The untimely passing of Catherine O'Hara, a comedy legend, has left an irreplaceable void in the entertainment industry. Her impact on the world of comedy is immeasurable, and her legacy will forever be etched in our hearts and minds. Today, we delve into the creation of one of her most beloved characters, Moira Rose from the iconic show 'Schitt's Creek'.
In a world where personal interviews were a luxury during the pandemic, my encounter with O'Hara and Eugene Levy stands out as a cherished memory. On that fateful day, February 28, 2020, at the Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica, I had the privilege of discussing 'Schitt's Creek' with these comedy icons. Little did we know that within two weeks, the world would come to a standstill.
The conversation revolved around O'Hara's transformation into the eccentric Moira Rose, a role tailor-made for her by Eugene and Dan Levy, the show's creators. Eugene shared the story of how he had to convince O'Hara to join the project, revealing that the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) had given them the green light, which excited O'Hara. However, the initial plan to shoot during the summer didn't pan out, leading O'Hara to question Eugene's knowledge of her summer cottage plans.
But here's where it gets intriguing: O'Hara's vision for Moira was crystal clear from the start. She brought visual references to her meeting with the Levys, showcasing images of socialite Daphne Guinness as her inspiration. Eugene, beaming with pride for his son, Dan, revealed that the latter couldn't take notes fast enough during that meeting. However, Moira's voice and accent were more elusive, and O'Hara admitted to struggling to convey her ideas via email. It wasn't until they heard her speak that the Levys were blown away, with Eugene describing it as 'unreal'.
When asked about the show's success, O'Hara and Levy revealed that they knew they had something special from the very first episode. O'Hara praised the immediate chemistry between Dan Levy and Annie Murphy, who played her on-screen children, David and Alexis. She even reenacted the famous 'bed placement' scene from the pilot, quoting Alexis' line, 'You get murdered first!' and adding her own twist with a playful 'Bébés to us!'
Their past collaborations often came up during the interview, much to my delight. When discussing Emmy nominations, O'Hara playfully scolded me, reminding me of their 'For Your Consideration' campaign. In a Q&A published later, O'Hara defined the term 'callipygian ass' as having 'firm, round buttocks', a phrase often used by Moira.
As lunch came to an end, I tried to avoid an awkward elevator ride with the duo by paying the bill and making my exit. However, fate had other plans, and I found myself face-to-face with them at the valet stand. We exchanged greetings, and I couldn't help but smile as I watched them continue their lively conversation, their laughter echoing through the hotel lobby.
Catherine O'Hara's impact on comedy is undeniable, and her portrayal of Moira Rose is a testament to her genius. Her passing is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. Rest in peace, Catherine. Your legacy will live on through the laughter you've left behind.
