Step into the magical world of Night at the Museum, where history comes to life and laughter fills the halls. This beloved film franchise has captured hearts worldwide, thanks in large part to the cast of Night at the Museum—led by the comedic genius of Ben Stiller and the late, great Robin Williams. For credits and production details, see the full cast & crew on IMDb.
TL;DR — Cast of Night at the Museum
- Main cast: Ben Stiller (Larry Daley), Robin Williams (Teddy Roosevelt), Owen Wilson (Jedediah), Steve Coogan (Octavius), Rami Malek (Ahkmenrah), Ricky Gervais (Dr. McPhee), Dick Van Dyke (Cecil), Mickey Rooney (Gus), Carla Gugino (Rebecca).
- Franchise: 3 live-action films (2006, 2009, 2014) + animated follow-up (2022).
- Museum name: American Museum of Natural History (NYC); much of the first film shot in Vancouver.
- Best viewing order: Release order — see watch order.
- Why it works: History meets humor, big-hearted characters, family-friendly adventure.
Cast of Night at the Museum
In this article, we explore the captivating performances and unforgettable cast of Night at the Museum—a timeless family classic.
From the adventurous Larry Daley to the charismatic Teddy Roosevelt, we dive into behind-the-scenes stories and the dynamics that brought these characters to life.
Join us as we uncover the secrets and celebrate the talented individuals who made Night at the Museum an enchanting experience for all ages. Grab your flashlight and get ready to discover the magic behind the scenes of this unforgettable film franchise.
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Night at the Museum (franchise) at a Glance
The Night at the Museum (franchise) spans three live-action films—Night at the Museum (2006), Battle of the Smithsonian (2009), and Secret of the Tomb (2014)—plus the 2022 animated follow-up, Kahmunrah Rises Again. Across the series, the core appeal stays the same: a lovable night guard, wildly entertaining museum exhibits that spring to life, and a fan-favorite ensemble that keeps the laughs coming.
Ben Stiller’s Role as the Protagonist
Ben Stiller’s portrayal of Larry Daley, the down-on-his-luck protagonist of Night at the Museum, is remarkable. Stiller’s comedic timing and physicality bring authenticity to the character, making him relatable to audiences of all ages.
Larry’s journey from a struggling father to a hero who saves the day is both heartwarming and entertaining. Stiller balances humor with vulnerability, which helps the audience connect with Larry on a deeper level and makes his transformation all the more impactful.
His chemistry with the other cast members—particularly Robin Williams—adds an extra layer of magic. Stiller’s performance here is a testament to his versatility and his knack for grounding fantastical scenarios.
Robin Williams’ memorable performance as Teddy Roosevelt
One standout performance belongs to the late, great Robin Williams, who portrays the charismatic Teddy Roosevelt. Williams’ Roosevelt is humorous and heartfelt, showcasing his incredible range. With signature wit and impeccable timing, he brings the 26th President to life in a way only he could.
His scenes with Stiller are a masterclass in comedic chemistry, with banter and camaraderie that deliver many of the film’s most memorable moments. Williams’ ability to glide between comedy and drama adds depth, making Roosevelt both a source of laughter and inspiration.
His turn in Night at the Museum is a reminder of his singular talent and the loss the world of entertainment felt with his passing.
The supporting cast and their characters
While Ben Stiller and Robin Williams headline Night at the Museum, the film boasts an ensemble of talented actors who bring a variety of characters to life.
From Owen Wilson’s charming cowboy Jedediah to Steve Coogan’s hilarious Roman general Octavius, each supporting player adds a unique flavor. Dick Van Dyke’s villainous Cecil Fredericks is delightfully wicked, while Ricky Gervais’ museum director Dr. McPhee provides a steady stream of dry wit.
Rami Malek’s Egyptian pharaoh Ahkmenrah brings mystery and gravitas. The late Mickey Rooney’s cantankerous Gus supplies plenty of laughs, and Bill Cobbs’ Reginald rounds out the veteran trio with warmth and authority.
Night at the Museum characters & main cast (quicklist)
- Ben Stiller — Larry Daley
- Robin Williams — Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt
- Owen Wilson — Jedediah
- Steve Coogan — Octavius
- Ricky Gervais — Dr. McPhee
- Rami Malek — Ahkmenrah
- Dick Van Dyke — Cecil Fredericks
- Mickey Rooney — Gus
- Bill Cobbs — Reginald
- Carla Gugino — Rebecca Hutman
Behind-the-scenes stories and trivia
Behind every successful film is a trove of set stories, and Night at the Museum is no exception. From unexpected improvisations to hilarious mishaps, the shoot was packed with memorable moments.
During the T-Rex skeleton sequence, Ben Stiller ad-libbed the line “I’m gonna put my foot down!”, which became a memorable bit. Robin Williams—famous for improvisation—often surprised castmates with on-the-spot brilliance.
The production also faced unique challenges, including animating exhibits convincingly and coordinating complex action beats. Despite this, the cast and crew worked seamlessly to create a film that continues to captivate audiences.
Impact of the cast on the film’s success
The success of Night at the Museum is due in large part to its cast. Ben Stiller’s approachable performance resonated with viewers of all ages, while Robin Williams’ larger-than-life presence elevated the material.
The ensemble’s chemistry made for a dynamic, engaging experience that entertained and added heart to the story. Night at the Museum became a worldwide box-office hit—thanks to the talent and dedication of its cast.
Other notable actors in the franchise
In Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, Amy Adams joins as Amelia Earhart, bringing charm and grit, while Hank Azaria portrays the villainous Kahmunrah. In the final installment, Secret of the Tomb, Rebel Wilson appears as British guard Tilly, injecting her trademark humor.
These additions, alongside returning favorites, continue the legacy of memorable performances across the trilogy.
