Cara Buono is a celebrated American actress known for her compelling performances in television, film, and theater. With a career spanning over three decades, she has earned acclaim for her roles in Mad Men, Stranger Things, and The Sopranos. Her journey from a working-class upbringing in New York to becoming a household name is a testament to her talent, resilience, and versatility.

Quick Bio

Early Life and Education

Born on March 1, 1971, in The Bronx, New York City, Cara Buono was raised in a close-knit, working-class Italian-American family. Her father, Antony Buono, was a truck mechanic and war veteran, while her mother, Rosemary Buono, was a homemaker known for her Sunday family dinners. Cara grew up with two brothers and a sister, surrounded by strong family values and cultural heritage.

She attended the prestigious Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, where her passion for acting blossomed. Later, she graduated from Columbia University with a double major in English Literature and Political Science, completing her degree in just three years—a reflection of her intellectual drive and work ethic.

Start in Acting and Theater Roots

Cara’s acting journey began at the age of 12 when she landed a role in Harvey Fierstein’s Spookhouse, an Off-Broadway production. Despite never having seen a play before, she was captivated by the stage and continued to perform in theater throughout her teens. She appeared in The Tenth Man and Some Americans Abroad, gaining critical acclaim for her emotional depth and stage presence.

Her early exposure to theater laid the foundation for a career that would span multiple genres and mediums, showcasing her versatility and dedication to craft.

Film Career and Notable Roles

Cara made her film debut in Waterland (1992), starring alongside Ethan Hawke and Jeremy Irons. She went on to appear in a variety of indie and mainstream films, including:

• Happy Accidents
• Chutney Popcorn
• Two Ninas (which she co-produced)
• Hulk (2003), playing Bruce Banner’s mother
• Let Me In (2010)
• Paper Towns (2015)
• Monsters and Men (2018)

Her filmography reflects a commitment to complex characters and thought-provoking narratives, often exploring themes of identity, resilience, and emotional transformation.

Television Breakthroughs

Cara’s television career is equally impressive. She gained recognition with recurring roles in:

• Third Watch as Grace Foster
• The Sopranos as Kelli Moltisanti
• Person of Interest as Martine Rousseau

Her portrayal of Dr. Faye Miller in Mad Men (2010) earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series. She also made guest appearances in Law & Order, Castle, Supergirl, and The Good Wife, demonstrating her range and adaptability across genres.

Stranger Things and Mainstream Fame

In 2016, Cara was cast as Karen Wheeler in Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things. As the mother of Mike and Nancy Wheeler, she brought warmth, complexity, and relatability to the role. Her performance contributed to the show’s massive success, and she was part of the ensemble that won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance in a Drama Series in 2017.

Cara continues to appear in the series, which is set to conclude with its final season in 2025, solidifying her place in pop culture history.

Age and Physical Appearance

As of 2025, Cara Buono is 54 years old. She stands at 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) and weighs approximately 52 kg (114 lbs). Her voluptuous figure, light brown eyes, and dark brown hair (often dyed blonde) contribute to her graceful and elegant appearance. Known for her distinctive smile and magnetic screen presence, Cara maintains a healthy lifestyle through yoga, running, and regular exercise.

Personal Life and Relationships

Cara is married to Peter Thum, a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, best known for founding Ethos Water. The couple met on a flight in 2007 and married in 2009. They have one daughter, Esmé Thum, and reside in Greenwich Village, New York City.

Their relationship is built on shared values of activism, creativity, and family devotion. Cara often shares heartfelt moments with her daughter on social media, reflecting her nurturing spirit and balanced lifestyle.

Family Background

Cara’s family roots run deep in Italian-American culture. Her father, Antony Buono, is a war veteran and avid reader, while her mother, Rosemary, is known for her culinary skills and dedication to family. Cara’s siblings—two brothers and one sister—remain close, and her upbringing continues to influence her values, work ethic, and artistic sensibilities.

Philanthropy and Advocacy

Cara is deeply committed to social causes. She co-founded Liberty United with her husband, transforming illegal guns into jewelry and accessories to fund education and violence prevention programs. Their work has helped thousands of at-risk children across the U.S.

She also volunteers as a rape crisis advocate, supports mental health awareness, and has worked with organizations like ADAPT Community Network and Point Foundation. Her activism reflects a compassionate heart and a desire to uplift others.

Lifestyle and Interests

Outside of acting, Cara enjoys:

• Cooking and hosting family dinners
• Yoga and running (she’s completed three NYC Marathons)
• Reading—especially works by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Traveling and exploring different cultures
• Mentoring young artists and speaking at public events

Her lifestyle is a blend of creativity, wellness, and intellectual curiosity, making her a role model both on and off screen.

Awards and Recognition

Cara’s talent has been recognized with:

• Emmy nomination for Mad Men
• SAG Award for Stranger Things
• Daytime Emmy nomination for Abby, My Love

Her performances are praised for their emotional depth, authenticity, and nuanced storytelling, earning her respect across the entertainment industry.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Cara Buono’s legacy is defined by her ability to portray strong, complex women across multiple platforms. From Dr. Faye Miller to Karen Wheeler, her characters resonate with audiences for their realism and emotional truth. Her work in Stranger Things has cemented her status as a television icon, while her activism continues to inspire change.

She remains a multifaceted artist whose contributions to film, television, theater, and society reflect a life of purpose, passion, and impact.

Conclusion

Cara Buono is more than just a talented actress—she’s a storyteller, advocate, mother, and visionary. Her journey from a Bronx teenager to a celebrated figure in Hollywood is a testament to hard work, resilience, and creative excellence. Whether on screen or in real life, Cara continues to inspire with her grace, intelligence, and heartfelt dedication to making the world a better place.

FAQs

Who is Cara Buono?
Cara Buono is an American actress known for her roles in Mad Men, Stranger Things, and The Sopranos. She has worked in film, television, and theater.

How old is Cara Buono?
She was born on March 1, 1971, making her 54 years old as of 2025.

Where is Cara Buono from?
She was born and raised in The Bronx, New York City, in a working-class Italian-American family.

What is Cara Buono’s most famous role?
She is best known for playing Karen Wheeler in Stranger Things and Dr. Faye Miller in Mad Men, which earned her an Emmy nomination.

Is Cara Buono married?
Yes, she has been married to Peter Thum, entrepreneur and founder of Ethos Water, since 2009.

Does Cara Buono have children?
She has one daughter named Esmé Thum, and the family lives in Greenwich Village, NYC.

What is Cara Buono’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is around $4 million, earned through acting and producing.

What are Cara Buono’s physical stats?
She is 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) tall, weighs 52 kg (114 lbs), and has a voluptuous figure with brown eyes and dark brown hair.

What causes does Cara Buono support?
She advocates for mental health, gun violence prevention, and women’s rights, and co-founded Liberty United with her husband.

What are Cara Buono’s hobbies and interests?
She enjoys yoga, running, cooking, and has completed multiple NYC Marathons. She’s also fluent in Italian and Spanish

For More Info Visit: The Hollywood Reporters