HBO Max Drama Pilot Casts Three Leads

New actors Jack Ball, Kylar Miranda, and Julian Grey join the ensemble of 'How To Survive Without Me'.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:45pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring stark, jagged geometric shapes in bold red and white, conceptually representing the themes of family, grief, and identity explored in the HBO Max drama 'How To Survive Without Me'.The diverse cast of the HBO Max drama 'How To Survive Without Me' brings a fresh perspective to the story of a family navigating life after the loss of their matriarch.Los Angeles Today

The HBO Max drama pilot 'How To Survive Without Me' has announced the casting of three key roles, adding Jack Ball, Kylar Miranda, and Julian Grey to the ensemble led by Ray Romano, Joshua Jackson, Kaley Cuoco, and Julia Schlaepfer. The series, created by Greg Berlanti and Bash Doran, follows the De Angelis family as they navigate life after the passing of their matriarch, Beverly. Ball will play Cary, the middle son who left a lucrative job to work at the family's financial firm. Miranda portrays Luis, Cary's husband and the first openly gay MLB player. Grey takes on the role of PJ, the youngest De Angelis sibling still living at home with his father Leo.

Why it matters

The casting of Ball, Miranda, and Grey adds depth and diversity to the 'How To Survive Without Me' ensemble, reflecting the complex family dynamics and personal struggles the De Angelis clan will face in the wake of Beverly's death. Their varied backgrounds and talents are expected to bring authenticity and emotional resonance to the series, which explores themes of grief, identity, and the importance of family.

The details

Jack Ball will play Cary, the middle son in the De Angelis family, described as a man with a sharp wit and intellect who turned down a lucrative job to work at his father's financial planning firm. Kylar Miranda takes on the role of Luis, Cary's husband and a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who will be the first openly gay player in the MLB. Julian Grey portrays PJ, the youngest De Angelis sibling still living at home with his father Leo, a freeloader with a secret that will surprise viewers.

  • The HBO Max drama pilot 'How To Survive Without Me' was announced in early 2026.

The players

Jack Ball

An actor who will portray Cary, the middle son in the De Angelis family, a man with a razor-sharp wit and intellect who left a lucrative job to work at his father's financial planning firm.

Kylar Miranda

An actor who will play Luis, Cary's husband and a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the first openly gay player in the MLB.

Julian Grey

An actor who will take on the role of PJ, the youngest De Angelis sibling still living at home with his father Leo, a freeloader with a secret that will surprise viewers.

Greg Berlanti

The creator and executive producer of the HBO Max drama pilot 'How To Survive Without Me'.

Bash Doran

The creator and executive producer of the HBO Max drama pilot 'How To Survive Without Me'.

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The takeaway

The addition of these three talented actors to the 'How To Survive Without Me' cast promises to bring authenticity, emotional resonance, and a fresh perspective to the series, which explores the challenges of navigating life without a matriarchal figure. Their diverse backgrounds and skills will undoubtedly captivate audiences and contribute to the series' success.