Cara Buono, (born March 1, 1974 Bronx, New York, U.S.) is an American actress, screenwriter and director. She grew up in the Bronx in a blue-collar family. With no help from friends, families or mentors, she went out on her own, picked up a trade paper, saw an ad for a casting call and sneaked into an audition. She managed to land a role in Harvey Fierstein's play "Spook House", despite her lack of experience.