Who played the character of Hugo 'Hurley' Reyes?

Jorge Garcia played Hugo “Hurley” Reyes on Lost.

Hurley is one of Oceanic Flight 815's survivors and becomes one of the series' most recognizable characters. Initially known for his humor, warmth, and anxiety about the island's dangers, he gradually develops into a dependable leader. His major storylines involve the numbers 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, and 42, which he uses in a lottery after hearing them from another patient at a mental-health institution.

The role was created with Garcia in mind. Producers had noticed him during an appearance on Curb Your Enthusiasm and originally considered him for Sawyer, but decided he was better suited to a new character. That decision led to Hurley becoming a central part of the ensemble. Garcia's performance balanced comic relief with serious themes involving guilt, grief, mental illness, and responsibility.

Viewers sometimes confuse the actor with other Lost cast members because the show featured a large international ensemble. Harold Perrineau played Michael Dawson, Daniel Dae Kim played Jin-Soo Kwon, and Nestor Carbonell played Richard Alpert. Garcia's character also has an important final-season development: Hurley becomes the Island's protector after Jack Shephard.