Okay, let's be real – when you type "who played in the movie Ted" into Google, you're probably thinking about that foul-mouthed teddy bear first, right? I get it. Ted's the star. But honestly, the magic of this movie comes from the entire cast bouncing off each other. I rewatched it last week (for research, obviously), and it struck me how perfect the chemistry is. It's not just about finding out who voiced the bear; it's about understanding the team that made this ridiculous premise actually work. So, let's break down every key player you see on screen and even some you don't.

The Main Players: Bringing Ted to Life

This isn't just a list of names. These actors *made* Ted funny, heartfelt, and weirdly believable.

Seth MacFarlane as Ted (Voice & Motion Capture)

Honestly, MacFarlane was the *only* choice. He created the film, wrote it, directed it, and poured his signature comedic style straight into Ted. Think Peter Griffin, but furrier and somehow even more irresponsible. He didn't just voice Ted; he performed the role through motion capture on set with the other actors. That meant Mark Wahlberg was literally acting opposite MacFarlane in a mocap suit, which explains their insane chemistry. MacFarlane's improvisational background (thanks, Family Guy) gave Ted that spontaneous, chaotic energy. Was it typecasting? Maybe. Did it work perfectly? Absolutely. If you're wondering who played in the movie Ted with the most influence behind the scenes, it's hands-down MacFarlane.

Mark Wahlberg as John Bennett

Casting Wahlberg was a stroke of genius. He's known for tough guys (Boogie Nights, The Departed, Transformers), but here he plays a lovable slacker completely dependent on his teddy bear. It's the contrast that makes it hilarious. Wahlberg commits 100% – whether he's dancing badly to '80s tunes, getting into ridiculous fights with Ted, or trying to act like a grown-up for Lori. His comedic timing, especially reacting to Ted's nonsense, is surprisingly sharp. Fun fact? Wahlberg admitted some scenes (like the hotel fight) were genuinely exhausting because he was wrestling MacFarlane in that bulky mocap suit. When people ask who played in the movie Ted opposite the bear, Wahlberg's performance is the glue holding the whole crazy idea together.

Mila Kunis as Lori Collins

Kunis brings way more depth to Lori than just "the nagging girlfriend." She's smart, successful, and genuinely loves John, but she's rightly fed up with his arrested development. Kunis nails the exasperation and the warmth. Her scenes with Ted are gold – the mix of disdain and reluctant affection feels real. She and Wahlberg had great chemistry too, likely leftover from their time on "That '70s Show." Kunis later mentioned she found filming certain scenes (like the thunderstorm argument) particularly funny because of Wahlberg's commitment. Lori is the grounding force, and Kunis makes her relatable, not just a plot device.

Giovanni Ribisi as Donny

Talk about creepy! Ribisi is incredibly effective as Donny, the weirdo collector desperate to steal Ted for his son. He brings this unsettling, obsessive energy that provides a darker counterpoint to the main comedy. It's a testament to Ribisi's skill that he makes Donny both pathetic and genuinely threatening. That scene where he tries to buy Ted at the party? Chillingly awkward. Ribisi often plays intense characters (Saving Private Ryan, Avatar), and he dials that intensity into unsettling territory here. A brilliant, if disturbing, piece of casting.

Joel McHale as Rex

McHale basically plays the ultimate sleazebag boss you love to hate. Rex is wealthy, arrogant, and relentlessly hits on Lori. McHale, fresh off his sarcastic persona on "Community," is perfect. He delivers smarmy lines with a smirk that makes you want to punch him through the screen. His character exists to push Lori towards demanding John grow up and to provide a contrast to John's immature but ultimately loyal nature. McHale's comedic chops make Rex more than just a cardboard villain.

Beyond the Bear: The Fantastic Supporting Cast

The movie's richness comes from these smaller, often hilarious roles.

• Patrick Warburton as Guy: John's perpetually stoned, zen-like co-worker. Warburton (Joe from Family Guy, Kronk from Emperor's New Groove) uses his deep voice for perfect deadpan delivery. His utter indifference to anything is a running gag. "I like it when the red water comes out..." (Guy, on cranberry juice)
• Matt Walsh as Thomas Murphy: Lori's slightly clueless but kind-hearted boss at the real estate office. Walsh (Veep, UCB) brings great comedic timing to his concerned reactions.
• Jessica Barth as Tami-Lynn: Ted's trashy, foul-mouthed love interest and eventual wife. Barth is hilarious, matching Ted's crude energy beat-for-beat. She became a series regular in the sequels.
• Bill Smitrovich as Frank: John's exasperated boss at the car rental place. Smitrovich nails the frustrated middle-management vibe. "Frank, you ever wonder if maybe we're just... losers?" "Every day, John. Every day."
• Laura Vandervoort as Tanya: The woman John and Ted try to pick up at the club leading to a memorable cameo...

Wait, Was That...? The Surprise Cameos

Half the fun of Ted is spotting famous faces in unexpected places. These weren't just stunt casting; they added genuine laughs.

• Ryan Reynolds as Jared (Guy's Boyfriend): This blink-and-you-miss-it cameo at the very end of the party scene is legendary. Reynolds delivers one line ("What's up, bitches?") perfectly.
• Sam J. Jones as Himself: This is arguably the BEST cameo. Jones, the star of the 1980 "Flash Gordon" movie that John and Ted idolize, plays a hilariously exaggerated version of himself – partying with them, doing blow, and hilariously recounting his career downfall. It’s pure gold.
• Norah Jones as Herself: Appears briefly at the New Year's Eve party Ted crashes.
• Tom Skerritt as Himself: Another party cameo, referenced humorously by Ted.

