Cara Buono: The Sopranos' Forgotten Gem

Cara Buono, the talented actress known for her memorable role as Kelli Moltisanti in HBO's hit series The Sopranos, has been steadily building a reputation as a versatile and skilled performer. With a career spanning over two decades, Buono has taken on a wide range of roles, from television to film, cementing her status as a rising star in the entertainment industry. But despite her impressive credentials, Buono's tenure on The Sopranos remains one of the most significant and beloved chapters in her acting career.

Buono joined the cast of The Sopranos in 2000, during the show's third season, and quickly established herself as a valuable asset to the ensemble. Her portrayal of Kelli, a college student and mobster's girlfriend, brought a unique energy to the show, and her character's complex dynamics with the rest of the cast added depth to the series. However, despite her impactful performance, Buono's time on the show was relatively short-lived, and she left the series after just a few seasons. Despite this, her influence on the show remains, and her character continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike.

Early Life and Career

Born on March 28, 1971, in Brooklyn, New York, Buono began her acting career at a young age, landing small roles in film and television productions throughout her teenage years. After high school, she enrolled in New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where she honed her craft and refined her skills as an actress. Following her graduation, Buono landed her first major role on the ABC soap opera All My Children, which she played for several years.

Buono's early career was marked by a string of guest appearances on popular television shows, including Friends, Law & Order, and Sex and the City. Her breakthrough role came in 2000, when she was cast as Kelli Moltisanti on The Sopranos. Buono's portrayal of Kelli, the girlfriend of Christopher Moltisanti (played by Michael Imperioli), added a fresh dynamic to the show, and her character's tumultuous relationship with Christopher became a central plot point in several episodes.

The Sopranos

Buono's time on The Sopranos was marked by a series of memorable performances, including the episode "Whoever Did This" (Season 3, Episode 8), in which her character's troubles with Christopher come to a head. In the episode, Kelli's struggles with her relationship with Christopher are laid bare, and Buono's performance earned her widespread critical acclaim. The episode's writer, David Chase, praised Buono's work, saying: "Cara Buono was a revelation. She brought a level of complexity and nuance to the character that was just fantastic."

Buono's performance on The Sopranos also earned her a nomination for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Although she didn't win, her nomination was a testament to her hard work and dedication to the show. In a 2004 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Buono reflected on her experience on The Sopranos, saying: "It was an incredible experience, and I feel so lucky to have been a part of it. The cast, the crew, the writers – everyone was just so talented and dedicated to the show. It was a really special time, and I feel grateful to have been a part of it."

Post-Sopranos Career

Following her departure from The Sopranos, Buono continued to work in television, landing roles on shows such as Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters, and Elementary. Her film career also took off, with notable appearances in The Question of Value (2012), Loving Leah (2009), and The Grief of Others (2011). In addition to her work in television and film, Buono has also lent her voice to several animated projects, including the popular video game series Mass Effect.

In recent years, Buono has made a concerted effort to focus on more complex and challenging roles, including her turn as Audrey York in the critically acclaimed series Bloodline (2015-2017). Her performance earned her widespread critical acclaim, with many praising her nuanced and empathetic portrayal of the complex and troubled character. In an interview with Variety, Buono discussed the challenges of playing Audrey, saying: "She's a really complicated character, and I think that's what drew me to her. She's got a lot of layers, and I loved trying to peel back those layers and get to the heart of who she is."

Personal Life

Outside of her professional career, Buono has been open about her personal struggles, including her experiences with anxiety and depression. In a 2018 interview with People Magazine, Buono spoke candidly about her mental health, saying: "I've been struggling with anxiety and depression for a long time. It's something that I've always been very private about, but I think it's really important to talk about it. It's okay to not be okay, and it's okay to ask for help."

Buono has also been married to writer and director Christopher Pettiet, with whom she has two children. The couple has been together since the early 2000s, and Buono has spoken highly of Pettiet's support and encouragement throughout her career.

Legacy

Despite her relatively short tenure on The Sopranos, Buono's impact on the show remains significant. Her portrayal of Kelli Moltisanti added a fresh dynamic to the series, and her character's complex relationships with the rest of the cast continue to be celebrated by fans and critics alike. As the show's creator, David Chase, once said: "Cara Buono was a wonderful addition to the cast. She brought a lot of energy and excitement to the show, and her character was a great addition to the ensemble."

In conclusion, Cara Buono's time on The Sopranos remains one of the most significant and beloved chapters in her acting career. From her breakout performance as Kelli Moltisanti to her more recent work on shows like Bloodline, Buono has established herself as a talented and versatile performer. Her dedication to her craft, her willingness to take on complex and challenging roles, and her commitment to using her platform to raise awareness about mental health issues have all contributed to her status as a respected and accomplished actress in the entertainment industry.