In FX’s hit comedy-drama series The Bear , Lionel Boyce plays Marcus Brooks, a humble pastry chef trying to balance the difficulties in his life with the hectic environment of the restaurant. While Season 2 retains the fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping storylines the show is known for, the first few episodes take the opportunity to delve deeper into the lives of the other characters working in the kitchen, but particularly Boyce’s Marcus.
The Bear's Lionel Boyce shares which cast member he'd like to be in the freezer with!
The Emmy-nominated episode of Episode 4, “Honeydew,” directed by Ramy Youssef, follows Marcus’ life outside the kitchen as he serves as a caregiver for his ailing mother, who lies unconscious in a hospital bed. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity comes courtesy of Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) and Carmy (Jeremy Allen White), who offer him a moment of reprieve as they send him to Copenhagen to learn from chef Luca (Will Poulter) and return with dessert ideas for the menu at The Bear. Throughout the episode, Marcus grows in confidence in his kitchen skills, and once he returns to Chicago, he impresses his coworkers with all the delicious treats he’s developed along the way.
Here, the actor spoke to Deadline about his inspirations, working with his cast members and the lightness of his tender role as Marcus.
DEADLINE: The debate over whether the show is a comedy continues to be interesting. There’s certainly a darkly comedic edge to some of the scenarios and a lot of broad comedy from the Faks. But Marcus’ story is very dramatic. How have you worked through the genres and themes of the show itself over the past three seasons?
