Night at the Museum Cast: Original Actors & Sequel Guide
Meet the Night at the Museum cast, match actors to characters, and see who joins movies 2 and 3, plus practical tips for family movie night.
Who is in Night at the Museum?
The cast of Night at the Museum (2006) includes Ben Stiller as Larry Daley, Robin Williams as Teddy Roosevelt, Owen Wilson as Jedediah and Steve Coogan as Octavius. Carla Gugino, Ricky Gervais and Rami Malek also star, with Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney and Bill Cobbs playing the retiring night guards.
Trying to place the monkey, Larry’s son or a familiar face from one of the sequels? Start with the original movie’s cast below, then check the differences in Battle of the Smithsonian and Secret of the Tomb. There’s also a parents guide for choosing your next family movie night.
Original cast · Characters · Movies 2 and 3 · Parents guide · FAQ
Night at the Museum cast: actors and characters
This table covers the original 2006 film, directed by Shawn Levy.
| Actor or performer | Character |
|---|---|
| Ben Stiller | Larry Daley — the new night guard |
| Robin Williams | Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt |
| Owen Wilson | Jedediah — the miniature cowboy |
| Steve Coogan | Octavius — the miniature Roman leader |
| Carla Gugino | Rebecca — a museum docent |
| Ricky Gervais | Dr. McPhee — the museum director |
| Rami Malek | Ahkmenrah — the Egyptian pharaoh |
| Dick Van Dyke | Cecil — an outgoing night guard |
| Mickey Rooney | Gus — an outgoing night guard |
| Bill Cobbs | Reginald — an outgoing night guard |
| Jake Cherry | Nick Daley — Larry’s son |
| Mizuo Peck | Sacagawea |
| Patrick Gallagher | Attila the Hun |
| Kim Raver | Erica Daley — Nick’s mother |
| Paul Rudd | Don — Erica’s fiancé |
| Brad Garrett | Voice of the Easter Island Head |
| Crystal the Monkey | Dexter — the capuchin monkey |
For additional roles and production credits, see the full original-film credits and cast listing.
The characters behind the familiar faces
Ben Stiller as Larry Daley
Larry is a father trying to find his footing when he accepts a night-security job. His relationship with Nick gives the museum chaos a personal stake: he wants to become someone his son can count on.
Robin Williams as Teddy Roosevelt
Teddy is one of Larry’s most useful allies. Williams brings warmth to a character who helps a bewildered new guard navigate the museum’s strange overnight rules.
Owen Wilson and Steve Coogan as Jedediah and Octavius
The cowboy is Jedediah, played by Owen Wilson. The Roman is Octavius, played by Steve Coogan. Their miniature worlds and outsized rivalry make it easy to remember the pair, even if you forget their names between movies.
Mizuo Peck as Sacagawea and Patrick Gallagher as Attila
Mizuo Peck plays Sacagawea; Patrick Gallagher plays Attila the Hun. These are fantasy versions of museum figures, so the movie can spark an interest in history without serving as a factual history lesson.
Crystal as Dexter the monkey
The monkey character is Dexter, played by Crystal, a capuchin. Searching for “the monkey actor” can be confusing because the character and performer have different names. The original-film cast and production account identifies both.
Jake Cherry as Nick, Larry’s son
Jake Cherry plays Nick in the first two films. The older Nick in Secret of the Tomb is played by Skyler Gisondo. That casting change explains why the son looks different in the third movie.
Night at the Museum 2 and 3: what changes in the cast?
The live-action sequels keep familiar faces but introduce new museum characters. Use the film’s subtitle to make sure you are looking at the right cast.
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009)
The second film adds Amy Adams as Amelia Earhart and Hank Azaria as Kahmunrah. Ben Stiller returns as Larry, alongside familiar performers including Robin Williams, Owen Wilson and Steve Coogan. Jake Cherry still plays Nick. See the second movie’s cast and crew.
Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (2014)
The third film introduces Dan Stevens as Lancelot, Rebel Wilson as Tilly and Ben Kingsley as Merenkahre. Skyler Gisondo plays Nick. Hugh Jackman appears as himself in a cameo; he is not part of the original 2006 cast. See the third movie’s cast and complete credits.
