Prepare for some surprise appearances in the highly anticipated second season of FX/Hulu’s The Bear! The Bear season 2 takes us on a culinary journey with the leading chefs of The Bear, formerly known as The Beef, as they explore Chicago, attend cooking classes, and travel abroad to refine their skills.
Bob Odenkirk, Will Poulter & 6 Other Cameos In The Bear Season 2
Jon Bernthal As Michael “Mikey” Berzatto
The tragic death of Mikey sets the stage for the intense conflict in The Bear’s first season. Mikey’s s*icide leaves his younger brother Carmy responsible for reviving the struggling family restaurant, The Beef. Throughout the inaugural season, the grieving Carmy, Sugar, Richie, and the dedicated staff of The Beef work tirelessly to rebuild while contending with the enigma of Mikey’s absence.
However, in a surprising twist, Jon Bernthal makes a fleeting appearance as the unseen Mikey in a heartwarming flashback during episode 6 of season 1, showcasing the family’s joyful moments. Bernthal reprised his role as Mikey in season 2, episode 6, unraveling further complexities of his character and shedding light on his intricate relationship with his family.
Jamie Lee Curtis As Donna Berzatto
Jamie Lee Curtis, an Academy Award winner, delivers a powerful and emotional cameo in The Bear season 2 as Donna Berzatto, the mother of Carmy, Sugar, and Mikey. Previously mentioned but unseen, Donna finally appears on screen in episode 6, delving into her troubled relationship with her children, struggles with alcoholism, and m*ntal health issues on a particularly intense day.
Donna makes a poignant return in the season 2 finale, arriving at The Bear’s grand opening but unable to enter. While her absence is not malicious, it reflects her ongoing journey to express love for her children and feel deserving of sharing their significant moments. The unresolved dynamics within the Berzatto family suggest a potentially expanded role for Jamie Lee Curtis and Donna’s reconciliations in future episodes of The Bear.
Sarah Paulson As Michelle Berzatto
Sarah Paulson, known for her roles in American Horror Story and Scream Queens, surprises viewers with a cameo appearance in The Bear’s second season, specifically in episode 6. Paulson portrays Michelle Berzatto, one of Carmy, Sugar, and Mikey’s cousins. Michelle attends a family gathering with her friend Steven, witnessing the full extent of the dysfunctional Berzatto clan.
During their Christmas visit from New York to Chicago, Michelle urges Carmy to join her for a post-holiday getaway to debrief before returning to work. With Sarah Paulson being part of the Berzatto family, there’s potential for her character’s return to the FX/Hulu series in the future.
Olivia Colman As Chef Terry
Prepare to be stunned by an unexpected cameo in The Bear’s second season, as acclaimed actress Olivia Colman makes her entrance. In the concluding moments of episode 7, Colman portrays Chef Terry, the restaurant proprietor whom Richie is assigned to the stage for a week.
Chef Terry compassionately shares her journey of losing her own eatery, only to stumble upon a “restaurant for lease” sign on her 38th birthday, emphasizing that it’s never too late to rediscover purpose and embark on a fresh start. With her character established as a fellow Chicago restaurateur, Olivia Colman’s Chef Terry may return in The Bear’s unfolding narrative.
John Mulaney As Steven
Comedian John Mulaney makes a special guest appearance in episode 6 of The Bear’s second season as Steven, Michelle’s friend. Although not officially a cousin like Richie, Steven discloses his long-standing tradition of joining the Berzatto family for Christmas and expresses gratitude for their warm reception. Given Steven’s peripheral connection to the family dynamics, it’s likely that this singular appearance marks John Mulaney’s sole involvement in The Bear series.
Joel McHale As Carmy’s Old Boss
The Bear season 2 welcomes another familiar face from the first season, Joel McHale, portraying Carmy’s abusive ex-boss. In a gripping finale, Carmy experiences hallucinations of McHale’s character attending the restaurant’s grand opening, highlighting his ongoing struggle with PTSD from past employment. As McHale’s haunting presence persists in Carmy’s life during moments of stress, it’s safe to assume that the season 2 finale of The Bear won’t mark the end of his appearances on the series.
Will Poulter As Luca
Will Poulter, renowned for his roles in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, The Maze Runner, and Dopesick, makes a special appearance in The Bear season 2. Portraying Chef Luca, Poulter’s cameo takes place in episode 4, where he becomes Marcus’ mentor in the art of pastry and dessert-making in Copenhagen. Chef Luca and Marcus talk about their family backgrounds and culinary journeys. They even indulge in spirited Chicago sports banter as they toil away in the early hours. Although Chef Luca operates from Copenhagen in The Bear season 2, there’s a chance we might see him reconnect with Marcus and Carmy in future episodes.
Bob Odenkirk As Lee
Bob Odenkirk, acclaimed for his role in Better Call Saul, delivers a captivating guest performance in The Bear’s second season. In episode 6’s Christmas special, Odenkirk portrays Uncle Lee, whose tumultuous relationship with Carmy’s older brother, Mikey, takes center stage.
The episode unfolds with passive-aggressive exchanges between Mikey and Lee, culminating in a heated dinner table confrontation where forks are flung and harsh words are exchanged. With Lee’s name appearing on Mikey’s money-filled tomato sauce cans, Bob Odenkirk will likely return for another eventful family gathering on The Bear.
