Catherine O’Hara on pickleball, Super Bowl commercials and colorful fan encounters
3 min readCatherine O’Hara, the iconic actress known for her legendary comedic roles, is stepping into the spotlight once again, but this time in a new Super Bowl commercial for Michelob Ultra. In the ad, she stars alongside Oscar-nominated actor Willem Dafoe as they take on pickleball players in a quest for a refreshing beer. While O’Hara has appeared in a Super Bowl ad before, a brief cameo in a 2022 Nissan commercial, this new spot required more effort and unveiled a hidden talent—pickleball.
O’Hara revealed that working on the commercial helped her discover a new skill. “Everyone was so kind, and the director was so encouraging,” she said. “You immediately think, ‘Yeah, wait a minute, I’m good. I know what I’m doing.’” The actress also enjoyed collaborating with Dafoe, calling him loose, funny, and easygoing. “Willem is collaborative,” she added. “He’s played so many amazing serious roles but doesn’t take himself seriously.”
O’Hara, who is widely loved for her comedic talents in movies like Beetlejuice and Best in Show, is best known for her role as Kate McCallister in the classic holiday film Home Alone. Reflecting on the film’s enduring popularity, she credited the film’s timeless storyline and perfect execution. “It’s just an everlastingly great story,” O’Hara explained. “And so beautifully executed.” The movie’s ability to connect with audiences across generations continues to make it a holiday favorite.
Fans often approach O’Hara about Home Alone, asking her about the plot, especially questioning why her character loses her child. “So many times, children come up to me and say, ‘Why would you do that to your child? Why would you lose your child?’” she recalled with a laugh. The actress has certainly made her mark in pop culture, with Home Alone being just one part of her illustrious career.
Not all of O’Hara’s fan encounters are innocent, though. She shared an amusing story about a conversation with a couple she met in a Trader Joe’s in Los Angeles. The couple insisted she had once met them at a sex club called Sex Positive in LA. “They kept saying ‘You don’t remember us, do you?’” O’Hara recalled, adding, “Finally, they told me it was from Sex Positive. I know I haven’t been there, I’m not a member, but whoever is my doppelganger obviously knows what they’re doing.” The actress took the encounter in stride and laughed at the mix-up.
When it comes to the Super Bowl, O’Hara’s husband, a lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan, ensures she’s rooting for the team. However, she confessed that she’s not a die-hard sports fan herself. Like many others, she is most excited about the commercials. “I think half the people that watch it are watching for the commercials,” she said. “I’m honored to be in one.” O’Hara’s lighthearted approach to life and her roles, both on and off screen, continue to endear her to fans old and new.
Whether she’s playing a quirky character or embracing an unexpected sport like pickleball, Catherine O’Hara’s charm and humor are undeniable. Her latest venture into the Super Bowl spotlight only adds to her diverse career, proving once again that she can handle any challenge with wit and grace.
Source: CNN
About The Author
