Karen Wheeler (née Childress), [3] portrayed by Cara Buono, is a main character in Stranger Things. She is the loving but somewhat clueless mother of Nancy, Mike, and Holly, and the wife of Ted.

She made her film debut in Gladiator (1992) and received recognition for her roles in various television shows including CBS Schoolbreak Special (1991), Law & Order (1996–2024), Mad Men (2010), and …

When Cara Buono first got the scripts for Season 5 of Stranger Things, she never expected that her character, the lovably oblivious mother Karen Wheeler, would attack a Demogorgon with a broken …

Nov 27, 2025 · 'Stranger Things': Does Karen Wheeler die in Season 5? Viewers are terrified to learn the fate of Nancy and Mike's mom, played by Cara Buono.

Cara Buono credited as playing...

Dec 2, 2025 · 'Stranger Things' star Cara Buono talks about her big season five Demogorgon fight, previews series finale and talks Karen Wheler's wine habits.

Sep 14, 2025 · After numerous roles in such series as “Brothers & Sisters”, “Mad Men” and “Person of Interest”, Cara landed the role of Karen Wheeler in the new Netflix series “Stranger Things”.

Nov 26, 2025 · Stranger Things has stuck to a core maxim over five seasons: Anyone in Hawkins can be a hero. This time, it’s Karen Wheeler’s (Cara Buono) turn.

Nov 2, 2025 · Season 5 is set for release on November 26, 2025, and fans are soaring with anticipation. While the focus remains on the close-knit group of Mike, Will, Lucas, and Dustin, Karen Wheeler …

She is also known for her other roles as Kelli Moltisanti in the sixth season of HBO's The Sopranos, Linda Salvo in the 2006 comedy Artie Lange's Beer League and Karen Wheeler in Netflix original …