Desmond Hume

One of the show's most popular characters; Cusick's portrayal was nominated for an Emmy in 2006, and he was voted Lost's best character in a 2007 tournament hosted by The Washington Post.

Desmond David Hume is a fictional character on the ABC television series Lost portrayed by Henry Ian Cusick. He was not a passenger on Flight 815, but had been stranded on the island three years prior to the crash as the result of a shipwreck. Desmond eventually leaves the Island with the Oceanic Six and is reunited with his love Penny Widmore.

Quick Facts

Series: Lost
First: "Man of Science, Man of Faith"
Last: "The End"
Portrayed by: Henry Ian Cusick
Full name: Desmond David Hume
Occupation: DHARMA Initiative worker; Assistant of Charles Widmore (flash-sideways)
Spouse: Penny Widmore
Children: Charlie Hume

Lore & Background

Desmond is named after David Hume, a Scottish philosopher who discussed free will and determinism. These ideas are reflected in Desmond's time travel, where he meets Mrs. Hawking, who explains that the universe has a specific way things must take place: anywhere things go off course, the universe corrects itself.

Reader's Guide

Desmond is often distinguished by his cheery attitude and his habit of referring to people as "Brother." In 2006, Cusick was the only Lost actor nominated for an Emmy, losing Outstanding Guest Actor to Christian Clemenson. Critics praised Desmond's flashbacks in season two and his performance in "The Constant," with Gary Susman calling his storyline the most emotionally satisfying character arc of season 4. Verne Gay of Newsday described the phone call between Desmond and Penny as having not one false note, while Jay Glatfelter called it the best love story on television.

Did You Know?

Desmond was voted the best character in a tournament hosted by The Washington Post with over 6,000 voters.
Henry Ian Cusick originally signed on for only three episodes at the start of season two.
Cusick did not cut his hair for the 2004 scenes; talented hair and makeup folks hid it while he shaved for the 1996 timeline.
The character's name is a tribute to the empiricist philosopher David Hume.