Kate Winslet as Young Iris Murdoch

Judi Dench as Iris Murdoch

Jim Broadbent as John Bayley

Hugh Bonneville as Young John Bayley

Penelope Wilton as Janet Stone

Samuel West as Young Maurice

Timothy West as Older Maurice

Kris Marshall as Dr. Gudgeon

Juliet Aubrey as Young Janet Stone

Derek Hutchinson as Postman

Juliet Howland as Emma Stone

Saira Todd as Phillida Stone

Stephen Marcus as Taxi Driver

Pauline McLynn as Maureen

Eleanor Bron as Principal

Angela Morant as Hostess

Siobhan Hayes as Check-Out Girl

Joan Bakewell as BBC Presenter

Nancy Carroll as BBC PA

Tom Mannion as Neurologist

Charlotte Arkwright as Young Phillida Stone

Harriet Arkwright as Young Emma Stone

Matilda Allsopp as Little Stone

Steve Edis as Pianist

Emma Handy as Policewoman

Gabrielle Reidy as Tricia

Tony Blair as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)

David Blunkett as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)