halston’s first fragrance at Tiffany & Co.

Dayan has also starred in films like From Paris with Love, Celeste & Jesse Forever, and The Neon Demon before slinking into Peretti’s gorgeous dresses in Halston.

Kelly Bishop as Eleanor Lambert

Eleanor Lambert, played by Kelly Bishop in the series, was an American fashion publicist who worked closely with Halston. Lambert played a huge role in increasing the prominence of American fashion in the international scheme of design, especially in marking New York City as one of the fashion capitals of the world.

Bishop is known for her role as the Gilmore grandmother, Emily, of Gilmore Girls. She’s also starred in films like Dirty Dancing, Wonder Boys, and Friends with Kids.

Jack Mikesell as John David Ridge

John David Ridge is a costume designer who has worked on Broadway productions like Ring Round the Moon, My Fair Lady, Dracula, and Amadeus. He’s played by Jack Mikesell in Halston. When Halston was forced to step down from his design company, Ridge replaced the designer at the helm of the business.

Before Halston, Mikesell starred in series like Rizzoli & Isles, NCIS, and How to Get Away With Murder.

Jeremy Greenbaum as Ralph Lifshitz (aka Ralph Lauren)

This one’s a bit of a trick! Ralph Lifshitz is a famous designer, but you may know him by his new name: Ralph Lauren. He stars in the series, played by Jeremy Greenbaum, very briefly. Halston does, however, mention his work to great lengths.

This is only Greebaum’s second major TV performance. Before becoming Ralph Lauren, he starred in an episode of The CW’s Katy Keene.

Delphi Harrington as Betty Ford

Betty Ford, played by Delphi Harrington in Halston, was the First Lady of the United States from 1974 to 1977, the wife of President Gerald Ford. Ford was acquainted with Halston, and you can check out real photos of the pair (also with Minelli) at Studio 54 in 1979.

The actress has also starred in films and shows like Sully, Ryan’s Hope, Cookie, and Nights of the Juggler in her nearly 50 years of acting.

Stream Halston on Netflix