James Franco as Vincent Martino and Frankie Martino, twin brothers from Brooklyn operating out of Times Square who become fronts for the Mob.[1] Maggie Gyllenhaal as Eileen "Candy" Merrell, a Times Square sex worker with an entrepreneurial spirit who sees opportunity in the emerging pornography industry.[14] Gbenga Akinnagbe as Larry Brown, an intense and demanding pimp who physically intimidates the women he commands, but also has moments that portray a conflicted, underlying humanity.[15] Chris Bauer as Bobby Dwyer, Vincent and Frankie Martino’s brother-in-law, a construction foreman and family man whose eyes are opened by their adventures along the Deuce.[15] Gary Carr as C.C., an affable but ruthless pimp.[3] Chris Coy as Paul Hendrickson, a kindred spirit to Vincent Martino and a veteran bartender who pursues his own personal and professional ambitions in the emerging gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community of '70s New York.[16] Dominique Fishback as Darlene, a young, sweet-natured sex worker who relies on her savvy and intellect to create a life for herself while navigating a volatile, violent pimp.[17] Lawrence Gilliard Jr. as Chris Alston, an NYPD patrolman who discovers corruption in the police department.[17] Margarita Levieva as Abigail "Abby" Parker, a college student who rejects the confines of her wealthy upbringing by embracing feminist politics and striking up a relationship with Vincent.[17] Emily Meade as Lori, an impressionable young woman newly arrived to New York City from Minnesota who becomes a sex worker.[1] Natalie Paul as Sandra Washington, a newspaper reporter who's investigating the Times Square sex industry. (season 1)[18] Michael Rispoli as Rudy Pipilo, a Gambino family capo who oversees the Mob's financial interests in the sex business.[18] Luke Kirby as Gene Goldman, an incoming Koch administration official bent on reform. (season 2)[10] Jamie Neumann as Ashley, a sex worker who works for C.C. that later quits the sex trade and becomes an activist with the help of Abby. (recurring season 1, main season 2)[10]