“Poker Face” Season 2: 38 Jaw-Dropping Guest Stars You Won’t Believe — From Katie Holmes to John Mulaney and Cynthia Erivo
As “Poker Face” returns for its highly anticipated second season, the buzz isn’t just about the mysterious cases or Natasha Lyonne’s scene-stealing performance as Charlie Cale — it’s about the star-studded guest list that turns every episode into an event. Rian Johnson’s acclaimed mystery-of-the-week series has once again curated a dazzling lineup of over 30 familiar faces, each bringing their own brand of magic to the screen.
With a blend of legendary actors, rising stars, and beloved TV veterans, Season 2 promises more intrigue, more laughs, and more unforgettable performances. Let’s dive into the new faces gracing the world of “Poker Face” — and where you’ve seen them before. “Poker Face” Season 2 releases on Thursday, May 8.
1. Justin Theroux
Known for his emotionally intense turn in “The Leftovers” and scene-stealing roles in “Tropic Thunder”, “Running Point”, and “Mulholland Drive”, Justin Theroux brings his signature depth and charisma to “Poker Face”. Whether he’s playing soulful or sinister, Theroux always leaves a mark — and this season is no different.
2. Cynthia Erivo
Fresh off her performance as Elphaba in “Wicked” and already an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony winner, Cynthia Erivo continues to solidify her status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile talents. In Poker Face, she takes on the challenge of portraying multiple siblings — and, unsurprisingly, steals the screen. In “Poker Face”, Erivo plays multiple characters and absolutely kills it.
3. John Mulaney
From stand-up specials to “Big Mouth”, John Mulaney’s dry wit and pitch-perfect timing have made him one of comedy’s most beloved voices. His appearance in “Poker Face” brings a satirical sharpness that perfectly offsets the show’s mystery-driven tone.
4. Giancarlo Esposito
Few actors command a room like Giancarlo Esposito. Best known as Gus Fring in “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul”, Esposito brings his calculated intensity to “Poker Face”, delivering a performance as crisp and layered as you’d expect.
5. Katie Holmes
Katie Holmes, forever remembered as Joey Potter from “Dawson’s Creek”, steps into the world of “Poker Face” with the kind of quiet confidence and charm that made her a household name. Her presence is a nostalgic treat for longtime TV fans.
6. Carol Kane
Whether she’s playing the lovable landlord in “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” or showing up in cult classics like “Scrooged” and “Annie Hall”, Carol Kane has built a career on unforgettable oddballs. Her role in “Poker Face” is no exception — and it’s everything fans of her offbeat brilliance could hope for.
7. David Alan Grier
An icon of sketch comedy from his days on “In Living Color”, David Alan Grier brings decades of experience to “Poker Face”. With a résumé spanning: “Jumanji”, “The Carmichael Show”, and “A Soldier’s Play”, Grier’s blend of gravitas and humor adds a rich layer to the show’s second season.
8. Awkwafina
Whether she’s rapping, cracking jokes, or bringing the drama in “The Farewell”, Awkwafina always delivers something unique. Her distinctive voice and magnetic screen presence make her an exciting addition to “Poker Face”, where she stars alongside Alia Shawkat and Lauren Tom.
9. Lauren Tom
From voicing Amy Wong in “Futurama” to playing Ross’s girlfriend Julie in “Friends”, Lauren Tom has long been a familiar — if sometimes underappreciated — presence in Hollywood. In “Poker Face”, she brings her talent to a live-action ensemble that includes Awkwafina and Alia Shawkat.
10. Alia Shawkat
Still quoting Maeby Fünke from “Arrested Development”? Us too. Alia Shawkat has gone on to lead shows like “Search Party” and make a splash in “Severance”. Now she’s bringing her sharp wit and unpredictable energy to “Poker Face”.
11. Simon Helberg (reprises role from “Poker Face” season 1)
Simon Helberg may be best known for playing Howard Wolowitz on “The Big Bang Theory”, but his work in films like Annette proved he’s more than just comic relief. Returning as Agent Luca Clark, Helberg steps deeper into “Poker Face’s” twisty investigations.
