Catherine O’Hara, known for portraying Moira Rose on the popular show “Schitt’s Creek,” is bidding farewell to the character after more than six years. As the quirky family matriarch, O’Hara brought Moira to life with her extravagant outfits, unique vocabulary, and theatrical parenting style. With the final season of the comedy series generating significant buzz, the acclaimed actress is gradually moving on from her longest-running role.
In a recent conversation with CBC’s Anna Maria Tremonti, O’Hara discussed the distinctions between herself and Moira, her fondness for elaborate costumes, and the potential benefits of improvisational training. This dialogue marks the inaugural episode of Tremonti’s new podcast series, “More with Anna Maria Tremonti,” set to debut on January 28.
Reflecting on the challenge of letting go of Moira, O’Hara admitted that she often finds herself slipping into the character even in casual interactions. Despite not anticipating the immense popularity of Moira, O’Hara appreciates the warm reception from fans but acknowledges the character’s dominance in her life.
Addressing the topic of the iconic wigs Moira is known for, O’Hara humorously expressed admiration for the character’s audacity, a trait she feels she lacks. Having worked alongside co-stars Eugene and Dan Levy for six years, O’Hara initially had reservations about committing to a long-running project but ultimately found joy and fulfillment in the experience.
Describing the familial atmosphere on set, O’Hara praised the talent and camaraderie of the Levy family members, emphasizing the collaborative and enjoyable nature of their work together. Reflecting on her career, O’Hara highlighted her involvement in various ensemble settings, from Second City to “SCTV,” “Beetlejuice,” “Home Alone,” and “Schitt’s Creek,” underscoring the value she places on collaboration and shared creativity.
Despite her reluctance to pursue solo endeavors, O’Hara values the dynamic of working with a team of equally skilled individuals and finds fulfillment in the collaborative process. She credits her upbringing in a large, supportive family and her experiences in the entertainment industry for shaping her preference for collaborative work over solo projects.
To listen to the full conversation between Catherine O’Hara and Anna Maria Tremonti, the podcast series “More with Anna Maria Tremonti” is available for free on various platforms, including CBC’s website and popular podcast apps like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.