And Paul Rudd? He plays Don in the first movie. He and Hugh Jackman belong to different entries in the franchise.
Night at the Museum parents guide
The story follows Larry as dinosaur bones, historical figures and miniature exhibits come alive after hours. Its mix of responsibility, teamwork and curiosity gives families something to discuss after the comedy.
My age suggestion: around eight and up, depending on your child. This is a personal recommendation, not an official age cutoff. The original movie is rated PG.
Action, scares and language
Expect fantastical fighting, chases, mild language and rude humor. A dinosaur skeleton chasing Larry can initially feel threatening even though the scene turns playful. The BBFC’s content advice also flags comic scares and some injury detail. Younger viewers may need reassurance.
Romance and other content
The film’s light romantic subplot includes Teddy and Sacagawea. For detailed scene guidance, use the linked classification notes rather than treating a PG rating as a promise that nothing will bother your child.
Give movie night a family follow-up
- Pick one exhibit: Let each child choose a figure or animal to learn about afterward.
- Separate fact from fantasy: Ask what a real museum could teach you that a comedy cannot.
- Talk about Larry and Nick: What does Larry do to earn his son’s trust?
- Plan a museum visit: Browse the American Museum of Natural History or look for a museum closer to home.
Dad’s take
The father-and-son relationship gives this adventure a reason to matter beyond its special effects. The museum setting also offers an easy starting point for a conversation about history, animals and curiosity. For another animated father-and-son story, explore the dad in Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.
Watch the original trailer
Frequently asked questions
Who is in the cast of Night at the Museum?
The original 2006 cast includes Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Steve Coogan, Carla Gugino, Ricky Gervais, Rami Malek, Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney, Bill Cobbs, Jake Cherry, Mizuo Peck and Patrick Gallagher.
Who plays Teddy Roosevelt in Night at the Museum?
Robin Williams plays the museum’s Teddy Roosevelt figure in the three live-action films.
Who plays Octavius?
Steve Coogan plays Octavius, the miniature Roman leader who clashes with Owen Wilson’s cowboy Jedediah.
Who plays Sacagawea and Attila the Hun?
Mizuo Peck plays Sacagawea, and Patrick Gallagher plays Attila the Hun.
Who plays the monkey in Night at the Museum?
Dexter is played by Crystal, a capuchin monkey. Dexter is the character’s name; Crystal is the animal performer.
Who plays Larry’s son?
Jake Cherry plays Nick Daley in the first two movies. Skyler Gisondo takes over the role in Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb.
Is Paul Rudd in Night at the Museum?
Yes. Paul Rudd plays Don in the original 2006 movie.
Is Hugh Jackman in Night at the Museum?
Hugh Jackman appears as himself in Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, the third live-action film, rather than the original 2006 movie.
Why is Night at the Museum rated PG?
The original movie includes fantasy action, comic scares, mild language and rude humor. The PG rating is a reason to consider your child’s sensitivity rather than assume every scene will suit every age.
Is Night at the Museum okay for kids?
My recommendation is around age eight and up, depending on the child. That is a personal viewing suggestion, not an official minimum age. Younger children may need reassurance during the museum chase scenes.
Is Night at the Museum scary?
Some scenes can be scary for younger viewers, including a dinosaur skeleton chasing Larry. Much of the tension turns into comedy, but children who dislike chases or creatures coming to life may still find it intense.
Where can you stream the Night at the Museum movies?
Check Disney+ for the original movie and look up each sequel separately in your country. Subscription availability can change, so confirm the title before planning movie night.
Who directed Night at the Museum?
Shawn Levy directed the original 2006 movie and its two live-action sequels.
What is Night at the Museum about?
Larry Daley takes a night-security job at a natural history museum and discovers that its exhibits come alive after closing. Keeping order becomes an adventure involving historical figures, miniature rivals and a mischievous monkey.
Check the original movie on Disney+.
More entertainment guides
For more familiar faces, read my Liv and Maddie cast guide and set visit or Bunk’d cast guide and interviews. For a different movie, see the Project Hail Mary parents guide.
For another memorable ensemble, meet the cast of Ocean’s Eleven and the characters behind Danny Ocean’s casino heist.