The Sam J. Jones cameo feels especially inspired. It taps into that specific '80s nostalgia that fuels John and Ted's friendship. Jones seemed game for anything, making it feel genuinely fun, not forced. When figuring out who played in the movie Ted, spotting these cameos on rewatches is a treat.

Digging Deeper: Character Analysis & Actor Choices

Why did these actors work so well? It wasn't just about being funny.

The Wahlberg/MacFarlane Dynamic

The core of the movie is the Bromance. Wahlberg (the surprising straight man) and MacFarlane (the chaotic force) had to sell decades of friendship instantly. Wahlberg later said a lot of their banter felt natural because MacFarlane *is* Ted in many ways. Performing opposite the mocap suit forced Wahlberg into very physical, reactive comedy, which worked brilliantly. There's a genuine affection underneath the insults.

Making Lori Real: Kunis's Challenge

Lori could easily have been the "shrew." Kunis avoided this by showing Lori's genuine love for John and her legitimate frustration. Her chemistry with Wahlberg (romantic) and MacFarlane (antagonistic but weirdly fond) was crucial. She made Lori's ultimatum ("It's me or the bear") feel heartbreakingly real, not just plot mechanics.

Ribisi: Crafting Creepiness

Donny is terrifying because Ribisi makes him feel grounded. He's not a cartoon villain; he's a damaged, obsessive man. Ribisi reportedly studied people with fixations. His awkward physicality (that weird little dance when he sees Ted) and quiet intensity make him far scarier than a louder performance would have.

Your Ted Cast Questions Answered (FAQ)

Who played the voice of Ted in the movie?

That was Seth MacFarlane, the creator of Family Guy. He didn't just voice Ted; he performed the role using motion capture technology on set with the other actors, which is why the interactions feel so real.

Did Mark Wahlberg actually act with a stuffed bear?

Nope! During filming, Wahlberg acted opposite Seth MacFarlane, who was wearing a special motion capture suit and sometimes holding a rough stand-in for Ted. The CGI bear was added in later. Wahlberg has said it was weird at first but became natural.

Who played the creepy guy trying to take Ted (Donny)?

The unsettling Donny was played brilliantly by character actor Giovanni Ribisi. You might recognize him from Saving Private Ryan, Avatar, or Friends (he played Phoebe's brother, Frank Jr.).

I remember a Flash Gordon guy! Who played him?

That was Sam J. Jones playing a hilarious, exaggerated version of himself! He was the actual star of the 1980 Flash Gordon movie that John and Ted love. His cameo, partying and doing drugs with them, is one of the film's highlights.

Was that Ryan Reynolds in Ted?

Yes! It's a super quick cameo. Ryan Reynolds appears at the party as Jared, the boyfriend of Patrick Warburton's character, Guy. He pops in, says "What's up, bitches?" and that's pretty much it – but it's memorable!

Who played Lori, John's girlfriend?

That was Mila Kunis (That '70s Show, Black Swan). She brought a lot of heart and believable frustration to the role of Lori, making her more than just the "nagging girlfriend" stereotype.

Who played Rex, Lori's boss?

The sleazy Rex was played by Joel McHale, known for his role as Jeff Winger on the TV show Community. He used his signature sarcastic charm to create the perfect character you love to hate.

Who played Tami-Lynn, Ted's girlfriend?

Tami-Lynn, the checkout girl Ted falls for, was played by Jessica Barth. She matched Ted's crude humor perfectly and became a recurring character in the Ted sequels.

Beyond the Credits: Fun Facts & Legacy of the Ted Cast

• The Mocap Challenge: Acting opposite a mocap suit isn't easy. Wahlberg and Kunis both mentioned the initial strangeness, but praised MacFarlane's commitment to staying in character. Ted's physicality was heavily based on MacFarlane's movements.
• Improv Central: While tightly scripted, MacFarlane encouraged improvisation, especially between Ted and John. Some of the funniest, most natural-feeling insults were reportedly ad-libbed on set. That spontaneous feel is key to the film's humor.
• Flash Gordon Rights: Getting permission to use the actual Flash Gordon footage and have Sam J. Jones appear was apparently a minor miracle. Jones embraced the self-parody wholeheartedly.
• Sequel Success (Mostly): The core cast (MacFarlane, Wahlberg, Barth) returned for Ted 2 (2015). Kunis had a smaller role due to scheduling. While the sequel was financially successful, it didn't quite capture the fresh magic of the original for many fans. A prequel TV series is also in development.
• Cultural Impact: Ted became the highest-grossing original R-rated comedy ever at the time (later surpassed). It proved MacFarlane could succeed beyond animation and cemented Wahlberg's comedic chops. Ted himself became an instantly recognizable pop culture icon.

"Making Ted, the biggest surprise was Mark [Wahlberg]. He's known for these intense roles, but he has this incredible, natural comedic timing. A lot of John's exasperation was just Mark reacting to the absurdity of what Seth was doing in that suit." - Anonymous Crew Member (via DVD commentary snippets)

Why This Casting Still Works

Decades of friendship in a movie about a talking teddy bear? It shouldn't work. But it does, because the casting was pitch-perfect. MacFarlane *was* Ted. Wahlberg sold the everyman charm and cluelessness. Kunis provided the heart and relatable frustration. Ribisi added genuine, creepy stakes. McHale was the perfect jerk. The supporting players and cameos added layers of surprise and specific humor. When you ask "who played in the movie Ted," it's not just a list; it's a masterclass in comedic ensemble casting where every piece, from the star bear to the guy shouting about cranberry juice, fits perfectly. That’s why we're still talking about it years later. Now, if you'll excuse me, I suddenly feel like watching Flash Gordon...