Catherine O'Hara's Shocking 'Last of Us' Confession

Warning: Plot Spoiler: This narrative delves into significant events from episode 6, season 2 of “The Last of Us,” which is available for viewing on the current streaming platform called Max.

Craig Mazin, co-creator of “The Last of Us”, reached out to Catherine O’Hara to propose a role in the show’s second season, and the idea of playing a therapist in a post-apocalyptic setting amused her. As she put it during a Zoom call, “In this world, taking care of someone’s mental health – what an absurdly stressful profession!” She found humor in the notion.

Or:

Catherine O’Hara was intrigued when Craig Mazin asked her to play a therapist in the second season of “The Last of Us” because it seemed laughable to her that someone would be responsible for people’s mental well-being in such a post-apocalyptic society. Over Zoom, she shared her amusement by saying, “In this world, the pressure of taking care of anyone’s mental health is just ridiculous!”

Or:

Craig Mazin approached Catherine O’Hara with the opportunity to play a therapist in “The Last of Us” season 2. The thought that someone would have to manage people’s mental health in a post-apocalyptic society had her chuckling, as she explained on Zoom, “In this world, it seems absurdly stressful to be responsible for anyone’s mental well-being!” She found the idea amusing.

Catherine O’Hara has had audiences giggling since her time on the Canadian comedy series SCTV in the late 1970s, with memorable roles in films such as “Beetlejuice” and “Home Alone.” Her comedic prowess was further showcased in Christopher Guest productions like “Waiting for Guffman,” “Best in Show,” “A Mighty Wind,” “For Your Consideration,” and her Emmy-winning performance on “Schitt’s Creek.” However, unlike her previous roles, she hasn’t encountered a character as complex as Gail. This character is unique because she’s the only mental health professional in the community of Jackson, Wyoming, who trades her services for marijuana and alcohol.

In the Season 2 opener, Joel (Pedro Pascal) visits Gail to discuss his issues bonding with Ellie (Bella Ramsey), but Gail encourages Joel to disclose a secret he’s been keeping since their first encounter. To make him more forthcoming, she admits to Joel that she despises him for taking her husband, Eugene, despite knowing it was necessary, mainly because of how Joel executed the deed. In Episode 6, helmed by co-creator Neil Druckmann and penned by Mazin, Druckmann, and Halley Gross, we discover what truly transpired: When Joel and Ellie encounter Eugene (Joe Pantoliano) moments after he’s been bitten by an infected, Eugene pleads to be returned to Jackson so he and Gail can part ways. Instead of breaking the rules, Joel ends Eugene’s life; he brings Eugene’s corpse back to Gail and lies about Eugene’s final words. However, Ellie cannot tolerate Joel’s deception and reveals the truth to Gail, who then reacts angrily by slapping Joel and ordering him to depart.

O’Hara had a conversation with EbMaster regarding collaborating with Druckmann on that particular scene, discussing the similarities between Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey to Meryl Streep, revealing her level of knowledge about Eugene at the time of filming the initial episode, and delving into her other renowned TV series this year, “The Studio” on Apple TV+ – specifically explaining why she continued working even after contracting COVID.

When you shot the therapy session with Pedro Pascal in Episode 1, did you know about what happens in Episode 6?

I wasn’t clear on why she was so aggressive towards Joel because I hadn’t watched the sixth episode yet. I think Craig must have explained the context earlier, but I didn’t catch it. It feels like I’m out of the loop and might be coming off as rude unintentionally.

Did you imagine what might have happened?

Indeed, you’re right. The crucial event unfolds in the opening scene itself. She acknowledges that he had no other choice but to act as he did, yet expresses a sense of regret about it. However, his actions were necessary for the town’s safety, which she understands. What makes this situation so dreadful is not his responsibility for Eugene’s infection. Instead, it was Eugene who was attacked, and that’s the source of the horror.

What was your experience working with Pedro?

