Catherine O’Hara, known for her iconic roles in Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, has officially stepped into the gritty, post-apocalyptic world of The Last of Us. The Emmy-winning actress made her debut in the second season of the critically acclaimed HBO series, portraying Gail—the only therapist left in a world ravaged by infection and survival.
In a recent interview, O’Hara opened up about her experience joining the high-stakes drama, praising series co-creator and showrunner Craig Mazin for his clarity and creative direction.
“Craig was just very clear,” she shared. “He really knows what he’s doing and what he wants to have happen.”
Interestingly, the idea of introducing a therapist for Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, was originally considered during the show’s first season but was ultimately shelved. The concept was revived in season two, paving the way for O’Hara’s character to finally appear on screen.
Despite her decades-long career and accolades, O’Hara admitted that stepping into a show as popular and intense as The Last of Us came with its own set of challenges.
“It was kind of scary because you want to do a good job,” she confessed. “I wanted to rise to the occasion.”
Approaching the role with humility, O’Hara described herself as “the interloper,” adding, “So I just put myself in [Craig’s] hands, and he guided me, giving gentle but clear notes all day—with a sense of humor.”
She also spoke warmly of her co-star Pedro Pascal, whose mix of charm and intensity made her time on set even more memorable.
“Pedro, of course, was really fun to spend the day with,” she said. “And then very intense by the end, where he’s defending his life for some reason.”
O’Hara’s character Gail was introduced in the season two premiere, offering fans a deeper look into Joel’s inner struggles and adding a new emotional layer to the evolving storyline.
At 71, O’Hara continues to captivate audiences with her versatility and depth, bringing warmth and wisdom to a world defined by chaos.
