'Monk': The Actors of The Series Today

The 'Monk' series follows "Adrian Monk", played by Tony Shalhoub, as he tries to solve the murder of his wife, a case that only gets resolved in the series finale. Shalhoub's portrayal of "Monk" has garnered him widespread critical acclaim, making him one of the most influential detective characters on modern television. 'Monk' has been referenced on other crime shows like 'Psych' and has inspired other crime series as well. Shalhoub has also appeared in movies such as 'Pain & Gain', 'Galaxy Quest,' and 'Breakable You.' In 2018, he won a Tony Award for his leading role in the Broadway musical "The Band's Visit" and followed it up with his fourth Emmy win for his performance in the true-inspired series
'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.'

Bitty Schram portrayed the character of "Sharona Fleming" in 'Monk' and was a crowd favorite. "Sharona" was Adrian's nurse, and her no-nonsense approach to his care ultimately helped him better utilize his detective skills. Although "Sharona" left the show in season three, she returned for one episode in the final season to provide some closure to the beloved character. She is the only character to rival 'Monk' in popularity with the audience. Unfortunately, due to a contract dispute, Bitty Schram left 'Monk,' and since then, the actress has largely stayed away from the entertainment industry.

Jason Gray-Stanford portrayed the character of "Lieutenant Randall "Disher" in 'Monk.' As a somewhat naive member of the San Francisco Police Department's Homicide Division, "Disher" is a crucial character in this true-crime-inspired series. In the series finale, he ends up with "Sharona" and the two of them move to New Jersey to live together. After his stint on 'Monk,' Gray-Stanford appeared as a guest star on several other popular shows like 'The Boys,' 'The X-Files,' and 'NCIS: New Orleans.'

Ted Levine played the role of Captain "Leland Stottlemeye", the head of the San Francisco Police Homicide Division, and a longtime friend of "Adrian Monk" in 'Monk.' Initially, "Captain Leland" is annoyed at having to work with the neurotic Adrian, but in season three, he learns to trust Monk's instincts and insight. Levine is also known for his memorable death scene in 'Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.' In addition to 'Monk,' he has appeared in many other notable projects such as 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' 'On Becoming a God in Central Florida,' 'The Alienist,' and 'Big Sky.'

Traylor Howard (Natalie Teeger) - Introduced to the cast of 'Monk' in season three, Natalie Teeger became Adrian's second and last assistant after "Sharona's"
departure. Initially receiving a cool reception from viewers, Natalie eventually filled the void in the 'Monk' cast that Sharona left behind, giving Adrian the same tough love he needs but with a much more deferential attitude, even calling Adrian " Mr Monk". Following the end of 'Monk' in 2009, Traylor Howard appeared in the TV movie 'Nolan Knows Best', but has moved away from show business.

Emmy Clarke played the role of "Julie Teeger", the daughter of Natalie Teeger, in 'Monk.' "Julie" is a promising young woman who goes to university to study the same career as "Natalie", and she quickly became one of the most beloved characters in the series. She replaced Sharona in the cast of 'Monk.' Emmy Clarke was just 14 years old when she first appeared on the show. After the series, she appeared in the 2006 film 'Portrait of an Obsession.'

Dr. Charles Kroger was arguably the most important supporting character in the 'Monk' cast. He served as Adrian's psychiatrist for the first six seasons of the series, played by actor Stanley Kamel. "Dr. Kroger's" eventual death from a heart attack in the show mirrored the actual death of Kamel, who passed away due to heart failure on April 8, 2008. The parallels between "Kamel" and "Dr. Kroger's" death made Kroger's farewell a very emotional event for both the public and the 'Monk' team.

Hector Elizondo, who plays "Dr. Neven Bell", joined the cast of the detective series 'Monk' during its seventh season as a replacement for Dr. Kroger, Adrian's psychiatrist. Elizondo has also appeared in other TV shows like 'B Positive,' 'Last Man Standing,' and 'Grey's Anatomy.' Additionally, he has lent his voice to various animated characters in films and series, including 'The Book of Life,' 'Mickey Mouse Mixed-Up Adventures,' and the somewhat controversial character "Elena" from Disney's 'Avalor.'

Throughout its 125 episodes, the cast of 'Monk' included numerous notable cameos, and without a doubt, the biggest star to have appeared on the series is social activist and folk rock legend Willie Nelson. In the episode 'Mr. Monk' and the 'Red-Headed Stranger,' Willie was suspected in the murder of his own road manager and even played a few songs with "Adrian Monk" on stage. The episode's title is a reference to the classic western 'Red Headed Stranger,' starring "Willie Nelson" and based on his self-titled album.

The sequel to 'Monk' is coming to Peacock, as NBC Universal has commissioned 'Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie.' The film will star Tony Shalhoub in a revival of his lead role from the American series, along with original cast members Ted Levine ('The Alienist'), Traylor Howard ('Two Guys and a Girl'), Jason Gray-Stanford ('Motive'), Melora Hardin ('The Bold Type'), and Hector Elizondo ('Last Man Standing'). In this film sequel, Monk returns to solve one last very personal case involving his beloved stepdaughter "Molly", a journalist who is preparing for her wedding.