Nick Nolte as Neal Cassady

Sissy Spacek as Carolyn Cassady

John Heard as Jack Kerouac

Ray Sharkey as Ira (based on Allen Ginsberg)

Ann Dusenberry as Stevie

Margaret Fairchild as Mrs. Kerouac

Tony Bill as Dick

Mary Margaret Amato as Waitress

Kent Williams as Ogden

Susan Niven as Ogden's Secretary

Marcia Nasatir as First Receptionist

Mickey Kelly as Second Receptionist

Luis Contreras as Mexican Junkie

Sharon Lee as Blonde in Car

Stephen Davies as Bob Bendix

Jenny O'Hara as Betty Bendix

Don Brodie as Dispatcher

John Larroquette as TV Talk Show Host

Terence H. Winkless as Youth in Bar

Steve Allen as Steve Allen

David Lynch as Painter (uncredited)

Mickey Kelly as Second Receptionist

Raymond Vitte as Undercover Agent