Julia Gets Wise with Catherine O’Hara
Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Deep Dive
Why did Catherine O'Hara focus on the process of rehearsing for comedy rather than the end result?
She found joy in the teamwork and experimentation involved in perfecting a bit, rather than the external rewards like kudos, awards, or paychecks.
How did Catherine O'Hara describe her experience performing in front of a cynical audience at SNL?
She described it as excruciating, with sketches that were successful in Chicago dying terrible deaths in front of the cynical, unfriendly SNL cast and writers.
What lesson did Catherine O'Hara learn from her SNL experience?
She learned about flop sweat and the humiliation of performing poorly, which influenced her entire SNL experience for the next couple of years.
How does Catherine O'Hara apply the improv rule 'Yes, and' in her life off-stage?
She believes life is a big improv where relationships and work situations require collaboration, attention, and building on what others bring to the table.
What was Catherine O'Hara's fondest memory from her early comedy career?
Her fondest memories are of the joyful teamwork and experimentation with other actors to perfect comedy bits, rather than the laughs or external recognition.
How did Catherine O'Hara describe her experience at the Practical Theatre Company in Chicago?
She described it as a playful environment where they were free to experiment without inhibition, focusing on making each other laugh rather than an audience.
What does Catherine O'Hara believe is the best part about being her age?
She feels lucky to be alive and doesn't dwell on her age, often feeling the same age as younger people she works with, focusing on the shared human experience rather than age differences.
How did Catherine O'Hara's experience at SNL influence her later hosting experiences?
Knowing how the show worked from her time as a cast member, she felt more confident and prepared when she later hosted SNL, understanding what she needed to do to succeed.
What does Catherine O'Hara believe is the key to any great performance, whether comedy or drama?
She believes the key is listening, which is essential for both great performances and effective improvisation.
How did Catherine O'Hara describe her relationship with her husband, Bo Welch?
She described it as filled with a lot of laughter every day, acknowledging that they've had their conflicts but valuing his kindness and the joy they share.
- Improvisation is about listening and reacting in the moment.
- The best improvisers are excellent listeners, which translates to great acting.
- Catherine and Julia share similar origins in Second City, leading to successful comedy careers.
Shownotes Transcript