When I was just realizing my life would be spent in the Arts my sophomore year of college, Waiting for Guffman was released and changed my entire world. COH as Shiela was an inspired performance, finding not just silliness but also deep heart in a character that others would play only on the surface. And in the process gave us one of the best performances of a drunk character ever.
Every character before that and since has been my favorite, all with their unique characterizations, vocal stylings, and of course the wig creations that always added to her characters.
Ever since I can remember, she’s been at the top of my list of people I’d want to invite to a dinner party. Her stable of characters has inspired many a Halloween costume.
I had the honor of working with her a year and a half ago on a holiday commercial. Without any prompting she came up to me to ask if I was the production designer, and after I confirmed, she laid down so many compliments and details she’d noticed about the sets, to a point that I was speechless. The Queen of Holidays was smitten with my sets. My artistic idol from every era of my adulthood was showering me with praise. She was so thoughtful and patient and wonderful. We got to talk for a good while and I got to tell her how much she meant to me, not just personally but how her character on Schitts Creek helped my mom and me get even closer, and about the dinner party idea, of which she laughingly accepted. She truly was all the emotional beauty and supportive creativity and genuine interest that you’d hope she would be. Sadly, I think I got to design one of the final holiday sets she would work on.
Catherine O’Hara was truly one of a kind, and will forever be an inspiration to me. She lived a full and rich life in the arts, (married to and oh so supportive of one my all time Production Design heroes Bo Welch) not just contributing but lifting those up around her. RIP Catherine O’Hara, you leave behind a legacy of talent that most of us can only dream of and aspire to find in ourselves.
I wonder how it’s been 8 years and then I look back and see all we’ve done together and the time fills up so fast. So many trips, so much music, quality times with our families (both bio and chosen), while nurturing the little one we’ve created. We’ve weathered storms and danced under rainbows. From my favorite wedding date in frame 1, to our very first date in the last frame, you’re my forever and always. Here’s to the next 8 years. Happy Anniversary bb. I love you, and I like you. 😘❤️😈🪨
Chris and I took a quick 24 hour trip to MN to see my nephew star in his high school musical production of Mamma Mia! He of course killed it, and the production was really fun. We got to make a day of it with the whole gang, all the nieces and nephews included. We aquariumed and rode some coasters at Mall of America. Then back in the cities, we got some fun snow flurries to cap off the night. Such a great trip!
