Sharon Horgan - ‘My marriage failed but it had such a positive impact on my life’
Jan 22, 2025
auto_awesome
Sharon Horgan, acclaimed writer and director known for shows like "Bad Sisters" and "Catastrophe," opens up about her journey through failure and personal growth. She shares how dropping out of drama school and the end of her marriage led to unexpected positive changes in her life. Horgan highlights the resilience and confidence she gained from these experiences and discusses the balance of humor and darkness in her storytelling. She also reflects on the emotional complexities of motherhood and navigating life as she approaches her 50s.
Sharon Horgan's career journey illustrates that personal and professional fulfillment can flourish even when starting later in life.
Her candid reflections on divorce highlight the importance of recognizing personal needs for growth and nurturing environments after perceived failures.
Deep dives
Managing PMS with Estro Control
PMS can lead to significant physical and emotional discomfort for women, including symptoms like fatigue, cravings, and mood swings. Estro Control, a supplement developed by Happy Mammoth, aims to alleviate these symptoms through a formula that contains herbal extracts proven to support hormonal health. This product particularly assists the liver in processing estrogen, which may reduce PMS symptoms and other related skin issues. It is specially designed for women who are perimenopausal, offering a targeted solution during this transitional phase.
Sharon Horgan's Journey to Success
Sharon Horgan's career in television took time to flourish, starting with her experiences in a convent school and various jobs before she finally attended university at 27. She gained popularity with her sitcom 'Pulling' and further established herself with 'Catastrophe' and 'Motherland'. Horgan's recent work on 'Bad Sisters', a dark comedy about familial bonds and struggles, illustrates her ability to craft relatable characters navigating complex emotional landscapes. Her success story emphasizes the belief that it’s never too late to pursue one’s passions and find personal fulfillment.
Embracing Humor in Dark Comedy
The unique balance of comedy and tragedy is a hallmark of Horgan's writing, particularly evident in her show 'Bad Sisters', which tackles themes of domestic abuse and family loyalty. Horgan emphasized the necessity of using humor as a coping mechanism in real life, suggesting that comedic relief follows moments of distress almost instantaneously. The challenge lies in achieving the right timing for humor in serious contexts, requiring sensitivity and skill. This mixture of darkness and laughter resonated with audiences, showcasing the real-life interplay of joy and sorrow.
Reflections on Marriage and Divorce
Horgan discussed her divorce candidly, asserting that while it may be perceived as a failure, it also led to personal growth and an opportunity for new beginnings. The decision to end the marriage, although difficult, ultimately provided a chance for a healthier environment for her children and herself. She highlighted the importance of being in a nurturing relationship rather than clinging to a partnership that no longer served both partners positively. The discussion underscored how acknowledging one’s needs and priorities in life can lead to fulfillment, even after perceived failures.
Sharon Horgan is a writer, actor and director. She has an uncanny ability to craft complex, compelling and heartfelt characters who find comedy even in the darkest of situations: just like in her hit series Bad Sisters - which has won a Peabody Award and four Emmy nominations. You’ll also know her from the BAFTA-nominated show Pulling, plus starring and writing in the critically-acclaimed shows Catastrophe and Motherland.
Her failures include dropping out of art college and drama school, a failed audition and finally - a big one - her marriage.
Have something to share of your own? I'd love to hear from you! Click here to get in touch: howtofailpod.com
Production & Post Production Coordinator: Eric Ryan
Studio and Mix Engineer: Gulliver Lawrence-Tickell
Producer: Hannah Talbot
Executive Producer: Carly Maile
Head of Marketing: Kieran Lancini
How to Fail is an Elizabeth Day and Sony Music Entertainment Production.