Boasting a 94% Fresh Rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an average rating of 8.5/10 on IMDb across each episode, FX’s The Bear is easily one of the only shows you should be watching this year. And if the success of its third season is anything to go by, its sterling credentials are well-recognised and well-deserved. But beyond a hard-hitting depiction of the high pressure world of gastronomy, The Bear continues to bank upon one of its most valuable assets for sustained success: Its incredible ensemble cast and litany of celebrity cameos.
Three seasons in, The Bear continues to garner much acclaim from critics and viewers. Garnering 5.4 million views in a mere four days, it is Hulu’s biggest scripted TV premiere ever, demonstrating incredible staying power with impressive ratings to boot. No matter how you spin it, The Bear is soul food, and we are all ravenous for more.
Chief among the reasons for its success, the show’s script perfectly highlights the lingering effects of generational trauma and parental abuse, spotlighting mental health and the challenges it can pose in day-to-day life. Add onto that the high-octane exertions that come with the territory of professional cooking at a Michelin level, and you have yourself a recipe for disaster. Nuanced takes married with crisp line deliveries, artistic cinematography, and well-paced editing all lend themselves to showcasing the mounting pressure of life at The Bear, preparing audiences for the inevitable combustion of chaos.
The Bear has always done well in selecting cast members to fulfil the function of storytelling. Given the rigorous and emotional demands of its storyline, it makes sense that casting is of utmost importance — yet, the unparalleled success of The Bear, coupled with its incredible premise, meant casting director Jeanie Bacharach had little difficulty finding talents to fill the roster, particularly where celebrity cameos and guest stars were concerned.
Speaking to Vulture, the show’s casting directors shared that they were inundated with unsolicited casting tapes after the show’s vastly popular first season aired. “I had a young man send me a tape of himself making scrambled eggs,” said Jennifer Rudnicke, a Chicago-based casting director for the series. “It was literally just a video in his kitchen of him begging to be on the show. We kept getting submissions like that.”
Love how casually The Bear throws Olivia Colman into the mix. pic.twitter.com/yDCtYU89Nm
— kinocow (@kinocow) March 10, 2024
But The Bear had done more than inspire amateur chefs to shoot their shot; the casting directors also shared experiences where celebrity fans of the show were quick to agree on joining the cast or had reached out themselves in hopes of landing a cameo or guest role.
This includes Will Poulter, who took on the role of Copenhagen-based pâtissier Chef Luca, Olivia Colman, who lit up the screen as the effervescent Chef Andrea Terry, and the inimitable Jamie Lee Curtis, whose performance as the embattled Berzatto matriarch Donna is still spoken about in hushed, reverent tones.
Following up on the success of season 2’s celebrity cameos and guest stars, season 3 of The Bear does not disappoint. Dishing out face after familiar face from actors to award-winning chefs alike, the season’s guests brought familiarity and charm, much to the delight of longtime fans. If you’ve missed them on your first watch, worry not — read on to see our favourite celebrity cameos and guest stars on season 3 of The Bear.
Celebrity cameos, guest stars, and top chefs you may have missed on season 3 of The Bear
Josh Hartnett
The door opening on #TheBear and it being Josh Hartnett standing there as Taylor Swift blares in the background, like … healed my soul??? Love seeing him on my screen again. pic.twitter.com/SINXKVMzO9
— Kat Pettibone ✌🏻 (@kat__writes) June 28, 2024
Arguably one of the most shocking celebrity cameos and guest stars in The Bear, Josh Hartnett’s portrayal of Frank, who is the fiancé of Richie’s ex-wife Tiffany, was met with widespread approval. A simple ‘good guy’ character who’s just ‘trying to do his best’, Hartnett’s Frank serves as a foil to Richie, whose growth, while extraordinary, feels just a little bit stunted in the face of the former’s many blessings. Yet, for all intents and purposes, Frank appears to truly want the best for Tiffany (and daughter Eva), and his efforts to forge a closer bond with her via Taylor Swift do not go unnoticed.
John Cena
Season 3 of The Bear expands on the lore of the Faks, introducing a third Fak brother that takes the form Sammy Fak, portrayed by the WWE’s John Cena. Alongside his unyieldingly muscular physique, Cena’s comedic timing makes for a truly memorable celebrity cameo, leaving viewers amused, amazed, and just a tiny bit ‘haunted’.
John Mulaney
John @Mulaney’s cameo in #TheBear Season 3 lasts for all of five seconds and, yet, it is the very definition of compassion, while connecting a dot back to the magnificent “Fishes” episode of Season 2. pic.twitter.com/vFOE34VgDB
— Peter Schorsch (@PeterSchorschFL) June 29, 2024
Comedian John Mulaney, who was introduced in season 2 of The Bear reprised his role in season 3 as Stevie, the partner of the Berzatto siblings’ cousin Michelle (portrayed by Sarah Paulson). Episode 1’s long flashback montage follows Carmen in his culinary journey; in this same flashback, we see Stevie repeatedly tending to Carmen, whose workaholic tendencies prove to be self-destructive on more than one occasion.
Jon Bernthal
Reprising his role as Carmy and Sugar’s older brother Michael, Jon Bernthal returns to The Bear in a touching flashback that provides insight into Tina’s life. Through his lens, we see, in part, how the well-loved character of The Bear came to develop her fierce loyalty for the place and its crew, and why, despite everything, she remains dedicated to its success.
Will Poulter
anyway this is sydney and luca stan account #thebear pic.twitter.com/5YOBz9TxzN
— ivy (suspended version) (@ohhhhhherewegoo) June 27, 2024
First introduced in season 2 as Chef Luca, Will Poulter’s character makes a triumphant return in season 3 of The Bear. The Copenhagen-based chef, who lends his expertise to tutoring Marcus, first appears in Carmy’s episode 1 flashback. Later on, he returns for the funeral of Ever, makes a connection with Sydney, and leaves the audience wondering if he will return in a different capacity for the show’s fourth season.
