Natalie "Sugar" Rose Berzatto
Natalie Rose Berzatto Katinsky | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Sugar, Nat |
| Occupation(s) | Restaurant manager, former bank executive |
| Known for | Character on FX Network drama The Bear |
Natalie Rose Berzatto Katinsky, referred to as Sugar or Nat, is a fictional persona featured on the FX Network drama The Bear. Conceived by Christopher Storer and brought to life by Abby Elliott since 2022, Natalie transitioned from a career as a bank executive to managing a restaurant business. She reluctantly became an investor in her family's traditional Italian beef sandwich establishment, the Original Beef of Chicagoland, which she had long disliked during her late brother Michael's tenure. Following Mikey's tragic suicide, her younger brother, renowned chef Carmy Berzatto, returned to Chicago to oversee the restaurant's operations. Carmy's partner, Chef Sydney, persuaded Natalie to take charge of managing their new upscale dining venue, the Bear.
Biography
Nat, along with her brothers Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) and Mikey Berzatto (Jon Bernthal), was primarily raised by their mother Donna (Jaime Lee Curtis), who struggled with alcoholism and mental health issues. Their father left the family sometime in the 1990s. Uncle Jimmy (Oliver Platt), a close family friend, last had contact with him approximately two decades ago. As the sole daughter, Sugar took on a caregiving role for her mother, often at significant personal sacrifice. Donna exhibited a "moody" temperament and was verbally harsh toward Natalie. In contrast to their volatile mother and eldest brother, Nat and Carmy often acted as mediators during family disputes. The nickname Sugar originated from a childhood mispronunciation that evolved into a family inside joke but also reflects her composed and empathetic demeanor. Despite the show's frequent use of strong language, Sugar matches her family's intensity in communication. Mikey's suicide serves as the catalyst for the series' storyline and leaves those close to him grappling with feelings of guilt. Natalie maintains a cautious yet dutiful relationship with Donna, notably contacting her when Nat went into labor.
Natalie is married to Pete Katinsky (Chris Witaske), an optimistic corporate attorney who affectionately calls her Nat. Their marriage is stable; Pete is profoundly affected by the family's challenges. Due to his suburban upbringing and professional background, Pete initially encounters skepticism from the Berzattos but gradually earns their tentative acceptance. Nat and Pete share a daughter named Sophie Katinsky; her pregnancy was disclosed in season two, and Natalie resumed work following maternity leave in season four.
The sibling relationship between Natalie and Carmy is notably close; she pursued restaurant management out of affection for him and acts as his primary support figure. She encourages Carmy’s attendance at Al-Anon meetings to help them both cope with shared trauma while overseeing the "logistical and financial" transition from Beef to Bear. Sugar’s "Type A, detail-focused nature" balances Carmy's more inventive yet disorderly style.
Natalie develops a cordial working relationship with Carmy's "work wife," Sydney Adamu (Ayo Edebiri), who provides significant support during pivotal events such as their restaurant’s soft launch. While she respects Sydney’s leadership capabilities, she harbors doubts about Carmy’s availability both professionally and personally.
She also holds Marcus Brooks (Lionel Boyce) in high regard—a figure who progressed from bread baker to celebrated pastry chef under Carmy’s guidance. Sugar staunchly defends Marcus’ position against budget-cutting proposals and places considerable trust in him—he was the first person permitted to hold baby Sophie at the restaurant.
Natalie’s connections with local acquaintances Neil (Matty Matheson), Ted (Ricky Staffieri), and Francine "Francie" Fak (Brie Larson) are complex. Francie previously had a romantic relationship with Nat that ended poorly. The Faks and Richie view Natalie as a mature authority figure, often calling her "Mom." While Nat restricts them from holding Sophie, she quickly allows Luca (Will Poulter), a skilled British chef newly introduced to the team, to cuddle the baby.
The Berzatto family has Italian American roots grounded in Roman Catholic traditions, celebrating customs such as the Feast of the Seven Fishes and venerating Our Mother of Victory.
In season three’s episode "Ice Chips," Sugar is seen driving a Porsche Cayenne.