We have seen Cara Buono grow as an actress and person throughout her time on the hit series, Stranger Things. Buono, who plays Karen Wheeler, the mother of Mike and Nancy Wheeler, has not only thrived in her role but has also taken on a maternal role off-screen with her younger co-stars.
Buono, now 54, reflected on the growth of her young co-stars from the show’s premiere in 2016 to the upcoming final season. She has watched actors like Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, and Noah Schnapp mature and succeed in their careers. Buono shared that she enjoyed being a mentor to the young cast members, even if they may not have always wanted to listen to her advice.
One storyline that stood out for Buono was Karen’s flirtation with Billy Hargrove, played by Dacre Montgomery, in season 3. Despite the controversial nature of the storyline due to the age gap between the characters, Buono praised the show’s approach to the narrative, infusing it with humor and emotion.
As Stranger Things nears its end, Buono expressed her pride in being part of such a groundbreaking series that has resonated with audiences worldwide. She acknowledged the rarity of a show like Stranger Things that has connected with viewers of all ages and generations.
Recently, Buono reunited with her castmates for the stage play, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a prequel to the original series. She described the experience as fun and bittersweet, as it marked a new chapter for the cast after the show’s conclusion.
Moving forward, Buono is exploring new opportunities, including her role in the rom-com film, Things Like This, where she plays Margie. As she transitions from the supernatural horror of Stranger Things to a comedic role, Buono continues to showcase her versatility as an actress.
Overall, Cara Buono’s journey with Stranger Things has been one of growth, mentorship, and pride in being part of a cultural phenomenon. As the series comes to a close, Buono looks back on her time with gratitude and excitement for what the future holds. In recent years, there has been a shift in the portrayal of love stories on screen. One particular example is the film “Things Like This,” which tells the story of two men falling in love. Actress Buono, who stars in the film, believes that the love story is universal and relatable, regardless of the gender of the characters involved.
Buono emphasizes the importance of authentic representation in media, especially when it comes to queer love stories. She believes that showcasing these stories in the romantic genre helps normalize and celebrate them. Rather than focusing on being queer, the film simply tells a beautiful and honest story about falling in love.
The actress hopes that viewers will see the film as something special, a love story that is real, funny, and hopeful. It explores the theme of connection and misconnections, ultimately highlighting the universal experience of searching for love.
“Things Like This” is set to premiere in theaters on Friday, May 16. The film aims to break stereotypes and offer a fresh perspective on love, touching the hearts of those who are looking for love in their own lives. With its focus on genuine emotions and relatable experiences, this romantic film is sure to resonate with audiences.
