From ‘Dead Like Me’ to ‘American Gods’: 37 Formidable Women of the Fullerverse

25. Betty Rohmer, Dead Like Me

George put her in the “Mysterious and Reassuring” category. Being a grim reaper comes naturally to Betty. She has a way about her that eases her mark through the transition with a smile on their face. Betty became George’s first friend in the afterlife, and she was inspired by Betty’s gentle “deadside manner.”

Played By: Rebecca Gayheart
Fun Fact: She collects shoes and Polaroids of her “jobs.”
Quote: I like you, Toilet Seat. You’ve got moxie.

26. Phyllis “Bella” Crawford, Hannibal

Bella was a smart and practical woman. She faced her cancer diagnosis and treatment stoically. Not wanting to engage in Jack’s smothering sentimentality, she took her life and death in her own hands only to have Hannibal manipulate her decision with the flip of a coin. Bella, understanding and reasonable even as she lie dying, was able to find it in her heart to forgive him.

Played By: Gina Torres
Fun Fact: While she was working at naval services in Italy, everyone called her “Bella” for obvious reasons.
Quote: The ending is always the same, and that same is that it ends.

27. Essie McGowan, American Gods

Essie learned early on how to make lemonade out of rotten lemons with the help of leprechauns and her belief in them. She suffered many hardships in her life, but lived on her own terms. “Her world branded Essie McGowan a thief, so a thief she became.” On American Gods, we were able to see the entire story of her life, from hearing stories of faeries and leprechauns as a young girl to being shepherded into death by Mad Sweeney.

Played By: Emily Browning
Fun Fact: Essie gave the idea to Mad Sweeney to come to America.
Quote: Well, the world don’t operate on right.

28. Reba McClane, Hannibal

Reba’s candid and sympathetic nature has the power to have a monstrous serial killer question his murdering ways …momentarily. Her sincere affection causes a struggle between good and evil within Francis Dolarhyde, and ultimately saves her life (even if she is, consequently, used as pawn).

Played By: Rutina Wesley
Fun Fact: This character from the novel, Red Dragon, has been played by Joan Allen and Emily Watson in the films, Manhunter and Red Dragon, respectively. Fuller took this opportunity to cast a woman of color, which is portrayed skillfully and thoughtfully by Wesley.
Quote: If there’s anything I hate worse than pity, it’s fake pity. 

29. Crystal Smith, Dead Like Me

Crystal is an enigma. “It’s really hard to know what Crystal knows.” She and George are often alternating between friend and enemy status. George is sometimes suspicious as to her mysterious motives, but most likely thinks of Crystal the way she thinks of her handshake, “dry, strong, trustworthy, loyal.”

Played By: Crystal Dahl
Fun Fact: She likes fart jokes, and has a boyfriend who also works at Happy Time and kind of looks like her.
Quote: I won’t tell anyone.

30. Miriam Regina Lass, Hannibal

Miriam is reminiscent of Clarice Starling from The Silence of the Lambs. Young, bright, and motivated, Miriam is the first to discover that Hannibal Lecter is the Chesapeake Ripper. Unfortunately, Hannibal gets to her before she can get the information back to Jack Crawford, keeping her prisoner and brainwashing her for two years.

Played By: Anna Chlumsky
Fun Fact: The way Miriam figured out that Hannibal was the Ripper is the same way Will Graham made the same discovery in the novel, Red Dragon. Fuller gives that accomplishment to a strong female character.
Quote: Neither of us are really free. He’s not done.

Next Page