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I Just Realized Where I Know 'The Waterfront' Star Maria Bello from—And I Really Should Have Figured it Out Sooner

I knew I had seen her somewhere

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Netflix

Not sure about you guys, but The Waterfront is one of my favorite new Netflix shows.

The popular thriller series, which made its debut on the platform on June 19, 2025, has caused quite a conversation for its riveting plotline surrounding the Buckley family, a once powerful dynasty in the fishing industry that is now having all of their deepest, darkest secrets come to light. There’s one character, in particular, I couldn't help but feel like I’ve seen before. Maria Bello who takes on the role of Mae Buckley. A mother of two, Mae is a complicated character, often resorting to dangerous methods to keep the family empire running.  Before The Waterfront, the 58-year-old actress and producer appeared in several popular film projects, including 2000’s Coyote Ugly, 2008’s The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor and 2010’s Grown Ups.

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Netflix

Beginning her career in theater, Bello's early TV appearances include episodes of The Commish, Nowhere Man and ER, with her breakthrough coming as Mrs. Smith in the short-lived Mr. & Mrs. Smith television series. After her film debut in Coyote Ugly, Bello would take roles in 2003’s The Cooler and 2005’s A History of Violence, each of which earned her Golden Globe nominations for “Best Supporting Actress” and “Best Actress,” respectively.

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Netflix

Oh, and let’s not forget more recent roles, like her six-episode stint in the 2023 comedy-drama series Beef, where she played a wealthy investor with a bit of a cunning edge. Acting aside, Bello was also a producer and story writer on the 2022 film The Woman King starring Viola Davis.

I totally understand why she looked so familiar. Now I can go back to rewatching The Waterfront.

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Associate Commerce Strategist

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