Legacy of the cast and careers post-Night at the Museum
The franchise helped cement its cast in modern family cinema. Ben Stiller’s success as both actor and filmmaker carried on with projects like The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and Tropic Thunder. Robin Williams’ legacy as one of the greatest comedic actors remains indelible.
Many supporting players continued on to acclaimed TV and film roles, but Night at the Museum remains a showcase for their range and crowd-pleasing charisma.
Fan-favorite moments and quotes
From Teddy Roosevelt’s inspiring monologues to Larry’s chaotic nights wrangling miniature cowboys and Romans, the trilogy is packed with scenes that stick. The T-Rex “fetch” gag, Jedediah and Octavius’ tiny-but-mighty heroics, and Larry’s evolution from temp to trusted guardian all stand out.
Quotes from Night at the Museum
“I’m made of wax, Larry. What are you made of?”
Theodore Roosevelt
- A playful but pointed challenge from Roosevelt that nudges Larry toward purpose.
“Everything in this museum comes to life at night.”
Larry Daley
- Larry’s matter-of-fact realization of the film’s magical premise.
“Howdy do, giant.”
Jedediah
- Owen Wilson’s pint-sized cowboy brings big energy in one line.
“The museum is full of history, Larry, but there’s only one man who’s supposed to guard it.”
Dr. McPhee
- Ricky Gervais’ dry delivery turns this into both a joke and a mission statement.
“Some men are born great, others have greatness thrust upon them.”
Theodore Roosevelt
- A motivational nudge for Larry to rise to the occasion.
“Goodbye, Dexter. You know, you’re not bad for a monkey.”
Larry Daley
- A fond farewell that shows Larry’s growth and soft spot for the chaos-causing capuchin.
FAQ – Night at the Museum
What is "Night at the Museum" about?
<em>Night at the Museum</em> is a fantasy-comedy about a night guard at the American Museum of Natural History who discovers that the exhibits come to life after closing. The story follows Larry Daley as he navigates the chaos and tries to keep things under control. Who directed "Night at the Museum"?
The film was directed by Shawn Levy, known for family-friendly comedies and adventure dramas. Who stars in "Night at the Museum"?
The main cast includes:<br/><strong>Ben Stiller</strong> as Larry Daley<br/><strong>Robin Williams</strong> as Theodore Roosevelt<br/><strong>Owen Wilson</strong> as Jedediah<br/><strong>Steve Coogan</strong> as Octavius<br/><strong>Ricky Gervais</strong> as Dr. McPhee<br/><strong>Carla Gugino</strong> as Rebecca Hutman Are the museum exhibits real in the movie?
The exhibits are inspired by real figures and artifacts, but they come to life via visual effects and animatronics. Notables include Attila the Hun, Sacagawea, and the T-Rex skeleton nicknamed Rexy. How many movies are in the "Night at the Museum" series?
There are three live-action films:<br/>(2006) <strong>Night at the Museum</strong><br/>(2009) <strong>Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian</strong><br/>(2014) <strong>Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb</strong>
Where was "Night at the Museum" filmed?
Was "Night at the Museum" based on a book?
Yes. The movie was inspired by the 1993 children’s book of the same name by Milan Trenc. Where was "Night at the Museum" filmed?
The film was shot primarily in Vancouver, British Columbia, with additional scenes filmed in New York City at the American Museum of Natural History. What is the magic tablet in the movie?
The Tablet of Ahkmenrah—an ancient Egyptian artifact—has the power to bring the museum’s exhibits to life every night. Did the cast do any special preparation for their roles?
Ben Stiller and other cast members visited the American Museum of Natural History to get a feel for the setting and how their characters might interact with the exhibits. What themes are explored in "Night at the Museum"?
Themes include history, curiosity, imagination, and the importance of learning—along with the value of museums in preserving knowledge and sparking interest in the past.
Is it Night at, Night in, or Night of the Museum?
The correct title is <strong>Night at the Museum</strong>. However, people often search variations like <em>night in the museum cast</em>, <em>night of the museum cast</em>, <em>cast night at the museum</em>, and <em>night at museum cast</em>—all referring to the same film and ensemble. What is the museum name in Night at the Museum?
If you’re searching <em>night at the museum museum name</em>, it’s the <strong>American Museum of Natural History</strong> (AMNH) in New York City. The story is set there; principal photography for the first movie took place in Vancouver with key scenes and establishing shots connected to AMNH.
Night at the Museum in Order (watch & release)
If you’re watching the Night at the Museum franchise for the first time, release order is the recommended viewing order—it also matches the story timeline. Here’s the series in order:
- Night at the Museum (2006, live-action) — Larry Daley becomes night guard at the American Museum of Natural History and discovers the exhibits come to life.
- Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009, live-action) — The gang is shipped to Washington, D.C., where Larry faces the villainous Kahmunrah inside the Smithsonian.
- Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (2014, live-action) — The magic Tablet of Ahkmenrah is failing, sending the team to the British Museum for one last adventure.
- Night at the Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again (2022, animated) — Set after the trilogy; Nick Daley (Larry’s son) takes over as night guard. Optional epilogue, but part of the franchise canon.
Conclusion
Night at the Museum is a beloved franchise that left an indelible mark on family cinema. The iconic cast—led by Ben Stiller and Robin Williams—brought the magical museum to life with warmth, wit, and heart.
From Stiller’s relatable Larry Daley to Williams’ unforgettable Teddy Roosevelt, every performer added a unique spark. The behind-the-scenes ingenuity only enhances the film’s charm, and the cast’s impact on its success can’t be overstated. (Note: an animated follow-up, Night at the Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again, was released in 2022.)
Revisit the original and rediscover why this story continues to delight audiences of all ages.
