Catherine O’Hara, the Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actress renowned for her portrayal of Moira Rose in the hit television series Schitt’s Creek, recently found herself facing the real-life drama of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. Forced to evacuate her home, O’Hara grabbed a few essential items, including, notably, some of Moira’s iconic wardrobe pieces. Among the salvaged treasures were Givenchy boots and a sequined dress worn in a memorable babysitting scene, along with the "Vivien" wig, a cherished memento from Moira’s fictional soap opera past. This act not only highlights O’Hara’s attachment to the character but also underscores the enduring impact of Moira Rose’s eccentric and fashionable persona. While her home was ultimately spared, the experience was fraught with anxiety and a deep sense of empathy for those less fortunate, including her Schitt’s Creek co-star Eugene Levy, who lost property in the fires. The experience left O’Hara with a heightened sense of gratitude and a desire to contribute to relief efforts.
The evacuation incident offers a glimpse into O’Hara’s enduring connection to the character of Moira Rose. The carefully curated wardrobe, with its bold silhouettes and dramatic accessories, became synonymous with Moira’s theatrical personality and her unwavering commitment to maintaining a sense of style, even in the most unlikely circumstances. Choosing to rescue these items during a crisis speaks volumes about the deep impression the role has had on O’Hara and the affection she holds for the character she brought to life. The anecdote about the wigs further emphasizes this point. Despite being offered a selection of Moira’s elaborate hairpieces, O’Hara opted to take only the Vivien wig, the one associated with Moira’s past career as a soap opera star, suggesting a sentimental attachment to this particular piece of Moira’s history.
Moira Rose’s fashion choices transcended mere costume design; they became a defining characteristic of the character, a visual representation of her complex personality and backstory. The ever-changing wigs, the designer labels, the dramatic silhouettes all contributed to the creation of a character who, despite her eccentricities, resonated deeply with audiences. O’Hara’s input into these fashion choices, particularly her insistence on utilizing a variety of wigs, demonstrates the collaborative nature of the Schitt’s Creek production and the trust placed in the actors to shape their characters. This collaborative spirit, combined with the freedom to develop a "consistently inconsistent" character, is what O’Hara cites as a highlight of her experience working on the show.
Beyond the immediate impact of the wildfires, the evacuation episode also reveals a deeper side of O’Hara, highlighting her compassion and community spirit. Despite the personal threat to her own property, her primary concern was for the well-being of others affected by the disaster. This empathy is reflected in her statement about feeling conflicted praying for her own home while others were losing theirs, emphasizing a sense of shared vulnerability and the importance of collective support in times of crisis. This sentiment underscores the importance of community and mutual support, particularly in the face of shared adversity, demonstrating a genuine concern for the well-being of others above personal gain.
Turning from the dramatic events of the wildfires, O’Hara is now embracing a new project, a Michelob Ultra commercial for the 2025 Super Bowl. Titled "The ULTRA Hustle," the commercial pairs O’Hara with Willem Dafoe in a humorous pickleball showdown against professional athletes. For O’Hara, the project represents a welcome return to comedic performance and a chance to collaborate with a respected colleague. Her enthusiasm for the script and the opportunity to work with Dafoe, whom she briefly encountered on the set of Beetlejuice, speaks to her continued passion for acting and her appreciation for collaborative creative environments. The commercial offers a lighthearted counterpoint to the serious events of the wildfires, showcasing O’Hara’s versatility and her ability to find humor even in challenging times.
The Michelob Ultra commercial also provides an opportunity for O’Hara to connect with a wider audience. While her portrayal of Moira Rose earned her critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase, the Super Bowl platform exposes her talents to a massive viewership, potentially introducing her work to a new generation. This strategic move highlights the enduring appeal of O’Hara’s comedic timing and her ability to create memorable characters, regardless of the medium. By embracing this high-profile project, O’Hara further solidifies her status as a versatile and enduring talent in the entertainment industry. The commercial, in its humorous juxtaposition of everyday people against professional athletes, aims to create a relatable and entertaining experience for viewers, leveraging O’Hara’s comedic prowess to achieve this goal.