Olivia Colman
chef olivia colman kinda being the encouraging english teacher equivalent of the culinary world 😭😭 #thebear pic.twitter.com/qzrhBbYhII
— dee (@crackbaybie) June 27, 2024
Celebrated chef Andrea Terry was first introduced in the show’s second season, her commanding, and yet nurturing presence a welcome departure from the dyspeptic chefs we have become familiar with. Portrayed by the incandescent Olivia Colman, Terry’s decision to retire sparks an arc that sees several real-life celebrity chefs making cameo appearances to thrill followers of the North American food scene.
Jamie Lee Curtis
Can we talk about how Abby Elliot and Jamie Lee Curtis single-handedly delivered a freaking masterpiece??
— BB🍸 (@blondeandbold_) June 28, 2024
All 40 minutes basically in the same tiny frame?? I mean-#TheBear #TheBearFX pic.twitter.com/GdqLgmZI5k
Celebrated actress Jamie Lee Curtis first appeared in season 2 of The Bear, portraying Berzatto matriarch Donna to great effect and winning critical acclaim. In a flashback episode, Fishes, we see the effect that Donna, who clearly suffers from mental illness, has on her three children; later on in the same season, we see that she is both aware of, and remorseful for her part in her children’s torment. Her return to season 3 is both anxiety-inducing and healing, emphasising the love that she holds for her family in spite of her own mental health hurdles.
Joel McHale
These two shots from The Bear beautifully illustrate good and bad mentorship. Chef David (Joel McHale) weaponizes his expertise through humiliation. Chef Terry (Olivia Colman) shares hers through demystification. I hope Carmy shakes off David’s abuse and follows Terry’s example. pic.twitter.com/ptRjIf3eU1
— Alyx Vesey (@its_vee_zee) June 28, 2024
Guest star Joel McHale thrives in his role as the most hated chef in the series, under whose tutelage Carmen’s neuroses are further exacerbated.
Gillian Jacobs
Tiffany in The Bear S3 🐻 pic.twitter.com/sKnEox5Ej9
— best of gillian jacobs (@gillianlovebot) June 30, 2024
Playing the ex-wife of Richie and the mother of his child, Gillian Jacobs first appeared in season 2 of The Bear. She returns for season 3 in a short, but sweet scene that provides a glimpse into their current relationship as co-parents, once-lovers, friends, and family. Speaking in interviews, Jacobs shared her delight upon learning that her costar and on-screen fiancé Frank would be played by ’90s heartthrob Josh Hartnett. We can’t blame her.
David Zayas
Making a rather sweet celebrity cameo appearance in season 3 of The Bear, David Zayas briefly joins the cast as Tina’s husband. Interestingly, the couple are also married in real life.
Robert Townsend
First introduced in season 2 as Sydney’s doting, if slightly overbearing father Emmanuel, Townsend plays the part to great effect. In season 3, he is shown grappling with Sydney’s desire to move away.
Thomas Keller
As an alumnus of The French Laundry restaurant, it was only a matter of time before Carmen would be shown interacting with restaurateur and celebrity chef Thomas Keller. Long considered one of the greats in the industry today, Keller’s contributions to haute cuisine cannot be understated; with 10 properties including The French Laundry, Per Se, Bouchon Bistro, Bouchon Bakery, Ad Hoc, La Calenda, and The Surf Club Restaurant and numerous corresponding cookbooks, no discussion on the culinary industry is complete without mentioning Keller.
In his cameo role, the charismatic chef brings his brand of calm and ease that sets the tone for Carmy’s staging experience. Although brief, Keller’s cameo is a welcome link to the world of haute cuisine; he expertly teaches us how to truss a chicken, and then leaves us hungry for a delicious Sunday roast.
Grant Achatz
Three-star chef Grant Achatz is a well-known name in the industry, and for good reason. Known for his extraordinary takes on molecular gastronomy, his reputation far precedes him, and that sentiment is well translated from the real world to the screen, as Achatz fends off questions from an over-eager Luca. As head chef and founder of three-star restaurant Alinea and owner of the Alinea group, Achatz also owns Next, the Aviary, the Office, and Roister.
René Redzepi
The head chef and co-owner of the famed fine dining establishment Noma, Redzepi appears as himself. He is part of a flashback scene in which Carmen trains at a Copenhagen restaurant.
Christina Tosi
If you’ve ever heard of, or seen tiered birthday cakes speckled with colourful sprinkles, then you’ve experienced the delightful effects of chef Christina Tosi’s celebrity. As the owner of the Milk Bar, Tosi has garnered significant attention over the years, appearing in an episode of Netflix’s highly lauded culinary series Chef’s Table. She appears as herself for her celebrity cameo in season 3 of The Bear and enjoys an evening at Ever amongst her industry peers that also include Genie Kwon, Kevin Boehm, and others.
Watch The Bear season 3 here.
(Main image: @itsjovisjovis/X; featured image: The Bear/IMDb)
This story first appeared here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Real life celebrity chefs who have appeared as themselves in cameos on The Bear include Thomas Keller, Grant Achatz, Christina Tosi, René Redzepi, Genie Kwon, and others.
The Bear season 3 is now available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. All ten episodes were released on June 27 2024.
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Emmelyn curates and creates content in Kuala Lumpur, where she's spent the past decade building a portfolio comprising copy and video spanning both print and digital platforms. Endlessly fascinated with cookbooks, interior design, aesthetics, and video games, she is also an ardent foodie - a lemon tart, lychee martini, and coffee enthusiast. Her favourite animal is the common wombat. She's written one award winning cookbook.
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