Catherine O’Hara, the Emmy Award-winning actress from "Schitt’s Creek," chats with Julia Louis-Dreyfus about their improv roots and the liberating chaos of early comedy careers. They share humorous Vatican visit stories and bond over their shared belief that laughter is sexy. Julia’s 90-year-old mother, Judith, adds a delightful touch by trying to deliver a joke, proving that humor transcends generations. This heartfelt conversation reveals not just laughter but also wisdom about aging and the importance of connection in the world of comedy.
Catherine O'Hara and Julia Louis-Dreyfus reflect on their early comedic experiences, showcasing how experimentation and teamwork shape their craft.
The importance of the 'Yes, And' philosophy from improv is discussed, highlighting its role in enhancing creativity and collaborative relationships.
A candid conversation on aging encourages a joyful acceptance of life's journey, challenging traditional perceptions of growing older in the entertainment industry.
Deep dives
Restoring Reproductive Rights
The episode emphasizes the alarming trend of reduced access to abortion and reproductive healthcare across the United States. It highlights that voters consistently advocate for reproductive rights whenever given the chance on ballots, regardless of party affiliation. Grassroots movements are forming nationwide to address this issue, urging citizens to take action and support initiatives that restore these crucial rights. A specific call to action is made, encouraging listeners to donate to the Abortion Ballot Measure Fund to help place vital abortion measures on the ballot in several states.
Emphasizing Collaboration in Comedy
The podcast discusses the speaker's background in comedy, showcasing the joy found in collaborative rehearsal and the creative process involved in crafting comedic scenes. A memorable example is used, recounting a difficult scene from the show 'Veep' where endless rehearsals contributed to developing nuances in the performance. The focus remains on the importance of teamwork and the fruitful yet challenging nature of perfecting comedic moments through extensive practice. This highlights how the process of creating comedy is often more satisfying than the actual laughter it generates.
Overcoming Embarrassment in Comedy
An engaging story is shared from the speaker's early experiences with 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL), illustrating the stark contrast between the excitement of performing in front of a supportive audience versus a critical one. The embarrassment of performing for a tough crowd filled with SNL cast members is recalled, underscoring the harsh realities of the entertainment industry. This moment proved to be a learning experience about resilience and humility in the face of failure. The lessons learned from that experience have influenced the speaker’s comedic journey significantly.
The Principle of 'Yes, And' in Life
The concept of 'Yes, And,' a fundamental rule from improv, is explored as a life philosophy that promotes acceptance and constructive collaboration. This principle encourages individuals to build on what others present rather than negate it, fostering a supportive and creative environment. It highlights the importance of being open to unexpected contributions in both personal and professional relationships. The speaker reflects that this approach can lead to richer interactions and outcomes in various aspects of life beyond the stage.
The Reflection on Aging
A candid discussion on aging is featured, with insights shared about perceptions of age and the personal experience of being in the entertainment industry. The interaction reveals a mutual understanding that traditional markers of aging often don’t resonate with personal feelings of being 'old.' Both speakers reflect on the importance of staying connected to youthful perspectives while appreciating life's journey. This part of the conversation emphasizes a joyful acceptance of aging and encourages listeners to celebrate their experiences rather than succumb to societal pressures regarding age.
On this episode of Wiser Than Me, Julia sits down with 70-year-old comedy icon – and star of Beetlejuice and Schitt’s Creek – Catherine O’Hara. Catherine and Julia share their improv origin stories and reminisce about the freedom and experimentation of their early comedy careers. They also swap stories about visiting the Vatican, over-apologizing, and how they both find laughter incredibly sexy. Plus, Judith, Julia’s 90-year-old mom, tries very hard to tell a joke.
Find out more about other shows on our network at @lemonadamedia on all social platforms.
Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.
Wiser Than Me is sponsored by ZOE. Visit ZOE.com to find out what ZOE Membership could do for you and use the exclusive code WISER10 to get 10% off membership.