The Best Reactions to John Mulaney's 'The Bear' Cameo

Philip Ellis
·3 min read
the bear season 2 every guest star cameo
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Season 2 of The Bear has been an inarguable hit, delivering even stronger storytelling than its inaugural season and deepening the characterisation and relationship dynamics within the Chicago restaurant in fascinating ways. This has been partly achieved by building out the world of the show and introducing the audience to more members of the Berzatto family, resulting in a handful of surprisingly and genuinely enjoyable guest appearances from some very famous faces.

Oscar-winning actresses Olivia Colman and Jamie Lee Curtis both make the absolute most of their screentime, particularly Curtis, who plays the troubled matriarch Donna. Sarah Paulson also shows up in episode six, "Fishes," as Carmy's cousin Michelle—and she is joined by her partner, Steven, played by stand-up comedian John Mulaney.

Mulaney's appearance in the show could be seen as jarring: he is generally perceived to be a comic first and an actor second, with a distinctive comedic sensibility that is rooted in his own persona. Essentially, it's hard to see John Mulaney in a show like The Bear and not be constantly thinking: "that's John Mulaney in The Bear." In a way, that's what makes his performance work: Steven is as much an outsider to the Berzotto family as the viewer, and it makes sense that his presence doesn't feel quite natural in the drama-heavy "Fishes."

Fans of The Bear picked up on the slightly incongruous inclusion of Mulaney in the episode, with some referring to his entrance almost like a jump-scare. Here are some of the funnier takes on his role in the show.

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