Parisian bon vivant, World War II Resistance fighter, Nobel Prize-winning playwright, philandering husband and recluse…Samuel Beckett lived a life of many parts. Titled after Beckett’s famous ethos “Dance first, think later”, the film is a sweeping account of the life of this 20th-century icon.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Gabriel ByrneSamuel Beckett | Samuel Beckett |
 Aidan GillenJames Joyce | James Joyce |
 Sandrine BonnaireSuzanne | Suzanne |
 Fionn O'SheaYoung Samuel | Young Samuel |
 Maxine PeakeBarbara | Barbara |
 Bronagh GallagherNora Barnacle | Nora Barnacle |
 Lisa Dwyer HoggMay Beckett | May Beckett |
 Caroline BoultonSylvia Beach | Sylvia Beach |
 Gráinne GoodLucia Joyce | Lucia Joyce |
| CCillian Hollywood5 year old Samuel | 5 year old Samuel |
| PPatrik PiróAdam | Adam |
| LLéonie LojkineYounger Suzanne | Younger Suzanne |
 Andrew HeflerLeon | Leon |
 Barry O'ConnorWilliam Beckett | William Beckett |
 Caleb Johnston-Miller10 year old Samuel | 10 year old Samuel |
 Robert AramayoAlfred Peron | Alfred Peron |
 Rebecka JohnstonWoman 1 | Woman 1 |
| SSzabolcs KelemenPrudent | Prudent |
 Laurent WinklerKing Gustav | King Gustav |
| JJenni BowdenWoman 2 | Woman 2 |
 Júlia SzászMania | Mania |
 Francis McBurneyM | M |
| LLászló AranyossyPriest | Priest |
| IIldikó HidasiLady with dog | Lady with dog |
| DDávid MesterResistance member #3 (uncredited) | Resistance member #3 (uncredited) |