Cast
- Will Smith as Captain Steven Hiller: An assured United States Marine Corps F/A-18 pilot with VMFA-314. Devlin and Emmerich had always envisioned an African-American for the role, and specifically wanted Smith after seeing his performance in Six Degrees of Separation.
- Jeff Goldblum as David Levinson: An MIT-educated computer expert, chess enthusiast and environmentalist, working as a satellite technician in New York City.
- Bill Pullman as President Thomas J. Whitmore: President of the United States and a former Persian Gulf War fighter pilot. To prepare for the role, Pullman read The Commanders by Bob Woodward and watched the documentary film The War Room.
- Margaret Colin as Constance Spano: White House Communications Director, David's ex-wife.
- Robert Loggia as General William Grey: A United States Marine Corps general who is the head of United States Space Command. Loggia modeled the character after generals of World War II, particularly George S. Patton.
- Randy Quaid as Russell Casse: A widowed, alcoholic crop duster and veteran Vietnam War pilot who claims to have been an alien abductee ten years prior to the events of the film.
- James Duval as Miguel Casse, Russell's eldest son. Originally derisive of Russel because of his alcoholism, he changes his mind once he sees Russell showing true concern for his children.
- Judd Hirsch as Julius Levinson: David Levinson's father. The character was based on one of producer Dean Devlin's uncles.
- Mary McDonnell as First Lady Marilyn Whitmore.
- Vivica A. Fox as Jasmine Dubrow: A single mother, Steven's girlfriend (later wife), and exotic dancer.
- James Rebhorn as Albert Nimzicki: The Secretary of Defense and former director of the CIA. Rebhorn described the character as being much like Oliver North. The character's eventual firing lampoons Joe Nimziki, MGM's head of advertising and reportedly accounted for unpleasant experiences for Devlin and Emmerich when studio executives forced recuts of Stargate.
- Harvey Fierstein as Marty Gilbert: David's boss.
- Adam Baldwin as Major Mitchell: A United States Air Force officer who is the commanding officer at Area 51.
- Brent Spiner as Dr. Brackish Okun: The unkempt and highly excitable scientist in charge of research at Area 51. Devlin, who is open to the idea of bringing Dr. Okun back in the event of a sequel, later implied the character is merely in a coma. The character's appearance and verbal style are based upon those of visual effects supervisor Jeffrey A. Okun, with whom Emmerich had worked on Stargate.
- Harry Connick, Jr. as Captain Jimmy Wilder: Steve's best friend and fellow pilot. Connick took over the part for Matthew Perry, originally cast in the role.
- Kiersten Warren as Tiffany: Jasmine's exotic dancer friend.
- Mae Whitman as Patricia, the President's daughter. She is called 'Munchkin' by her parents.
- Frank Welker as Alien vocal effects
Read more about this topic: Independence Day (film)
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