Catherine O'Hara's Iconic Acceptance Speech as Moira Rose: A Schitt's Creek Masterclass
Alright, Catherine O'Hara fans and Schitt's Creek enthusiasts, today we're diving into the hilarious, heartwarming, and oh-so-Moira acceptance speech that Catherine O'Hara delivered at the 2020 Emmy Awards. Buckle up, because this isn't just a recap; it's a masterclass in how to blend comedy, drama, and sheer brilliance into a single, unforgettable speech. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and catherine o'hara acceptance speech as moira.
The Rise of Moira Rose
Before we dive into the speech itself, let's rewind a bit. For those living under a rock (or, you know, before 2015), Catherine O'Hara plays Moira Rose, the eccentric, fashion-forward, and utterly unforgettable matriarch of the once-wealthy, now-destitute Rose family. The show, Schitt's Creek, follows the Roses as they navigate life in their new home: the tiny, eccentric town of Schitt's Creek, which they bought as a joke.
O'Hara's portrayal of Moira is nothing short of genius. With her ever-changing wigs, unique vocabulary (courtesy of co-creator Dan Levy), and penchant for dramatic entrances, Moira Rose has become a pop culture icon. So, when O'Hara took home the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2020, it was more than well-deserved; it was a triumph for all Moira fans.
The Speech: A Comedy of Errors
Now, let's get to the main event: O'Hara's acceptance speech. Dressed in a stunning, flowy gown and a platinum blonde wig that could outshine any Hollywood starlet, O'Hara took to the stage, clutching her Emmy like a lifeline.
> "Oh, my god. Oh, my god. Oh, my god. Oh, my god. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I think I'm having a medical emergency. I'm not, but I think I should be. I'm so grateful, and I'm so shocked. I'm so shocked, I feel like I'm in a bit of a fugue state."
And with that, she had the room in stitches. O'Hara's self-deprecating humor set the tone for a speech that was equal parts hilarious and heartfelt.
A Toast to the Roses
O'Hara spent the next few minutes paying tribute to her fellow cast members, co-creators Dan and Eugene Levy, and the show's crew. She even managed to sneak in a Moira-ism, thanking the "little people" who helped her "achieve this little Emmy."
> "I want to thank the little people. I'm sorry, that's a Moira-ism. I want to thank the crew, the cast, the writers, and the Levy men. Dan and Eugene, thank you for giving me this opportunity to play this incredible, ridiculous, heartbreaking, funny, wonderful woman."
The Power of Television
But O'Hara's speech wasn't just a comedy routine. It was a love letter to the power of television, and a testament to the impact that Schitt's Creek has had on viewers.
> "Television is a writer's medium. And these writers, my God, they have given us all so much to bite into. They've created a show that, you know, I think, has brought some joy, some laughter, some tears, some hugs, and some comfort to people at a time when they need it the most."
She also took a moment to acknowledge the importance of representation in television, thanking the Levys for creating a show that celebrates diversity and inclusivity.
A Farewell to Moira
As the show came to an end in 2020, O'Hara's speech served as a bittersweet farewell to Moira Rose. And, in true Moira fashion, she ended her speech with a dramatic flourish.
> "So, I want to thank you all for this incredible honor. And I want to thank my fellow nominees for not having a medical emergency. And I want to thank the Television Academy for this, and I'm going to clench this in my fist all the way to the bank. Goodnight, everybody."
And with that, she sashayed off the stage, leaving the audience in fits of laughter and applause.
The Legacy of Moira Rose
Catherine O'Hara's acceptance speech was more than just a funny, heartfelt speech. It was a celebration of the power of television, a testament to the importance of representation, and a loving farewell to one of the most iconic characters in television history.
So, here's to you, Catherine O'Hara, for bringing Moira Rose into our lives. And here's to Moira, for reminding us that, no matter how ridiculous, dramatic, or downright bizarre we may be, there's always a place for us in this world. After all, as Moira would say, "That's what makes us special, David. Our unique-ness."