Defending Your Life

The first true story of what happens after you die.

Is there love after death? After he dies suddenly, the hapless advertising executive Daniel Miller finds himself in Judgment City, a gleaming way station where the newly deceased must prove they lived a life of sufficient courage to advance in their journey through the universe. As the self-doubting Daniel struggles to make his case, a budding relationship with the uninhibited Julia offers him a chance to finally feel alive.

Albert Brooks

(Daniel Miller)

Meryl Streep

(Julia)

Rip Torn

(Bob Diamond)

Lee Grant

(Lena Foster)

Michael Durrell

(Agency Head)

James Eckhouse

(Jeep Owner)

Gary Beach

(Car Salesman)

Julie Cobb

(Tram Guide)

Peter Schuck

(Stan)

Time Winters

(Porter)

Sharlie Stuart

(Susan)

Beth Black

(Soap Opera Woman)

Clayton Norcross

(Soap Opera Man)

Jim McKrell

(Game Show Moderator)

Wil Albert

(Game Show Contestant)

Sage Allen

(Game Show Contestant)

Mary Pat Gleason

(Waitress)

Maxine Elliott Hicks

(Elderly Woman on Tram)

Marilyn Rockafellow

(Helen)

Roger Behr

(Comedian)

Art Frankel

(Arthur)

Ernie Brown

(Ernie)

George D. Wallace

(Daniel's Judge)

Lillian Lehman

(Daniel's Judge)

Raffi Di Blasio

(Daniel as a Boy)

Kristopher Kent Hill

(Bully)

Eric Ehasz

(Child in Schoolyard)

Matthew Scharch

(Daniel as an Infant)

S. Scott Bullock

(Daniel's Father)

Carol Bivins

(Daniel's Mother)

Ethan Embry

(Steve)

Gary Ballard

(Mr. Wadworth)

Mary Mukogawa

(Sushi Hostess)

Toshio Shikami

(Head Sushi Chef)

Samee Park

(Sushi Chef)

Kagko Shikami

(Sushi Chef)

Tommy Inouye

(Sushi Chef)

Ken Thorley

(Frank)

Bob Braun

(Talk Show Host)

Jennifer Barlow Grodsky

(Talk Show Guest)

Buck Henry

(Dick Stanley)

Joey Miyashima

(Casio Tipster)

Nurit Koppel

(Daniel's Date)

Susan Walters

(Daniel's Wife)

Sidney Chankin

(Used Car Salesman)

Greg Finley

(Used Car Salesman)

Leonard O. Turner

(Sam)

Clifford Einstein

(Julia's Prosecutor)

Rachel Bard

(Julia's Judge)

Newell Alexander

(Julia's Judge)

Shirley MacLaine

(Shirley MacLaine)

Hal Landon Jr.

(Man in Past Lives Pavilion)

Ida Lee

(Woman in Past Lives Pavilion)

Noley Thornton

(Victorian Girl)

Glen Chin

(Sumo Wrestler)

James Ekim

(Native)

Clarke Coleman

(Knight)

Ronald L. Colby

(Majestic Doorman)

David Purdham

(Peter)

James Paradise

(Stage Manager)

Jerry Prell

(Banquet Manager)

Arell Blanton

(Fire Marshall)

Shana Ballard

(Julia's Daughter)

Chris Macris

(Julia's Son)

Joseph Darrell

(Maitre d')

James Manis

(Eduardo)

Alex Sheafe

(Martin)

Cathleen Chin

(Ticket Counter Agent)

Lisa Sears

(Tram Port Attendant)

Mark Dunlap

(Tram Port Attendant)

Vernon Roguen

(Tram Port Attendant)

Dennis Germain

(Tram Driver)

Jorga Caye

(Deceased Lady (uncredited))

Robert Gatewood

(Afterlife Traveler (uncredited))

John Michael Quinn

(Man in Heaven (uncredited))

Douglas M. Nelson

(Tram Attendee (uncredited))