Peyton Place (TV Series) - Characters - Original Cast

Original Cast

Constance MacKenzie (Dorothy Malone, 1964–1968, episodes 1–435; Lola Albright briefly played the role in Malone's absence)

Allison's mother. Although Constance initially has a good relationship with Allison, their relationship become strained after Allison finds out Constance lied to her about who her father is. Constance later marries Elliot Carson.

Matthew Swain (Warner Anderson, 1964–1965, episodes 1–111)

The editor of the town newspaper. He is the father figure in Allison's life and is a good friend of his second cousin Constance.

Dr. Michael Rossi (Ed Nelson, 1964–1969, entire run)

The doctor who moved from New York City to Peyton Place for mysterious reasons. He clashes several times with colleague Dr. Robert Morton, but eventually gets accepted in the town. He becomes romantically involved with several people, including Dr. Morton's daughter Claire.

Allison MacKenzie (Mia Farrow, 1964–1966, episodes 1–263)

The quiet and smart daughter of Constance. She likes to spend her time reading books and usually befriends older people. She also becomes romantically involved with Rodney several times.

Rodney Harrington (Ryan O'Neal, 1964–1969, episodes 1–501)

The oldest son of Leslie and Catherine Harrington. He is more social and popular than his brother Norman and falls in love with Allison. Their relationship never really progresses, because his old girlfriend Betty always tries to stop them. An interesting fashion note is that the Baracuta G9 jacket that Rodney Harrington often wore, became known as the Harrington jacket and is still sold under that name by Baracuta

Betty Anderson (Barbara Parkins, 1964–1969, entire run)

The daughter of George and Julie. She is in love with Rodney and does everything to win him over, although he is in love with Allison. This includes lying about being pregnant and tricking him into marrying her.

Julie Anderson (Kasey Rogers, 1964–1966, recurring afterwards, episodes 1–252)

Wife of George and mother of Betty. She was introduced as the secretary and secret lover of Leslie. After ending their affair, she became a full time housewife.

George Anderson (Henry Beckman, 1964–1965, episodes 4–59)

Husband of Julie and father of Betty. Known as the aggressive guy, who abused his wife. He eventually loses his mind and is taken to a sanatorium.

Leslie Harrington (Paul Langton, 1964–1968, episodes 1–69; 121–454)

Husband of Catherine and father of Rodney and Norman. Although Leslie only wanted the best for his family, he was one of the most hated people of Peyton Place. He was a suspect of the murder of Elizabeth Carson and eventually left town because of his bad reputation.

Norman Harrington (Christopher Connelly, 1964–1969, entire run)

The youngest son of Leslie and Catherine and shy younger brother of Rodney. He is in love with Allison, but never stands a chance with her. He later becomes romantically involved with Rita Jacks, despite their social differences.

Laura Brooks (Patricia Breslin, 1964–1965, episodes 2–36)

Sister of Leslie and widow of Dr. Donald Brooks. After Dr. Rossi arrived in town, she immediately fell in love with him and became his secretary. They never had a relationship. She eventually left town to move to Europe, explaining she could not live in a town with so many problems.

Catherine Harrington (Mary Anderson, 1964, episodes 2–20)

Daughter of Martin Peyton and estranged wife of Leslie and mother of Rodney and Norman. Catherine during the run of the first season, but remained a character who was recurrently talked about. It was later revealed she caused several scandals and was to blame for Elizabeth Carson's murder.

Eli Carson (Frank Ferguson, 1964–1969, episodes 18–514)

Caring father of Elliot Carson. Carson never had a substantial storyline and usually served as a person people went to for advice.

Dr. Robert Morton (Kent Smith, 1964–1965, recurring afterwards, episodes 8–137, 214–240)

Husband of Grace and father of Claire. He was a rival of Dr. Rossi, but they later reconciled. He is a close friend of the Harrington family.