12. Rhea Perlman (had a minor voice-only part in “Poker Face” Season 1)
Reprising her role as Beatrix Hasp, Rhea Perlman brings her iconic charm — familiar to millions as Carla from “Cheers” — back to “Poker Face”. Fresh off her delightful role in “Barbie”, Perlman adds both gravitas and levity to the series. She was most recently seen guest starring in “Mid Century Modern” for Hulu.
13. Gaby Hoffman
After standout performances in “Transparent” and “Girls”, Gaby Hoffmann continues her run as a go-to actress for grounded, emotionally raw roles. In “Poker Face”, she brings that same depth to a character who challenges Charlie Cale in all the right ways.
14. Ben Marshall
Ben Marshall is a founding member of the comedy trio “Please Don’t Destroy”, known for their digital shorts on “Saturday Night Live”. His comedic background will bring a unique flavor to “Poker Face”, and viewers are excited to see how he contributes to the show’s narrative.
15. Method Man (Cliff Smith)
Rapper-turned-actor Method Man has carved out a second act with roles in “Power Book II: Ghost” and “The Wire”. His gritty charisma adds a compelling edge to “Poker Face”, and his performance proves he’s as sharp on screen as he is on the mic.
16. Ego Nwodim
Since joining “Saturday Night Live” in 2018, Ego Nwodim has made waves with her hilarious impressions and original characters. In “Poker Face”, she flexes her dramatic muscles while keeping that comedic sparkle intact.
17. David Krumholtz
Fans of “10 Things I Hate About You” and “Numb3rs” will be happy to see David Krumholtz back in the spotlight. His mix of warmth and wit makes him a standout in a show full of scene-stealers.
18. John Cho
From stoner comedies “Harold & Kumar” to intense thrillers “Searching”, John Cho always surprises. His role in Poker Face adds yet another layer to an already fascinating filmography.
19. Katherine Narducci
As Charmaine Bucco in “The Sopranos”, Kathrine Narducci helped define the modern mob drama. In “Poker Face”, she channels that same no-nonsense energy into a role that’s bound to keep Charlie Cale on her toes.
20. Jason Ritter
The son of beloved actor John Ritter, Jason Ritter has made a name for himself with roles in “Parenthood”, “Gravity Falls”, and “Matlock”. His role in “Poker Face” taps into both his charm and emotional nuance. Fun fact: he is married to Melanie Lynskey who also appears in the new season!
21. Melanie Lynskey
Melanie Lynskey is known for her role in “Yellowjackets”, earning multiple Emmy nominations. Her experience and talent will enhance the “Poker Face” experience, and fans are eager to see how she fits into the ensemble cast.
22. Geraldine Viswanathan
With standout performances in “Blockers” and “Miracle Workers”, Geraldine Viswanathan is quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s most sought-after young stars. Her appearance in “Poker Face” adds youthful energy to the ensemble.
23. Haley Joel Osmet
Known for “The Sixth Sense”, Osment has transitioned smoothly into adult roles in “The Kominsky Method” and “Future Man”. His turn in Poker Face continues to showcase the range he’s developed since his days as a child star.
24. Lil Taylor
Lili Taylor has been captivating audiences since the late 1980s, with her most notable role as Carolyn Perron in “The Conjuring”. Her extensive filmography includes titles like “Leatherface”, “The X-Files”, and “Six Feet Under”. Taylor’s ability to embody complex characters makes her a perfect fit for the unpredictable world of “Poker Face”. As she steps into this new role, viewers can expect her to deliver a performance that is both compelling and memorable.
25. Natasha Leggero
Natasha Leggero is a comedic force, known for her sharp wit and engaging stand-up routines. A familiar face on Comedy Central roasts, she has also appeared in films like “He’s Just Not That Into You” and “Let’s Be Cops”. Leggero’s comedic timing and unique perspective will undoubtedly add a fresh layer to “Poker Face”, and fans are excited to see how she navigates the show’s intriguing narratives.
