Cara Buono

Cara Luisa Buono (born February 2, 1981) is an American actress and voice actress with a career spanning television, film, and stage. She is widely recognized for her role as Karen Wheeler, the mother of Mike Wheeler, in the Netflix science fiction series 'Stranger Things,' which debuted in 2016 and became a cultural phenomenon. Before her breakthrough role, Buono established herself through supporting roles in the CBS series 'Person of Interest' (2011-2016) and various television appearances. She has also lent her voice to animated projects and appeared in films including 'Day Break' and other productions. Buono trained at the Juilliard School, one of the most prestigious performing arts conservatories in the world, which informed her nuanced approach to character development. Her role in 'Stranger Things' introduced her to a global audience, as the series became one of Netflix's most-watched programs. Though often in supporting roles, Buono's consistent, professional performances have made her a respected and recognizable figure in the entertainment industry, appreciated for her reliability and craft.