Molly Ringwald's Unexpected Cameo in The Bear Episode 3 - You Won't Believe Your Eyes!

The cast of FX and Hulu's The Bear season 1 features some unexpected surprises, but few have generated as much buzz as Molly Ringwald's cameo. Created by Christopher Storer and starring Jeremy Allen White of Shameless fame as the main character Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto, The Bear follows the story of a young chef returning to Chicago to take over his brother's restaurant, The Original Beef. Viewers have praised The Bear for its realistic portrayal of kitchen work, capturing the fast-paced nature and the accompanying anxiety.

The show's standout feature is undoubtedly its talented cast, led by Jeremy Allen White's impressive performance. Audiences are also treated to appearances by recognizable actors in smaller roles, adding an element of surprise. In season 1, episode 3 of The Bear, Carmy attends an Al-Anon meeting, where a familiar face takes the stage as the moderator. Molly Ringwald, known for her roles in The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles, portrays the Al-Anon meeting moderator, a delightful twist for fans. However, Ringwald's brief appearance may leave some wondering why she has taken on smaller roles in shows like The Bear and Netflix's Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.

Why The Molly Ringwald Bear Cameo Was A Big Deal

Molly Ringwald's appearance in The Bear season 1, episode 3 caused quite a stir. As a member of the Brat Pack and a prominent star in the 1980s, her recent filmography has predominantly consisted of smaller roles. Among her recent projects, Molly Ringwald had a five-season run on the successful ABC Family series The Secret Life of the American Teenager until 2013. She then secured a recurring role on The CW's popular series Riverdale, portraying Archie's mother, and later joined the Kissing Booth franchise on Netflix. Rather than taking on leading roles in major movies or TV shows, Molly Ringwald continues to find work in 2022 by accepting smaller roles, including the one in The Bear.

Although her cameo in The Bear season 1, episode 3 may be brief, Molly Ringwald's character plays an impactful role. She assumes the role of a moderator at an Al-Anon meeting attended by Jeremy Allen White's character. Going against her reputation for teen movies, Molly Ringwald's character in The Bear delivers an emotional speech about her personal history with an alcoholic spouse, her own involvement in his drinking, and the lessons it taught her about avoiding toxic environments. Her words deeply resonate with Carmy, even if he does not immediately apply the lessons she discusses.

Why Molly Ringwald Was So Popular

Fans of 80s teen movies were thrilled by the exciting cameo of Molly Ringwald in The Bear. Known for her iconic roles in John Hughes' influential teen comedies like The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink, Ringwald played a significant part in shaping the modern teen comedy genre. From Mean Girls to Superbad, the impact of Hughes' films can still be seen in recent teen movies. With her association with this era of cinema and her active presence on social media, Molly Ringwald has remained popular among newer generations.

Although Ringwald's career wasn't as active in the years following the 80s, it was a deliberate choice on her part. Despite being offered lead roles in films like Pretty Woman and Ghost, she opted to move to France and pursue smaller movie and TV roles. Ringwald has also showcased her talents as a singer and translator of French literature. Therefore, her appearance as a distinctive face in The Bear added to the excitement. In 2022, she showcased her versatility by portraying Shari Dahmer in the Netflix miniseries Monster, proving that she can shine in roles that go beyond the traditional girl-next-door stereotype.