| James Cagney | New York Police Commissioner... | |
| Moses Gunn | Booker T. Washington | |
| Kenneth McMillan | Willie Conklin | |
| Donald O'Connor | Evelyn's Dance Instructor | |
| Mandy Patinkin | Tateh | |
| Mary Steenburgen | Mother |
| Brad Dourif | Younger Brother | |
| Elizabeth McGovern | Evelyn Nesbit | |
| Pat O'Brien | Delphin | |
| James Olson | Father | |
| Howard E. Rollins Jr. | Coalhouse Walker Jr. | |
| Debbie Allen | Sarah |