Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus Listen Again: Julia Gets Wise with Catherine O'Hara
Sep 10, 2025
Catherine O'Hara, a comedy icon known for her roles in Beetlejuice and Schitt's Creek, shares her improv roots and experiences in the entertainment industry. She recounts her exhilarating journey with the Practical Theater Company and the unique pressures of auditioning for Saturday Night Live. The conversation covers the humorous epidemic of over-apologizing and reflects on aging in showbiz. Catherine also shares whimsical stories, including a memorable Vatican visit, alongside Julia's heartfelt anecdotes about motherhood and creativity.
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Rehearsal Is The Real Reward
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus highlights that the joy is in rehearsing and collaboration, not just the laughs or awards.
- She frames life as improv: accept others' offers and build on them with attention and big choices.
Cringe Moment At SNL Pitch
- Julia recounts a humiliating SNL presentation where Chicago sketches died under fluorescent lights to hostile cast members.
- She says that flop experience taught her lasting lessons about confidence and resilience.
Yes, And — And Also No
- Julia invokes Viola Spolin's 'Yes, And' as an improv rule that translates to life and collaboration.
- She balances that with the countertruth that 'no' can also be a complete, empowering sentence.
