Danielle Rose Russell

Danielle Rose Russell created one of the most distinctive characters in recent young adult television. She originated the role of Hope Mikaelson as a teenager on The Originals and carried the character as series lead for four seasons of Legacies. The tribrid heroine combined witch, werewolf, and vampire powers in a way no previous character had managed in the established universe. Her performance helped the spinoff attract a dedicated audience even after the parent shows ended. She also earned admiration for addressing body positivity on camera and in interviews at a time when many CW stars faced unrealistic expectations. At age 26 she already holds a permanent place in supernatural television history thanks to her long run as Hope.