Ebon Moss-Bachrach, known for his role as Richie Jerimovich in the hit series “The Bear,” has recently expressed his frustration with fans constantly calling him “Cousin.” The nickname, derived from his character’s relationship with Carmy Berzatto (played by Jeremy Allen White), has stuck with viewers, but Moss-Bachrach is growing weary of the moniker.
Richie, a character who has evolved significantly since the show’s inception, was initially portrayed as a grumpy, resistant figure. He struggled with the changes Carmy wanted to implement at The Beef after the death of Carmy’s brother, Mikey. Richie was dealing with his own grief, a divorce, and the challenges of co-parenting his daughter. Despite these hardships, the end of Season One brought a glimmer of hope when Carmy discovered a hidden stash of cash left by Mikey, which helped transform The Beef into the upscale restaurant, The Bear.
Throughout the second season, Richie found his footing in the new restaurant environment. Training at a Michelin star restaurant under a chef who had also mentored Carmy, Richie gained confidence and a sense of purpose. His character’s growth was evident as he embraced his new role and realized he was indeed built for the culinary world.
Moss-Bachrach, who has portrayed a variety of compelling characters over the years, including roles in HBO’s “Girls” and Marvel’s “The Punisher,” finds Richie to be a special character. However, the constant association with the nickname “Cousin” has become a source of irritation for the actor.
Filming the second season of “The Bear” came with its own set of challenges. The cast and crew were aware of the high expectations from fans and critics alike. Moss-Bachrach admitted that the pressure was palpable, but once they got into the scenes, the anxieties faded. The joy of reuniting with the cast and crew helped mitigate the stress.
One of the standout episodes of the second season was “Forks,” where Richie stages at an upscale restaurant in Chicago. Filmed at the two Michelin star restaurant Ever, Richie initially resisted the fine dining environment. However, by the end of the episode, he found a way to integrate his own values and traditions into the high-end setting, realizing that the new and the old could coexist.
Richie’s journey throughout the season was marked by significant personal growth. He learned to value his own unique qualities and found a way to contribute meaningfully to The Bear. His relationship with Sydney, played by Ayo Edebiri, also evolved. Despite their initial conflicts, they found common ground and mutual respect, especially during high-stress moments in the restaurant.
The nearly hour-long “Fishes” episode provided deeper insight into Richie’s backstory. A flashback to a chaotic Christmas dinner at the Berzatto home, the episode featured a star-studded cast, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Bob Odenkirk, and Sarah Paulson. The episode highlighted Richie’s potential and the path he could have taken, offering a glimpse into his happier past.
Despite the character’s growth, Moss-Bachrach’s frustration with the “Cousin” nickname remains. The actor’s dedication to his craft and the depth he brings to his roles deserve recognition beyond a single moniker. As “The Bear” continues to captivate audiences, Moss-Bachrach hopes fans will appreciate the complexity of his character and move beyond the simplistic nickname.
In the final episode of the second season, tensions ran high as the team conducted a run-through at The Bear. Carmy’s decision to lock himself in the fridge led to a heated confrontation with Richie. The fight underscored Richie’s loyalty and moral code, particularly regarding Carmy’s treatment of Claire. Moss-Bachrach revealed that multiple versions of the scene were filmed, each exploring different emotional depths.
While the first season ended on an optimistic note with the discovery of Mikey’s hidden money, the second season finale left viewers with a sense of uncertainty. The show’s exploration of human fragility and the ease with which people can slip back into old behaviors remains a central theme.
As fans eagerly await the next season, Moss-Bachrach’s hope is that they will see Richie for the multifaceted character he is, rather than just “Cousin.” The actor’s portrayal of Richie has brought depth and nuance to the series, and he looks forward to continuing to explore the character’s journey.