26. Richard Kind
Richard Kind is often hailed as one of Hollywood’s most prolific guest stars, with a career that boasts nearly 300 projects. From “A Bug’s Life” to “Curb Your Enthusiasm”, his distinctive voice and comedic presence have made him a beloved figure in the industry. As he joins the cast of “Poker Face”, fans can expect his signature charm to shine through, adding depth to the show’s narrative. He was most recently seen in “Only Murders in the Building” and “Mid Century Modern”.
27. Taylor Schilling
Taylor Schilling gained fame for her role as Piper Chapman on “Orange Is the New Black”, earning multiple Emmy nominations. Her ability to portray complex characters will add depth to “Poker Face”, and viewers are excited to see how she navigates the show’s thrilling mysteries.
28. Adrienne C. Moore
Another “Orange Is the New Black” alum, Adrienne C. Moore played Cindy Hayes on the hit series. Her impressive range and comedic talent will undoubtedly shine in “Poker Face”, and fans are eager to see her character’s journey unfold.
29. B.J. Novak
B.J. Novak is best known for his role as Ryan Howard on “The Office”, but his talents extend beyond acting. He made his directorial debut with “Vengeance”, showcasing his versatility in the industry. As he joins the cast of “Poker Face”, fans are eager to see how he brings his unique perspective to the show.
30. Corey Hawkins
Corey Hawkins gained recognition for his role on “The Walking Dead” and has since starred in “24: Legacy” and “Straight Outta Compton”. His talent and charisma will enhance the “Poker Face” experience, and fans are eager to see his character’s journey.
31. GaTa
Davionte Ganter, known as GaTa, made his acting debut in Lil Dicky’s series “Dave”. His transition from music to acting has been impressive, and fans are eager to see how he navigates the world of Poker Face since starring in “Anyone But You” in 2023.
32. Kevin Corrigan
Kevin Corrigan is a veteran character actor known for his roles in “Grounded for Life” and “Goodfellas”. His experience and talent will add depth to “Poker Face”, and viewers are excited to see how he contributes to the show’s narrative.
33. Kumail Nanjiani
Kumail Nanjiani gained fame for his role in Silicon Valley and has since starred in “The Big Sick” and “Only Murders in the Building”. His unique perspective and comedic talent will undoubtedly shine in “Poker Face”, and fans are eager to see how he navigates the show’s intricate plots.
34. Margo Martindale
Margo Martindale is celebrated for her roles in “The Americans” and “BoJack Horseman”. Her ability to embody complex characters will add depth to “Poker Face”.
35. Patti Harrison
Patti Harrison has made a name for herself with roles in “A Simple Favor” and “Shrill”. Her comedic talent and unique perspective will undoubtedly shine in “Poker Face”.
36. Sam Richardson
Sam Richardson is best known for his role in “Veep” and co-creating “Detroiters”. He also won an Emmy award for his performance in “Ted Lasso”. His comedic background and experience in ensemble casts make him a valuable addition to “Poker Face”.
37. Sherry Cola
Sherry Cola began her acting career on I Love Dick and has since appeared in “Nobody Wants This”. She joins her “Joy Ride” costar, Stephanie Hsu in appearing in “Poker Face” after Hsu guest starred in Season 1.
38. Simon Rex
Before his guest role in “Poker Face” Season 2, Simon Rex made a major career comeback with his critically acclaimed performance in “Red Rocket”, earning praise for his raw, magnetic portrayal of a washed-up adult film star. Once known for comedic roles in the “Scary Movie” franchise and as an “MTV VJ”, Rex has since redefined himself as an actor to watch.
With such a diverse and talented cast, “Poker Face” Season 2 is set to be an exhilarating ride filled with unexpected twists and turns. Each guest star brings their unique background and skills to the table, promising to elevate the storytelling and keep audiences on the edge of their seats. “Poker Face” Season 2 premieres on May 8.
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