Who's Who?
Created by Greg Evans in 1985 and now co-created by Greg and his daughter, Karen, LUANN is a bit like a sitcom trapped in a comic strip's body: lots of characters with interesting storylines and, of course, some good laughs along the way. Centered around LUANN DEGROOT, a 19 year old college student who is perpetually trying to figure herself out, the LUANNiverse has a big cast and an even bigger fan base. We are glad to have you here!
~Greg and Karen
HELPFUL HINTS
- Get to know the core cast of characters on the Who's Who page.
- Meet other LUANN fans on our facebook page.
- Get fun occasional inside info from Greg and Karen with the LuannFan newsletter.
The LUANNiverse has hosted a LOT of characters since beginning in 1985. Here are the top characters you should know today.
At the DeGroot House:
LUANN DEGROOT: Leading Lady: But leading where? She has no idea. At 19, she’s more than a “teen” but less than “grown up.” She lives at home and stumbles over her own self-doubts. But she’s a romantic dreamer, sure that a joyous, meaningful life awaits… somewhere. Maybe in her next class at the community college?
BERNICE HALPER: Luann's lifelong bestie, she has a room at the DeGroot's and studies Psychology at Moony Uni. An uptight overthinker, Bernice can be bitingly sarcastic and a bit predictable... except when she’s swept up by her bewilderingly carnal desires.
FRANK and NANCY DEGROOT: Middle-aged parents to Luann and Brad, they’re hardworking and supportive of (though often vexed and perplexed by) their kids. Frank and Nancy own THE FUSE, a local venue where several characters staff Kafe Kablooie.
PUDDLES: Luann’s other bestie, a devoted companion, empathetic listener, and unsurpassed napper.
Sharing a Dorm Room at Moony Uni:
TIFFANY FARRELL: She was a hot-shot social diva in high school but college has made her grow - a lot. She yearns to be a business tycoon like her wealthy (but distant) dad, and finds college less glamorous than she’d like. She’s a server at Kafe Kablooie.
DEZDEMONA: Dez is deeply into deepness. She spends soulful hours meditating amid the pristine mountains of Tibet - at least in her head. Living in the Allness of Now, she often misses the Now all around her. Probably on purpose.
BETS MALONE: Ambitious, independent and entrepreneurial, Bets loves cosplay and making moolah by monetizing everything, including her geek-chic social media following. Slow to trust, she’s fully won over by her boyfriend, Gunther.
STEFANI BIRD: A former Miss Yam Queen, Stef is into fitness, cheer and BF Kip. She believes she has a big heart, but it’s her mouth that’s big and she can be sour when she thinks she’s being sweet.
Friends:
GUNTHER BERGER: Super smart, super naïve and skilled at sewing and cosplay, “Gun” is a low-key guy drawn to high-key women, like Bets. He lives with Les Knox and studies Very Brainy Stuff at Moony Uni.
LESLIE KNOX: Les had an unstable childhood and can be a shady bully...but also a loyal friend and caring guy (especially to his cat, Punk). He washes dishes at Kafe Kablooie and lives with Gunther.
OX (Oxford): Big, sweet, kind and earnest, Ox secretly adores Tiffany. He works with her as a server at Kafe Kablooie.
TARA STARR: Freewheeling, fun-loving and very willing to take risks and bend rules, Tara is Luann's community college friend.
JACK AND NIL: Students at the community college with Luann, these two are unlikely buds: Jack is uninhibited, friendly and loves animals while Nil is withdrawn, artsy and loves being unknowable.
MRS HORNER: Living at Sleepy Creek Senior Residence, Mrs. Horner, a former English teacher, is frail of body but strong of mind. She’s been a long-time friend and advisor to Luann.
PIRO: Tara’s cousin, Piro is troubled, complex and distant. He’s a sometime student at the community college because there’s a LOT of drama at home: missing dad, ailing mom, six younger siblings.
PHIL: A Certified Nursing Assistant at Sleepy Creek, Phil’s career-focused determination and straight-forward demeanor can make him both appealing and off-putting. He doesn't always get Luann's jokes but he's drawn to her upbeat energy and thinks they make a good couple.
Family:
FRANK and NANCY DEGROOT: Middle-aged parents to Luann and Brad, they’re hardworking and supportive of (though often vexed and perplexed by) their kids. Frank and Nancy own THE FUSE, a local venue where several characters staff Kafe Kablooie.
BRAD and TONI: Luann's older brother, Brad was a slob until savvy, self-sufficient Toni inspired him to be a firefighter with her. Married, no kids (yet?!), they rent a house with Brad's best friend, TJ, and often babysit their niece, Shannon.
JONAH and SHANNON: Toni's brother, Jonah, is a single dad who’s constantly chasing an acting career. He often leaves his boisterous, bossy six year old daughter, Shannon, with Aunt Toni & Uncle Brad.
TJ: Brad's longtime best friend, TJ is basically family. He's both responsible (he runs Kafe Kablooie at THE FUSE) and irreverent (often convincing Brad to make wildly foolish choices). He, Brad and Toni all rent a house together.
AL GRAY & IRMA BERGER: Leslie Knox’s uncle is quiet, elusive, and a perfect (?) match for Gunther's bubbly, homebody mom, Irma. After they married, Al and Irma built a guesthouse for Les and Gunther to live in.