Abby Elliott on Natalie in ‘The Bear’: ‘She has a short fuse sometimes’

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Abby Elliott talks about the trait of Natalie’s that still surprises her after five seasons of the award-winning ‘The Bear’, and what Carmy’s sister would do with a rare day off

Published - July 12, 2026 12:03 pm IST

Abby Elliott as Natalie “Sugar” Berzatto in a still from ‘The Bear’ Season 5 | Photo Credit: FX

Five seasons into The Bear, the Emmy Award-winning Chicago-set drama, there are still things about her character Natalie that surprise Abby Elliott, who plays the sister of talented chef Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) and the restaurant’s reluctant manager.

“Even though Natalie is this put-together person and fixer who wants to make sure that everything’s running properly, she does have these loose-cannon moments where she loses it,” says Abby over a video call from Budapest.

“You see the frustration, and then you see her snap back into it.” Natalie’s interactions with handyman Neil Fak played by Matty Matheson get a special mention. “Natalie would call him sweetheart and baby, and then he’d do something to set her off, and she would just lose it on him. She has a short fuse sometimes, which she probably gets from Donna (Natalie and Carmy’s mother played by Jamie Lee Curtis).

Season Four, Abby says, ends with Carmy announcing his departure from the restaurant business. “His shift was elegant and graceful, and then we’re dealing with the aftermath of that. It’s true to life for the family, both the restaurant family, and his actual family.”

A still from ‘The Bear’ Season 5 | Photo Credit: FX

The crew love the restaurant and do not want to let Carmy down, Abby says. “We have found purpose in the restaurant. There are circumstances that are difficult to deal with, day after day, night after night, but everybody wants to be a part of the team for Carmy, and also for the restaurant.”

This season Natalie finds a new strength, the 39-year-old SNL alum says. “She has to do something difficult, which is to leave her baby with a babysitter. She doesn’t want to do that.”

Natalie surrenders control, Abby says. “Going back to work is such a sign of strength for a new mother. She is passionate about the restaurant, all the while asking herself, ‘Is it normal for me to love it here this much?’ She loses herself in the restaurant a little more, and becomes a little more present in the kitchen. The restaurant is a really good thing for her.”

Creator Christopher Storer, who drew inspiration for the sandwich shop interiors from Chicago’s Mr. Beef, where he is a regular patron, has a distinct style. To be able to have a shorthand with a director is a special joy, Abby says. “He is my friend, and he works from a place of honesty. He empowers and supports actors. To feel safe in a role like this has been a big blessing in my life, and I’m very grateful to Chris.”

Natalie is always on her toes, fighting several fires simultaneously. “I would want her to take a day off and go to a spa, and get a massage, but I don’t think she’d do that. She would take Sophie (Natalie’s infant daughter) to Costco and load up on all the things that they need, maybe go to the restaurant depot, get stuff for the restaurant, get her ducks in order and make sure that everybody is taken care of around her and maybe cook some chicken for dinner.”

The Bear is currently streaming on Jio Hotstar

Published - July 12, 2026 12:03 pm IST

The Hindu MetroPlus / cinema / English cinema / streaming / television

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