As a movie enthusiast, let me tell you, I was utterly captivated by this performance! He embodies every dream and fantasy one could possibly have. The audience can’t help but fall in love with him, and rightfully so. His charm is unparalleled, and he carries an enchanting aura that makes you feel like you’ve known him forever.

Both he and his co-star are exceptional actors. They possess the unique ability to immerse themselves so deeply into their characters that they seem to exist outside of the “Last of Us” world. It’s a gift, truly, one that is essential for navigating such a challenging environment.

During breaks, they are just as natural and down-to-earth as anyone you’d meet in your daily life. I had a similar experience working with Meryl Streep decades ago on “Heartburn.” Even amidst intense scenes, she would effortlessly switch gears, sharing stories about her everyday life. It was a reminder of what acting is all about – the ability to lose oneself in a role while maintaining a sense of reality.

Bella and Pedro have mastered this art flawlessly, delivering performances that are nothing short of mesmerizing.

How often are you approached for roles that aren’t comedic in nature, like this one?

Quite frequently, I might say, but not in this case, it was unique. It was something rather extraordinary, and I had been assured that I wouldn’t contract anything. So, that’s reassuring. The first question friends always ask is: “Are you going to get sick? Did it affect you?” Preparing for a performance, whether it’s for drama or comedy, requires the same effort. With comedy, you aim to elicit laughter, but you still strive to deliver what the scene demands.

If this isn’t too personal, did you draw any experiences of yourself from therapy for your performance and how Gail relates to her clients?

In a different context, Gail might have appeared more at ease with other clients, but in this specific instance, it held great personal significance for her. The scene revolved around Eugene’s birthday, which carried a lot of emotional weight for her, and she was drinking. I attended therapy sessions for approximately six months many years ago, during a challenging period in my life. Fortunately, I had an exceptional therapist who helped me gain new perspectives and listen to myself more attentively – things that I often said without fully understanding their implications. However, I didn’t realize the extent to which those experiences influenced my performance. Although some aspects might have seeped into my portrayal unconsciously, I mainly focused on developing Joel and Eugene’s characters, dealing with birthday celebrations, drinking, job pressures, and the intense dialogue.

You know, Gail flatly tells anyone who will listen that she self-medicates with alcohol and with weed. But I don’t think you ever play her as drunk or high. How did you come to that choice?

It seems like we’ve all tacitly understood something without explicitly discussing it. I didn’t feel like being intoxicated tonight, even though I enjoy it, because it can sometimes make connecting with others challenging. You see, when you’re drunk, you’re more focused on your own thoughts, and you might say things that don’t really matter. Tonight, I wanted to be there for Pedro, Joel, and provide the support Gail would – someone who manages to stay alert or mildly intoxicated. I think she’s just sipping her drink. I did ask for a cup, and I found the idea appealing. There was this amazing woman who lived near where I grew up, and she’d drink all day but from a cup. She’d add milk to her whiskey, so we kids thought she was just drinking milk. She was a beautiful woman who we spent our days with. “Where is everyone else?” “They’re at Ruth’s house.

We never get to see Eugene and Gail together on the show. Did you build out any kind of backstory for them?

To be honest, it wasn’t necessary for me. I didn’t encounter Joey Pantoliano personally, neither did I witness him shooting. However, the emotion portrayed in his eyes during that scene clearly depicts how much Gail means to him.

It was intriguing when he expressed his curiosity about what she would tell him. At first, I assumed she had something to forgive him for, which is what he apparently wanted to hear – reassurance from Gail that everything was alright. However, upon reflection, I realized that he held such faith in her professionalism and love for him that he believed she would know the appropriate words to help him cope with his impending death. That revelation moved me deeply. It even made me tear up. The depth of their connection was palpable. You could feel it without even witnessing any of it. Truly, that entire episode touched my heart.

