Ambrose Spellman

Ambrose Spellman
'Chilling Adventures of Sabrina' character
First appearance	"Chapter One: October Country" (2018)
Last appearance	"Chapter Thirty-Six: At the Mountains of Madness" (2020)
Created by	Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
Portrayed by	Chance Perdomo
In-universe information
Species	Warlock
Gender	Male
Occupation	Occultist, Mortician, Librarian
Family	Sabrina Spellman (cousin) Zelda Spellman (aunt) Hilda Spellman (aunt)
Religion	Church of Night
Nationality	British

Ambrose Spellman is a fictional character in the series Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018–2020), based on the Archie Comics series of the same name. He is portrayed by British-American actor Chance Perdomo. A warlock of British and African descent, Ambrose resides in the Spellman Mortuary in the fictional town of Greendale, near Riverdale, alongside his cousin Sabrina Spellman and her aunts, Hilda and Zelda. Known for his sharp wit, extensive magical knowledge, and melancholic charm, Ambrose serves as a mentor and confidant to Sabrina, guiding her through the complexities of her half-witch heritage.

In Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Ambrose Spellman is portrayed as a key member of the Spellman family, contributing his knowledge of the occult, particularly in spell-casting and necromancy, to combat supernatural threats. Throughout the series, he grapples with personal challenges, including his romantic relationship with the warlock Luke and the psychological impact of his past. Ambrose's narrative includes his eventual release from a long-standing binding spell by Father Blackwood.

The character was specifically created for the series by showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa after Perdomo auditioned for a different role in Riverdale. Ambrose emerged as a standout in the series, earning Perdomo recognition such as being named a BAFTA Breakthrough Brit in 2019.

Character background

Ambrose Spellman is an old warlock of British and African descent originally from England and a member of the Spellman family of witches, who appears as a young man in his twenties due to his magical longevity. He is confined to the Spellman Mortuary and sentenced to house arrest by the Witches' Council for 75 years due to a binding spell placed on him after his arrest for attempting to bomb the Vatican, in the late 19th century, an act inspired by his association with Aleister Crowley and revolutionary ideas. Despite being offered leniency in exchange for naming his accomplices, Ambrose refused. This confinement contributes to his depression and sense of isolation, which he copes with through sarcasm, humor, and family bonds.

During this time, he becomes the family's resident occult expert and assists his aunts Hilda and Zelda in their funeral home, while also mentoring his cousin Sabrina Spellman in her magical pursuits.

Ambrose's backstory includes the loss of his father to witch hunters, leading him to seek father figures at various universities before his radical actions. At age seventeen, he published his first poetry collection. His confinement limits his physical mobility, but he uses astral projection to travel, a risky magical practice that allows his spirit to leave his body.

Portrayal

Ambrose is portrayed by actor Chance Perdomo, whose performance has been praised for its charisma and complexity. Initially auditioning for the role of Jughead Jones in Riverdale, Perdomo was later cast as Ambrose by showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, who created the character specifically for the Netflix adaptation.

Role in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

In Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Ambrose serves as a mentor and confidant to Sabrina, offering guidance on witchcraft and navigating her dual life as a half-witch. His extensive knowledge of occult practices, makes him a valuable ally in combating supernatural threats. Despite his confinement, Ambrose participates in the series' darker and humorous moments, often delivering witty commentary or engaging in hexes.

Ambrose's storyline includes his romantic involvement with a warlock named Luke and his ongoing battle with feelings of isolation. His character is portrayed with a melancholic tone that contributes to his overall complexity. Over the course of the series, Ambrose gains more autonomy after being released from a binding spell by Father Blackwood.

Reception

Ambrose Spellman has been widely regarded as a standout character in the series. Critics have praised his wit, charm, and the inclusion of a pansexual character as a step forward for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream television. His dynamic with other characters, particularly Prudence Night and Sabrina, has been lauded as one of the emotional cores of the series. Vulture describing him as a "mysterious brooding warlock" whose scenes leave a lingering atmospheric impact. Perdomo's performance has been lauded for elevating Ambrose beyond a supporting role, making him a standout in the ensemble cast.

Perdomo's portrayal earned him recognition as a 2019 BAFTA Breakthrough Brit, and a Screen International Star of Tomorrow.

Character traits and powers

Ambrose is highly educated in ancient languages, occult sciences, necromancy, and other magical disciplines. His pansexuality is portrayed casually and respectfully, and he is romantically involved with both male and female characters over the course of the series. Despite his initial confinement, Ambrose eventually earns his freedom and becomes one of the most powerful allies in Sabrina's war against supernatural threats.