Lilli Kay has rapidly established herself as one of the most compelling talents in contemporary American television and film. With a background rooted in classical theater and a series of high-profile roles in critically acclaimed dramas, her filmography reflects a deliberate choice of complex, emotionally resonant characters. From the tense courtrooms of New Orleans in Your Honor to the rugged landscapes of Montana in Yellowstone, Kay’s versatility is her defining trait.

For viewers looking to explore the complete catalog of Lilli Kay’s movies and TV shows, this overview categorizes her major breakthroughs, her contributions to biographical cinema, and her highly anticipated projects slated for 2025.

Major Television Breakthroughs and Series Regular Roles

Lilli Kay’s rise in the television industry is marked by her ability to hold her own alongside industry titans like Bryan Cranston and Kevin Costner. Her television career transitioned from guest appearances to series regular roles in a remarkably short period, driven by her nuanced performances in heavy-hitting dramas.

Fia Baxter in Your Honor (2020–2023)

Perhaps Lilli Kay’s most significant role to date is that of Sofia "Fia" Baxter in the Showtime legal thriller Your Honor. Starring opposite Bryan Cranston, the series explores the moral decay that follows a hit-and-run accident involving the son of a prominent judge and the son of a powerful crime boss.

Kay portrays Fia Baxter, the daughter of the local mob kingpin Jimmy Baxter (played by Michael Stuhlbarg). Fia’s character arc is central to the show’s emotional gravity. In the first season, she unwittingly begins a relationship with Adam Desiato, the young man responsible for her brother’s death. Kay delivers a performance characterized by a fragile but resilient innocence, caught between her family’s violent legacy and her own desire for a normal life.

In the second season, Kay was promoted to a series regular. The narrative depth increased as Fia dealt with the birth of her child and the devastating revelations about her family and Adam. Her portrayal of a young woman navigating grief, motherhood, and betrayal earned significant critical praise, making Fia Baxter the emotional anchor of the series' concluding chapters.

Clara Brewer in Yellowstone (2022–2024)

In the fifth season of Paramount Network's neo-Western sensation Yellowstone, Lilli Kay introduced a fresh dynamic to the Governor’s office as Clara Brewer. As the personal assistant to John Dutton (Kevin Costner), Clara is more than just an administrative aide; she is a trusted confidante who helps the patriarch navigate the unfamiliar and often treacherous waters of state politics.

Clara Brewer is depicted as sharp, efficient, and fiercely loyal. Unlike many characters in the Yellowstone universe who are driven by greed or vengeance, Clara provides a grounded perspective. Her presence on the show also marked a significant cultural milestone; she was part of the first non-heterosexual kiss in the series' history, bringing much-needed LGBTQ+ representation to the rugged, often traditional Western setting. Kay’s chemistry with the main cast and her ability to handle the show’s fast-paced dialogue made Clara a standout addition to the later seasons of the Dutton saga.

Penelope Fowler in Chambers (2019)

Before her success in mainstream dramas, Lilli Kay starred in the Netflix supernatural horror series Chambers. The show follows a young woman, Sasha, who receives a heart transplant and begins to take on the sinister traits of the donor.

Kay plays Penelope Fowler, a wealthy and enigmatic student who was the best friend of the heart donor, Becky. Penelope is a complex character—at times supportive of Sasha and at other times displaying a chilling, obsessive attachment to her deceased friend’s memory. Kay’s performance in Chambers showcased her range in the horror and mystery genres, demonstrating that she could handle psychologically layered roles that require a mix of vulnerability and menace.

Film Career and Biographical Dramas

While television has been the primary platform for Lilli Kay’s visibility, her film career includes several prestigious projects that highlight her interest in historical and biographical narratives.

Rachelle Horowitz in Rustin (2023)

In 2023, Lilli Kay appeared in the Netflix biographical drama Rustin, directed by George C. Wolfe. The film chronicles the life of Bayard Rustin, the brilliant activist who organized the 1963 March on Washington while facing systemic racism and homophobia.

Kay portrays Rachelle Horowitz, a real-life political strategist and a key member of Rustin’s inner circle. Playing a historical figure requires a specific type of discipline, and Kay successfully captured the urgency and intelligence of the activists working behind the scenes of the Civil Rights Movement. Working alongside Colman Domingo, Kay contributed to a film that was widely celebrated for its historical accuracy and powerful performances.

Dori in Paterno (2018)

Lilli Kay’s feature film debut came in the HBO original movie Paterno. Directed by Barry Levinson and starring Al Pacino, the film examines the downfall of Penn State football coach Joe Paterno following the child sexual abuse scandal involving Jerry Sandusky.

Kay plays Dori, a role that allowed her to work within a high-stakes dramatic environment early in her career. Though a supporting role, appearing in an HBO production directed by Levinson and starring Pacino provided a prestigious launchpad for her subsequent work in television.

Emily Walker in August at Twenty-Two (2022)

In the independent film August at Twenty-Two, Lilli Kay took on the role of Emily Walker. This indie drama focuses on the complexities of young adulthood, particularly the shifts in friendships and romantic interests as people enter their twenties.

