'Under the Hood' Cast: The Actors Behind the Forbidden Romance That Won Vertical of the Year

What begins as a chance encounter at an auto shop soon spirals into a romance that threatens powerful families and buried secrets. Meet the actors behind "Under the Hood," the Vertical of the Year winner at the 2025 Vertical Awards Hollywood.

A billionaire's wife and a mechanic risk everything for a forbidden romance in "Under the Hood," the award-winning Vigloo drama that took home Vertical of the Year at the 2025 Vertical Awards Hollywood. Here's a closer look at the cast led by Cayman Cardiff, Quincey Szymeczek, Nicolo Caruccio, and Dwayne Tarver.

Cayman Cardiff as Jaxon Knox and Quincey Szymeczek as Selene Beaumont in "Under the Hood" | Source: youtube/viglooofficial

What Is "Under the Hood" About?

"Under the Hood" follows Selene Beaumont, the wife of a powerful billionaire, whose life changes after a chance encounter with mechanic Jaxon Knox at an auto shop.

What begins as an unexpected attraction soon develops into a forbidden affair that threatens to expose long-buried family secrets and a decades-old conspiracy.

The series distinguishes itself from many traditional soap-style vertical dramas through its cinematic approach and character-driven storytelling. The romance between Selene and Jaxon serves as the emotional core of a story filled with power struggles, family loyalty, and difficult choices.

The Vigloo series became one of the most celebrated vertical dramas of 2025, winning Vertical of the Year at the inaugural Vertical Awards Hollywood. Director and editor Zack Rovner was also recognized with the Cutting Edge Award for Favorite Editor.

Cayman Cardiff as Jaxon Knox

Cayman Cardiff stars as Jaxon Knox, the mechanic whose chance meeting with Selene Beaumont sets the entire story in motion. Jaxon becomes Selene's source of comfort and escape as she struggles within the confines of her marriage and the expectations surrounding the Beaumont family.

Cardiff grew up in Kentucky and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish with honors from the University of Utah. He began acting in middle school and continued performing throughout high school before relocating to Los Angeles after college to pursue the profession full-time.

His acting career accelerated quickly after arriving in Los Angeles. Within months, he had booked commercials and his first Lifetime project, eventually becoming one of the busiest performers working in vertical dramas.

He has appeared in more than 25 vertical micro-dramas, with producing, writing, and directing projects also in development.

In a January 2026 interview, Cardiff reflected on the growth he has experienced as an actor through the vertical drama space. He spoke about developing empathy through storytelling and embracing opportunities that challenge him creatively.

Vertical drama viewers may also recognize Cardiff from titles including "Unwanted True Mate," "A Deal with My Billionaire Donor," "The Cost of Touch," "Love Landed with the Amnesiac Heir," "Playing Pretend," and "The Billionaire's Amnesiac Bride."

Quincey Szymeczek as Selene Beaumont

Quincey Szymeczek plays Selene Beaumont, the billionaire's wife whose forbidden relationship with Jaxon drives the series' emotional story.

In an interview in December 2025, Szymeczek described "Under the Hood" as one of her favorite experiences in the entertainment industry.

"We just had a whole lot of fun from cast to crew and knew we had a good story on our hands from day one," she said.

Szymeczek said she was drawn to Selene's complexity and emotional vulnerability.

"Selene wasn't a one-note lead; she had pain she had to keep to herself until she found sanctuary in Jaxon," she explained.

Quincey Szymeczek as Selene Beaumont in "Under the Hood" | Source: youtube/viglooofficial

She also praised Cardiff as a scene partner, calling him "a strong, seasoned actor" who helped make the work feel effortless.

Szymeczek is the daughter of a diplomat and describes herself as a world traveler and artist. She is also the creator of the projects "Cherry On Top" and "The Opportunist."

The actress has quickly become a familiar face in vertical dramas through roles in "Bound to the Bastard Billionaire," "Unraveling the Son-In-Law," "Marrying Mr. White," "Fight for Me Mr. Bodyguard," "CEO's Baby Mama Secretary," and "Alpha's Unexpected Virgin Bride."

Reflecting on the industry's rapid growth, Szymeczek said that vertical dramas have been "a huge blessing" for her career, helping provide both opportunities and creative growth as an actor.

Quincey Szymeczek as Selene Beaumont in "Under the Hood" | Source: youtube/viglooofficial

Nicolo Caruccio as Victor Beaumont

Nicolo Caruccio plays Victor Beaumont, Selene's husband and one of the central obstacles standing between her and Jaxon Knox. As the head of the influential Beaumont family, Victor's actions help drive the conspiracy, betrayal, and family secrets that unfold throughout the series.

Caruccio trained at Columbia College Chicago and London's Met Film School, where he studied acting and practical filmmaking. He also has experience in stage combat, stunt work, writing, and dialect performance.

Nicolo Caruccio as Victor Beaumont in "Under the Hood" | Source: youtube/viglooofficial

Before joining the vertical drama space, Caruccio built a résumé spanning independent film, television, and theater. His credits include "The Law of Moises," "The Day After Halloween," "The Deaf Boy's Disease," and "Liz and the Hand Grenades."

More recently, he has become a regular presence in vertical dramas through appearances in "Love Again, My Princess," "The Mafia Boss's Runaway Bride," "Goodbye, My CEO," "Never Divorce a Secret Billionaire Heiress," "Bring It On: My Mafia Life," "Selling My Virginity to the Mafia King," and "Race to My Heart.".

Nicolo Caruccio as Victor Beaumont in "Under the Hood" | Source: youtube/viglooofficial

Dwayne Tarver as Raymond Knox

A veteran performer with experience both in front of and behind the camera, Tarver has built a diverse career as an actor, director, producer, writer, and editor. His Backstage profile lists extensive training in acting and improv, along with skills in martial arts, weapons training, horseback riding, and karate.

Tarver's credits include appearances in "Yellowstone," "Wild West Chronicles," "Riding on Faith," "Territory," and "Turning Teddy."

He has also become increasingly active in vertical dramas through projects such as "No Escape from My Ruthless Alpha," "Billionaire Love Start with Lies," "My Gangster Baby Daddy Pampers Me to Paradise," and "Pregnant by My Brother-in-Law."

Beyond acting, Tarver has accumulated dozens of directing, writing, producing, and editing credits throughout his career, making him one of the most experienced members of the "Under the Hood" ensemble.

With a cast led by Cayman Cardiff and Quincey Szymeczek, supported by Nicolo Caruccio and Dwayne Tarver, "Under the Hood" helped demonstrate how far the vertical drama format has evolved.

Its combination of romance, family intrigue, and cinematic storytelling resonated with audiences and critics alike, culminating in its Vertical of the Year win at the 2025 Vertical Awards Hollywood.