More Than a TV Mom: Appreciating an Underrated Pro
For millions, she’s Karen Wheeler, the matriarch of the 'Stranger Things' kids, a glass of wine never too far from her hand, navigating the bizarre supernatural chaos consuming her suburban town. Cara Buono brings a weary, often sharp-witted humanity to the role that grounds the entire series. But to limit her legacy to Hawkins, Indiana, is to miss the work of one of Hollywood's most reliable and underrated character actors.
The real story is in the versatility of Cara Buono, the actress. Her career is a masterclass in navigating the industry's toughest roles, from indie films to blockbuster series. If you've been watching prestige television or compelling cinema for the last twenty years, you've seen her, and she has always made the project better. It's time to explore the essential Cara Buono performances that prove her talent runs far deeper than the '80s nostalgia trip. This is a look at some of the best Cara Buono movies and tv shows that define her career highlights.
For the Prestige TV Fan: 'Mad Men' & 'The Sopranos'
Our resident analyst, Cory, points to a clear pattern in Buono's most acclaimed roles: she consistently plays women who are intellectually formidable, often underestimated by the powerful men around them.
“Let’s look at the underlying dynamic here,” Cory explains. “In both Mad Men and The Sopranos, she portrays women who are outsiders to the core 'family,' yet possess a clarity the protagonists lack.” In Mad Men, her portrayal of Dr. Faye Miller is a masterwork. She’s not just a love interest for Don Draper; she's his intellectual and emotional equal, a psychologist who can see right through his carefully constructed facade. Her strength wasn't loud; it was in her piercing perception and professional integrity—qualities that made her eventual departure so resonant.
Then there’s her role as Kelli Moltisanti in the final season of The Sopranos. In a world defined by explosive machismo, Buono provided a quiet, grounding presence. Her performance in 'Cara Buono The Sopranos' was crucial; she represented a potential future of normalcy and stability for Christopher, making his tragic trajectory all the more painful. According to her IMDb filmography, these roles solidified her status as a go-to actress for complex, intelligent characters in critically acclaimed series. These are undeniably some of the best Cara Buono movies and tv shows for anyone who appreciates layered storytelling.
Cory offers a final thought: “You have permission to be recognized for your intelligence, not just your role in someone else’s story.” Buono’s characters embody this permission slip.
For the Blockbuster Watcher: 'Hulk' & 'Paper Towns'
Our strategist, Pavo, sees an actor’s career as a series of calculated moves. “Playing in the prestige television space is one thing,” Pavo notes, “but demonstrating your value in the blockbuster arena is a different kind of power play. It’s about range and commercial viability.” This is where you see the strategic side of the best Cara Buono movies and tv shows.
Her appearance as Bruce Banner’s mother, Edith, in Ang Lee’s 2003 Hulk is a prime example. While a smaller role, her performance in the film's emotionally charged opening is pivotal. The role of 'Cara Buono in Hulk (2003)' required her to convey immense vulnerability and repressed trauma, setting the psychological stage for the entire film. It was a move that placed her within the lucrative comic book movie landscape long before it became the dominant genre it is today.
Years later, she appeared in the film adaptation of John Green’s Paper Towns as Connie Jacobsen, the mother of the female lead. Pavo sees this as another smart move. “By taking a role in a beloved young adult franchise, you connect with a completely new, younger demographic. It’s not about screen time; it’s about strategic presence.” This choice demonstrates an understanding of how to build a resilient career, moving seamlessly from indie films to blockbuster series and proving her value to different audiences. The versatility of Cara Buono, the actress, is her greatest asset.
The Hidden Gem: 'Artie Lange's Beer League'
Sometimes, the roles that show the most heart aren't the ones that win the awards. Our emotional anchor, Buddy, always encourages looking for the joy in an artist’s work, and he points enthusiastically to the 2006 cult comedy Artie Lange's Beer League.
“Finding a film like this is like discovering your favorite band has a hilarious, secret B-side,” Buddy says with a smile. “We've seen her be brilliant and serious, but seeing her be effortlessly funny and charming is just pure warmth.” In the film, Buono plays Linda, the smart, grounded girlfriend who has to put up with Artie's lovable-loser antics. It’s a role that could easily be a thankless stereotype, but she infuses it with so much genuine affection and comedic timing that she becomes the film's anchor.
This is one of her essential Cara Buono performances because it reveals a lightness and ease that her more dramatic roles don't always allow for. It proves she can hold her own against a force-of-nature comedian like Artie Lange and still steal scenes with a simple, well-timed eye-roll. As Buddy puts it, “That wasn't just a 'girlfriend role'; that was her showing she could find the heart and humor in any story.” For those curating their list of the best Cara Buono movies and tv shows, this one is a delightful surprise.
FAQ
1. Is Cara Buono in The Sopranos?
Yes, Cara Buono played Kelli Moltisanti, Christopher Moltisanti's wife, in the final season of The Sopranos. Her character was a grounding force and a key part of Christopher's storyline in the show's concluding episodes.
2. What is Cara Buono most famous for?
Currently, Cara Buono is most famous for her role as Karen Wheeler in the hit Netflix series 'Stranger Things.' However, she has an extensive career and is also highly acclaimed for her roles as Dr. Faye Miller in 'Mad Men' and Kelli Moltisanti in 'The Sopranos.'
3. What other movies has the actress who plays Karen Wheeler been in?
Besides 'Stranger Things,' Cara Buono has a diverse filmography. She has appeared in mainstream films like Ang Lee's 'Hulk' (2003) and 'Paper Towns' (2015), as well as the cult comedy 'Artie Lange's Beer League' (2006). Her work spans many of the best movies and tv shows of the last two decades.
4. Why is Cara Buono considered an underrated character actress?
Cara Buono is often considered underrated because she consistently delivers strong, nuanced performances that elevate the projects she's in, yet she may not have the same level of household name recognition as some of her co-stars. Her ability to shift between prestige drama, blockbusters, and comedy showcases a versatility that critics and dedicated fans deeply appreciate, marking her as one of the industry's most reliable talents.
References
imdb.com — Cara Buono - IMDb