As Emily, Kay plays the girlfriend of the protagonist’s former love interest. The film explores a subtle and realistic romantic tension between Emily and the lead character, Cal. Kay’s performance in this project was noted for its naturalism, proving her capability in intimate, character-driven independent cinema as effectively as in big-budget TV productions.

Thematic Consistency in Lilli Kay's Work

When looking at the movies and TV shows Lilli Kay has chosen, several recurring themes emerge. She often gravitates toward characters who are "outsiders" or who find themselves in positions of transition.

  1. Navigating Legacy: In both Your Honor and Yellowstone, her characters (Fia and Clara) must navigate the heavy legacies of the men they work for or are related to. This involves a balancing act between loyalty and personal ethics.
  2. Psychological Nuance: Roles like Penelope in Chambers show her ability to handle characters with hidden motives and complex mental states.
  3. Advocacy and Representation: Through her work in Rustin and her role in Yellowstone, Kay has consistently participated in projects that highlight LGBTQ+ narratives and historical activism.

Upcoming Projects in 2025

Lilli Kay’s career shows no signs of slowing down, with several major projects scheduled for release in 2025. These roles suggest a shift toward comedy and ensemble-led sports dramas, further expanding her professional repertoire.

Stick (2025)

One of the most anticipated new series on Apple TV+ is Stick, a sports comedy created by Jason Keller. The show stars Owen Wilson as a former pro golfer who takes a young prodigy under his wing.

Lilli Kay has been cast as a series regular playing a character named "Zero." While specific plot details regarding Zero are still under wraps, the show is expected to be a major release for Apple TV+. The transition from heavy drama to sports comedy marks a new chapter for Kay, allowing her to showcase a lighter or perhaps more eccentric side of her acting abilities.

Task (2025)

In addition to Stick, Lilli Kay is set to appear in the HBO series Task. In this project, she portrays Frankie Grasso. HBO has a reputation for high-quality, prestige drama, and Kay’s involvement in this series suggests she remains a sought-after talent for the network’s most ambitious projects.

For Worse (2025)

Expanding her filmography into the romantic comedy genre, Kay stars as Tina in the indie film For Worse. Premiering at major film festivals like SXSW, this project highlights her continued commitment to independent cinema even as her television profile continues to grow.

Early Career and Guest Appearances

Before becoming a household name for fans of Yellowstone, Lilli Kay built her resume through guest roles in established series. These early performances provided the necessary experience to handle the demands of series regular roles.

Ruby Bragg in Madam Secretary (2019)

In the fifth season of the CBS political drama Madam Secretary, Kay appeared as Ruby Bragg in the episode "The New Normal." Though it was a guest role, it placed her in a professional environment that demanded a high level of performance, working alongside Téa Leoni. This role served as a bridge between her theater work and her subsequent casting in Chambers.

The Place of No Words (2020)

In this experimental fantasy film directed by Mark Webber, Lilli Kay is credited as a Morse Puppeteer. This unique credit highlights her willingness to participate in unconventional filmmaking and artistic projects that go beyond traditional acting roles.

Theatrical Roots and Training

Lilli Kay’s skill set is deeply rooted in her classical training. She graduated from Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama in 2017 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting. This rigorous training is evident in her vocal control and physical presence on screen.

Before her screen debut, she was an active member of the Roundabout Theatre Company in New York. Her stage credits include productions such as:

  • Heartless
  • The Three Musketeers
  • Eurydice

Her background in theater is not limited to acting; Kay is also an accomplished alto singer and guitarist. These musical skills add another layer to her potential as a performer, making her a candidate for musical biopics or stage-to-screen adaptations in the future.

Summary of Lilli Kay’s Career Trajectory

Lilli Kay has navigated the entertainment industry with a clear focus on quality and diversity. Starting from the New York stage, she moved into television with Chambers and Your Honor, establishing herself as a powerhouse in dramatic roles. Her entry into the Yellowstone universe brought her to a massive global audience, while her film roles in Rustin and Paterno solidified her status as a serious dramatic actor.

With 2025 bringing new challenges in the form of Apple TV+’s Stick and HBO’s Task, Lilli Kay is poised to become a central figure in the next decade of American entertainment. Whether she is playing a mob boss’s daughter or a governor’s assistant, her commitment to character depth remains constant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Lilli Kay’s first movie?

Lilli Kay’s first credited movie role was in the 2018 HBO film Paterno, where she played the character Dori alongside Al Pacino.

Is Lilli Kay in Yellowstone Season 5?

Yes, Lilli Kay joined the cast of Yellowstone in Season 5 as Clara Brewer, the personal assistant to Governor John Dutton.

Who did Lilli Kay play in Your Honor?

Lilli Kay played Sofia "Fia" Baxter, the daughter of crime boss Jimmy Baxter and the girlfriend of Adam Desiato, in both seasons of the Showtime series Your Honor.

What are Lilli Kay's upcoming 2025 shows?

Lilli Kay is set to star in the Apple TV+ sports comedy Stick as Zero and the HBO series Task as Frankie Grasso.

Where did Lilli Kay go to school?

Lilli Kay is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, where she earned a BFA in Acting and Drama in 2017.

Does Lilli Kay have musical skills?

Yes, Lilli Kay is a trained alto singer and an accomplished guitarist, skills she developed alongside her acting training.