His curiosity about what she would say to him sparked my interest. I initially thought he wanted assurance for something he had done wrong, hoping to hear from Gail that all was forgiven. But upon closer consideration, it became clear that he trusted her professional judgment and love for him so much that he believed she could provide the right words to help him face his mortality. This realization brought tears to my eyes. The bond between them was profoundly moving, one you could sense without actually seeing any of it. Indeed, that whole episode left a lasting impression on me.

Neil Druckmann told me about shooting the scene where Gail learns that Joel was lying to her about how Eugene died, and that he asked you to scream at Joel and you whispered instead, which is the take he used in the episode. What do you remember about shooting that scene?

I received this piece and my agent sent it to me. Upon reading it, I found myself questioning, “Had we argued or disagreed? Was that the case?” Given how engrossed I was in our activities that day, it hadn’t crossed my mind then. Actors can be overly sensitive about line deliveries or certain suggestions, and it’s rather absurd because closing down is the least inspiring thing one could do. I don’t share this sentiment. Instead, I trust the individual, knowing they have insight. Neil, of course, does. So, whatever he requested for the scene, I perceived it as, “What’s missing? What is he seeking?” He might have instructed me to yell, but I don’t recall that exactly, yet it’s essential to consider directors’ suggestions as their vision for your performance. In an interview, he mentioned that I absorbed and internalized this direction—I believe that’s my responsibility. He wanted Gail to express feelings towards pushing Joel away. That critical moment marks the onset of her pain and anger. Just before that, she considers, “Thank you, Joel, for bringing him to me.” However, when receiving feedback or notes, it’s important to remain calm, especially when you trust they understand their craft. Sometimes, you work with individuals lacking expertise, and in those instances, you do comply. As my husband puts it, “Noted.

How has it felt having this show and “The Studio” airing at the same time?

Wonderful! You never can tell what people will choose to watch. I expected “The Last of Us” to be a hit, and I hoped they would also enjoy “The Studio.” However, it’s the everyday work that holds significance, something you can always rely on. Working on “The Studio” was truly enjoyable. We managed to film entire 10-page scenes in one take, repeatedly. We did numerous takes, but there were no additional shots! It’s fantastic. The experience felt incredibly real, raw, natural, and entertaining. Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg make a fantastic team, their collaboration is impressive. They are both exceptionally creative and open to ideas at the same time, making for a very collaborative environment. All the actors, Ike Barinholtz, Kathryn Hahn, and Chase Sui Wonders – everyone was outstanding. It was truly enjoyable.

At the end, though, for that whole CinemaCon scene [in Episode 9], I had COVID.

Oh wow!

I contracted COVID-19 at The Sphere, which was all that was visible to me during that time. My posture has slumped significantly since then. We chose not to get tested because we were in the midst of filming and preparing to leave town within a couple of days, so we had to complete all the scenes. I maintained my distance as much as possible. There was an instance when I had a water bottle lying on the floor, and Evan approached me to offer it. I quickly told him not to touch it, sensing that everything should be kept untouched. I’m grateful I didn’t pass it on to anyone else.

Apologies for not addressing your query earlier. Remarkably, our questions coincided! As it happens, I’m catching up with some friends, and upon seeing me, they were taken aback, asking if I’ve been everywhere lately. The truth is, I haven’t worked in a while.

Do you think that you will be back for subsequent seasons of “The Last of Us”?

It’s unclear, but Craig mentioned that it won’t be about Abby during the upcoming season. However, there might be some connection to her storyline, possibly in service of Joel and Ellie’s narrative.

Finally, since you’ve been watching the show, what do you think Gail was doing in Episode 2, when the town was being attacked by all of the infected?

She wasn’t providing much assistance, as she found herself amidst a group of individuals, either in an attic or basement, simply contributing to their relaxation, managing her own fears, and possibly circulating a marijuana cigarette.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

2025-05-20 02:18

Catherine O’Hara’s Shocking ‘Last of Us’ Confession