‘The Last of Us’ Star Catherine O’Hara on Pedro Pascal, Making ‘The Studio’
In the latest episode of “The Last of Us,” viewers were shocked by the intense and emotional scene between Catherine O’Hara’s character, Gail, and Joel, played by Pedro Pascal. As Gail, the only therapist in the post-apocalyptic community of Jackson, Wyoming, O’Hara delivers a powerful performance that showcases her range as an actress.
In the episode, Joel visits Gail to seek help in connecting with Ellie, but their session takes a dark turn when Gail confronts Joel about the truth behind her husband’s death. As the scene unfolds, viewers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster as Gail grapples with her grief and anger towards Joel for killing her husband, Eugene, in order to protect the town.
O’Hara’s performance in this episode is a testament to her talent as an actress. Known primarily for her comedic roles, O’Hara proves that she is just as capable of delivering a dramatic and emotional performance. Her portrayal of Gail is raw and powerful, capturing the character’s pain and anger in a way that resonates with viewers.
In a recent interview with Variety, O’Hara discussed her experience working on the show and the challenges of playing such a complex character. She praised her co-stars, Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, for their talent and professionalism, comparing them to acting legends like Meryl Streep.
Overall, O’Hara’s performance in “The Last of Us” showcases her versatility as an actress and solidifies her as a force to be reckoned with in both comedy and drama. As the series continues to unfold, fans can look forward to more powerful performances from O’Hara and the rest of the talented cast.
Catherine O’Hara has been making audiences laugh for decades, from her iconic roles in “Beetlejuice” and “Home Alone” to her Emmy-winning performance in “Schitt’s Creek.” In her latest project, “The Last of Us,” O’Hara brings her comedic talents to a more dramatic role as therapist Gail.
In a recent interview, O’Hara discussed how she drew on personal experiences from therapy to inform her performance as Gail. She shared that therapy helped her see things about herself that she hadn’t realized before, and that her therapist’s questioning led her to new insights. While she didn’t consciously bring these experiences to her performance, she acknowledged that they may have influenced her subconsciously.
One of the interesting choices O’Hara made in her portrayal of Gail was to not play her as drunk or high, despite Gail’s self-medication with alcohol and weed. O’Hara explained that she wanted to be fully present for her co-star Pedro Pascal’s character, Joel, and felt that playing drunk would hinder her ability to relate to him. Instead, she portrayed Gail as someone who knows how to maintain a level of high or buzz, subtly sipping her drink throughout the scenes.
O’Hara also discussed the relationship between Gail and Eugene, played by Joey Pantoliano, despite the characters never appearing together on screen. She explained that the love between them was evident in Pantoliano’s performance, particularly in a scene where Eugene asks Gail to help him handle dying. O’Hara was moved by the depth of emotion conveyed in that moment, emphasizing the strength of their bond even without direct interaction.
Lastly, O’Hara reflected on a scene where Gail learns that Joel had lied to her about Eugene’s death. Director Neil Druckmann had asked O’Hara to scream at Joel in the scene, but she chose to whisper instead, a choice that Druckmann ultimately used in the episode. O’Hara explained that she trusted Druckmann’s vision and sought to internalize his direction to deliver a performance that captured the pain and anger Gail was feeling in that moment.
Through her nuanced portrayal of Gail in “The Last of Us,” Catherine O’Hara showcases her versatility as an actor, blending comedy with drama to bring depth and authenticity to her character. Her personal insights and collaborative approach to the role have helped to create a compelling and memorable performance that resonates with audiences. As my husband always says, “Duly noted,” I couldn’t agree more with the sentiment of being acknowledged and understood. It’s a simple phrase, but it holds a lot of weight in communication.
Having both “The Last of Us” and “The Studio” airing simultaneously has been a delightful experience for me. The uncertainty of whether viewers will tune in is always present, but the daily work and dedication put into these projects are what truly matter. “The Studio” was a particularly enjoyable endeavor, with long scenes shot in a single take, providing a raw and natural feel to the performances. Working with a talented team led by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg was a privilege, and the camaraderie among the cast members made the experience even more memorable.
However, amidst the excitement of filming, I faced a personal challenge when I contracted COVID during the production of the CinemaCon scene in Episode 9. Despite feeling unwell, I persevered to finish shooting, taking necessary precautions to prevent spreading the virus to others. It was a trying time, but I’m grateful that no one else was affected.
Reflecting on the success of both shows airing concurrently, I am humbled by the positive reception and the opportunity to engage with audiences on multiple platforms. The question of returning for future seasons of “The Last of Us” remains uncertain, as the focus shifts to different characters in the upcoming narrative.
As for Gail’s role in Episode 2 of “The Last of Us,” amidst the chaos of the infected attacking the town, she found solace in providing comfort and support to a group of survivors, perhaps even sharing a moment of relaxation with a shared joint.
In conclusion, navigating the challenges and triumphs of filming two shows simultaneously has been a rewarding experience, and I look forward to what the future holds in my acting career. This interview has been condensed for brevity and clarity.
