Cara Buono is an American actress, screenwriter, director, singer, and dancer, born in The Bronx, New York, on March 1, 1971. With Italian heritage from her parents, Rosemary and Antony Buono, she grew up in a working-class family alongside two brothers and a sister. From a young age, Buono pursued her passion for performing arts, attending the prestigious Fiorello H LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts in New York City.
Academically gifted, Buono excelled in her studies and graduated from Columbia University with a double major in English Literature and Political Science. Her journey into acting began early, making her Off-Broadway debut at just 12 years old in “Spook House” (1984). Interestingly, in an interview, she revealed that she had never actually seen a play before starting her career in theater.
By 1989, Buono’s talent led her to Broadway, where she joined the cast of “The Tenth Man.” A year later, in 1990, she performed in “Some Americans Abroad,” directed by Roger Michel. These early theatrical experiences paved the way for her transition into television and film.
From Stage to Screen: Cara Buono’s Early Television and Film Roles
Cara Buono made her television debut in 1989 in the NBC drama series “Dream Street.” In 1992, she transitioned to the big screen with her film debut in “Waterland,” directed by Stephen Gyllenhaal, where she starred alongside Ethan Hawke. The 1990s saw Buono taking on various roles in television, including guest appearances in series such as “Tribeca” (1993), “The Single Guy” (1995), and “Law & Order” (in 1996 and 1998).
During the mid to late 1990s, Buono also became involved in independent films, with notable appearances in “Killer: A Journal of Murder” (1995), “Next Stop Wonderland” (1998), and “Two Ninas,” which she co-produced. As the new millennium began, Buono’s presence in television grew with roles in prominent series like “Family Law” (2001), “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (2002), and “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (2002).
Gaining Recognition: Key Roles in Popular TV Series
Buono’s consistent work in television caught the attention of major franchises, leading to significant roles that broadened her audience recognition. One of her most notable early roles in mainstream cinema was as Bruce Banner’s mother in the Marvel film “Hulk.” This role marked a turning point, leading to further opportunities in acclaimed television series. She secured a recurring role in the critically acclaimed HBO series “The Sopranos” in 2006, near the series’ conclusion.
In the following years, Buono continued to appear in popular television shows such as “Castle” (2013), “The Good Wife” (2013), and “Elementary” (2014). However, another major turning point in her career came with the Netflix original series “Stranger Things.”
“Stranger Things” and Beyond: Recent Successes
Joining the cast of “Stranger Things” as Karen Wheeler proved to be a career highlight for Cara Buono. Her portrayal of Mike and Nancy Wheeler’s mother resonated with audiences and critics alike. Her performance in “Stranger Things” contributed to the series winning the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series in 2017, recognizing the collective talent of the cast.
Beyond “Stranger Things,” Buono has continued to take on diverse roles, showcasing her range as an actress. She played Faye Miller in “Mad Men,” demonstrating her ability to embody complex characters in period dramas. Additionally, she took on the role of Gamemnae in “Supergirl,” venturing into the superhero genre and further expanding her filmography. More recently, Buono appeared as Gail Carter in “The Girl From Plainville,” continuing to engage in projects that explore a wide spectrum of genres and characters.
A Career of Versatility and Acclaim
Cara Buono’s career is marked by her versatility across film, television, and theater. From her early beginnings on stage to her acclaimed roles in popular television series and films, she has consistently demonstrated her talent and dedication to her craft. Her ability to transition between genres and character types has solidified her position as a respected and sought-after actress in the entertainment industry. As she continues to take on new projects, audiences can anticipate seeing more of Cara Buono’s compelling performances on screen.
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