Johnny Utah (Keanu Reeves), is a rookie FBI Agent and former Ohio State quarterback. He and his partner, Angelo Pappas (Gary Busey), are investigating a string of bank robberies by a gang known as the "Ex-Presidents" (during their robberies they use masks of former Presidents Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, Lyndon B. Johnson and Jimmy Carter to disguise their true identities).
Utah has a good heart, believable emotion, and a strong will. The actor who plays him needs to look the part, honor the badge of law enforcement, and has a knack for extreme sports.
Bodhi (Patrick Swayze), is a charismatic leader of a gang of surfers, Roach (James LeGros), Grommet (Bojesse Christopher) and Nathaniel (John Philbin), who accept Utah when they realize he is a great athlete. As he masters the art of surfing, Utah finds himself increasingly drawn to the surfers adrenaline-charged lifestyle, Bodhi's philosophies and Tyler (Lori Petty).
Bodhi is a free spirit. He is reckless, driven, and shows almost no fear. The actor who plays him needs to understand that Bodhi has no limits. Embrace the culture, the sport, and the atmosphere and you'll pull off an exciting dynamic character.
Tyler (Lori Petty) is an ex-girlfriend of Bodhi's and the new love interest of Utah's. After teaching Utah how to surf she falls in love with him and the love triangle between Tyler, Bodhi, and Utah explode.
Tyler is an independent character but her motives allow her to twist Utah's emotions away from the objective of stopping Bodhi's heists. Plus her character is key factor in the story and how Bodhi can use her against Utah.
Pappas (Gary Busey) is Johnny Utah's partner and father figure. He's a mentor, a confidant, and a swift kick in the shin from reality Utah needs in his quest throughout this movie.
This role was made for Gary Busey and that is how the role should be taken as; Gary Busey.
Gary Busey, Keanu Reeves, Anthony Kiedis.