10 Unexpected Celebrities Joining The Cast of The Bear Season 2

FX/Hulu's The Bear season 2 is filled with exciting surprises as it showcases the appearances of renowned actors, beloved stars, and even real-life Chicago chefs. Unlike its debut season, the second season of The Bear boasts a significantly larger cast, including the return of original characters, the introduction of new recurring figures, and the addition of special cameos. While most of these cameos were unexpected, the anticipation for the show's sophomore season was heightened with the confirmation of appearances by Will Poulter and Bob Odenkirk in advance.

In The Bear season 2, the majority of the cameos take place when the main chefs at The Bear, formerly known as The Beef, embark on research trips to Chicago, attend cooking classes, or travel abroad to refine their culinary skills. Additionally, a number of cameos occur in episode 6 of the season, titled "Fishes," which takes viewers back in time to the Berzatto family Christmas celebration approximately five years earlier. This festive flashback introduces both new and returning members of the Berzatto family, as well as their friends, some of whom may potentially become recurring characters on the show.

9 Will Poulter As Luca

Best recognized for his performances in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, The Maze Runner, and Dopesick, Will Poulter makes a noteworthy appearance in The Bear season 2 as Chef Luca, adding to his impressive filmography. In episode 4 of the season, Chef Luca is introduced as one of Carmy's former colleagues in Copenhagen, where he mentors Marcus in the art of creating delectable pastries and desserts. As they rise early in the morning to prepare their culinary masterpieces, Chef Luca and Marcus delve into discussions about their respective family backgrounds, the factors that influenced their decision to pursue culinary careers, and even engage in comparisons of Chicago sports teams. Although Chef Luca works remotely from Copenhagen during The Bear season 2, there remains the possibility of him reuniting with Marcus and Carmy in future episodes.

8 Bob Odenkirk As Lee

Bob Odenkirk, known for his role in Better Call Saul, takes on a challenging guest role in The Bear's latest season. In episode 6, which is set during Christmas, Odenkirk appears as Uncle Lee and engages in a distressing argument with Carmy's older brother, Mikey. The tension between Lee and Mikey builds up throughout the episode, with both characters making passive-aggressive comments towards each other. Eventually, the situation escalates at the dinner table, where Mikey angrily throws forks at Lee while Lee shouts that Mikey is "nothing" in front of the entire family. Given that Lee's name was found on Mikey's money-filled tomato sauce cans, it is likely that Bob Odenkirk will make a return for another family reunion in The Bear.

7 Jamie Lee Curtis As Donna Berzatto

Jamie Lee Curtis, an Oscar-winning actress, delivers a powerful performance in The Bear season 2 as Donna Berzatto, the mother of Carmy, Sugar, and Mikey Berzatto. Although frequently mentioned by Carmy and Sugar in relation to their difficult upbringing, this season marks Donna's first appearance on screen. In episode 6 of The Bear season 2, Curtis' character is introduced, delving into her tumultuous relationship with her children, her battle with alcoholism, and her struggles with mental illness, all taking place on one of the most stressful days of the year.

Donna makes a comeback in the season 2 finale of The Bear when she arrives at the grand opening of her son and daughter's new restaurant. However, she cannot gather the courage to enter. While Donna's absence from the event may seem intentional, it is not meant to be malicious. Jamie Lee Curtis's character is still in the process of learning how to express love for her children and believe that she deserves to be present for their significant moments. With the Berzatto family's unresolved relationship, The Bear season 2 is setting the stage for a potentially larger role for Jamie Lee Curtis and Donna's reconciliation with her children in future episodes of the show.

6 Jon Bernthal As Michael "Mikey" Berzatto

The main conflict of The Bear season 1 unfolds following the tragic death of Mikey, who had recently taken his own life. As a result, the struggling family restaurant, The Beef, is inherited by his younger brother Carmy. Throughout the inaugural season, Carmy, Sugar, Richie, and the rest of The Beef's staff work tirelessly to rebuild the restaurant while simultaneously grappling with their grief. Mikey remains somewhat of an enigma, his presence felt through memories and unanswered questions. However, in a poignant flashback in episode 6, Jon Bernthal makes a brief but impactful appearance as the previously unseen Mikey, sharing a meal and laughter with his family. In The Bear season 2, episode 6, Bernthal reprises his role as Mikey, shedding more light on the complexities of his character and the dynamics within his family.

5 Sarah Paulson As Michelle Berzatto

Sarah Paulson, known for her roles in American Horror Story and Scream Queens, surprises fans with a cameo appearance in The Bear season 2, episode 6. In the episode, Paulson portrays the character Michelle Berzatto, one of Carmy, Sugar, and Mikey's cousins. Michelle attends a family gathering in Chicago during the Christmas holidays, accompanied by her friend Steven. The audience witnesses the full extent of the dysfunctional Berzatto family dynamics during this event. Michelle, who resides in New York, urges Carmy to stay with her after the holidays for some much-needed decompression before returning to work. Given Paulson's connection to the Berzatto family, there is a possibility of her making a return to the FX/Hulu series.

4 John Mulaney As Steven

John Mulaney makes a special appearance in episode 6 of season 2 of The Bear, portraying the character of Steven. Steven is a close friend of Michelle and joins the Berzattos' Christmas celebration. Although he is not referred to as a cousin like Richie, Steven discloses that he has been part of the Berzatto family's festive tradition for several years and expresses his gratitude for their warm hospitality. Given his limited involvement in the family's dynamics, it is possible that this particular episode marks the only appearance of John Mulaney's character in The Bear.

3 Olivia Colman As Chef Terry

One of the most surprising appearances in The Bear season 2 is made by Olivia Colman, an Oscar and Emmy winner. In episode 7, Colman portrays Chef Terry, the owner of the restaurant where Richie is assigned to work for a week. Chef Terry shares with Richie the poignant tale of losing her own restaurant, only to stumble upon a "restaurant for lease" sign on her 38th birthday. She emphasizes that it is never too late to start anew and discover one's true purpose. Given that Chef Terry is also a restaurant owner in Chicago, there is a possibility for her character to reappear in The Bear's storyline.

2 Donnie Madia As Himself

The Bear season 2 features guest appearances from actual chefs and restaurateurs, such as Donnie Madia from Chicago. In episode 3 of season 2, Donnie Madia makes a special appearance as himself and engages in a conversation with Sydney about the key factors for success in the restaurant industry. He emphasizes the importance of offering excellent hospitality and having a trustworthy partner. In the real world, Donnie Madia, who hails from Chicago, is the mastermind behind One Off Hospitality and is renowned for his sharp business acumen and collaborations within the city's culinary scene.

1 Joel McHale As Carmy's Old Boss

Joel McHale, a returning actor from season 1, makes a cameo in The Bear season 2 as Carmy's abusive former boss. In the season 2 finale of The Bear, Carmy has a hallucination where McHale's character appears as a guest at the restaurant opening, indicating that Carmy is still grappling with the PTSD caused by his previous jobs. Given that Joel McHale's character continues to haunt Carmy during stressful situations, it is likely that he will make future appearances on the series beyond the season 2 finale.