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The Louis Theroux Podcast

S4 EP6: Sharon Horgan on the sadness of comedy, living in squats and FaceTiming Bono

Feb 18, 2025
In a lively chat, Sharon Horgan, a celebrated Irish actor and writer known for her sharp comedic touch, opens up about her fascinating past living in London squats and the unexpected camaraderie that ensued. She deftly navigates the thin line between comedy and tragedy, sharing insights from her series 'Bad Sisters.' Sharon recounts a hilarious moment FaceTiming Bono and reflects on the ethics of comedy, the pressures of fame, and nearly starring in a Woody Allen film. Her balance of humor and depth shines through in this engaging conversation.
01:14:40

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Sharon Horgan's journey illustrates the importance of persistence in a competitive industry, where recognition often comes gradually rather than instantly.
  • Her creative work, particularly in 'Bad Sisters,' highlights the complexities of relationships through darkly comedic narratives informed by personal experiences.

Deep dives

Sharon Horgan's Rise in Comedy

Sharon Horgan transitioned into comedy writing in her mid-30s after various odd jobs, including a six-year stint at a job centre in Kilburn. She co-created the sitcom 'Pulling,' which debuted in 2006 and focused on the lives of three single women in London, earning critical acclaim. Following this success, Horgan collaborated with Rob Delaney on 'Catastrophe,' a comedic take on an unexpected pregnancy that further solidified her reputation in the industry. This paved the way for her move to the US, where she wrote and executive produced 'Divorce' for HBO.

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