Sharon Horgan on Grief, Resilience, and Finding Confidence After Loss
Irish actress and writer Sharon Horgan, creator of the critically acclaimed series *Catastrophe* and *Bad Sisters*, recently opened up about the deeply personal challenges she faced during the production of season two of her Apple TV+ hit.
Horgan revealed that production was temporarily halted as she grieved the loss of her father at Christmas 2023. “It was weird going back to work. In the end we had to shut down the production as I couldn’t,” she shared candidly.
Juggling her own grief while portraying its complexities on screen proved to be a profoundly intense experience.
“I found it really tough to watch,” Horgan admitted, reflecting on her brother’s feedback on an episode filmed after her father’s death. “Everything I was feeling went into those scenes, you know? So in some ways it’s great and it’s cathartic and you can connect with your feelings and you can express them,” she explained.
However, the intensity of acting, especially when dealing with raw emotions, took a toll. Horgan described a “weird muscle memory” that comes from inhabiting and expressing extreme feelings. “You’re essentially using your emotions,and it feels strange and a bit wrong,” she confessed.
Despite these hardships, Horgan has emerged stronger, embracing a newfound confidence as she navigates her 50s. “I think hormones are driving me,I’m on everything so,but I hate the visual depiction of aging,” she confessed. “It really bothers me because of natural vanity, but also because I don’t feel like that, and I’m sure everyone says this, but it’s why the number feels weird because inside I have puppy dog levels of energy,” she added with a laugh.
Loss and resilience are woven throughout Horgan’s life and work. Reflecting on losing her father, she said, “There’s a weird connection with your mortality when you lose a parent, and you start thinking about things in a different way, and that’s why I’m very particular about what I work on and who I work with and how I spend my time.”
Horgan’s journey resonates with many who are grappling with similar experiences, offering a powerful reminder of the strength we find within ourselves in the face of adversity.
From Grief to Giggles: How sharon Horgan’s personal struggles Inform Her Hilarious Work
Sharon Horgan is celebrated for her raw, honest, and incredibly funny work in critically acclaimed shows like Catastrophe and Bad Sisters. But behind the comedic brilliance lies a woman who has faced and navigated immense personal challenges,including the heart-wrenching loss of her father.
When production on the second season of Bad Sisters was temporarily halted due to Horgan’s grief, it served as a powerful reminder that even the strongest individuals need space to process loss and find healing. “the loss of my father was… challenging, to put it mildly,” Horgan shared candidly. “I throw myself into work, which is what I usually do when life gets tough. But sometimes, even the best distractions aren’t enough.”
Acknowledging the need to prioritize her emotional well-being, Horgan made the brave decision to step back from work. “It became clear that I needed some time to navigate my grief properly,to process my feelings and honor my father’s memory,” she explained.
This testament to self-care and vulnerability resonated deeply with fans and colleagues alike. The cast and crew of Bad Sisters provided unwavering support,understanding the importance of allowing Horgan the space she needed. “The cast and crew were incredibly understanding and supportive.We decided to pause production for a bit, and I’m grateful for their patience and understanding,” Horgan expressed.
horgan’s journey through grief is a poignant reminder that humor can be a powerful coping mechanism. While acknowledging that grief is a complex and ongoing process, she emphasized the importance of allowing emotions to flow freely. “Grief doesn’t have an ‘off’ switch. But what I’ve found helps is allowing myself to feel the emotions as they come,not pushing them away.I talk about my dad often,” she shared.
Sharon Horgan’s willingness to share her personal struggles and discuss the complexities of grief, while together showcasing her talent for creating laughter, solidifies her as a true icon. Her story is an inspiration, reminding us that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a powerful source of strength and connection.
Finding Strength Through Laughter: An Interview with Sharon Horgan
Sharon Horgan, the brilliant mind behind darkly comedic gems like “Catastrophe” and “bad Sisters,” recently opened up about navigating grief, finding strength in humor, and the importance of human connection. Following the loss of her father, Horgan’s perspective on life and comedy has deepened, revealing a newfound appreciation for laughter’s healing power.
“Laughter has been a great healer,” she shared. “It’s like a release valve,letting out some of the pressure.” While acknowledging the profound impact of grief,Horgan emphasizes the importance of balance,stating,”It’s all about accepting that grief is a part of life,not a hindrance to it.”
Returning to the set of “Bad sisters” after her father’s passing proved to be both challenging and cathartic.Horgan found solace in the unwavering support of her castmates, who she describes as “rocks” and “a real family.” The crew’s understanding and kindness also provided a safe space for her to process her emotions.
“There’s something incredibly therapeutic about laughter and being surrounded by people who care about you,” she reflected.
Horgan’s comedic approach has evolved, infused with a newfound layer of authenticity. “I’ve always believed that comedy can be a great healer, a source of comfort in dark times,” she explained. “But as my dad passed, I’ve found a new appreciation for the power of laughter, a deeper understanding of how it can definitely help us cope with loss, with life’s challenges.”
Looking ahead, Horgan hopes viewers connect with the raw emotions portrayed in “Bad Sisters” and glean valuable lessons from her personal journey. “I hope they see that it’s okay to not be okay all the time. It’s okay to ask for help,to take a step back when life gets too much,” she encourages. “I hope they laugh with us, cry with us, and see that we’re all just trying our best to navigate this crazy thing called life.”
Her message resonates deeply: cherish loved ones, express appreciation, and embrace the power of laughter. These simple yet profound words serve as a reminder to live fully, laugh often, and find solace in connection.
Catch the new season of “Bad sisters” later this year. Until then, remember to cherish your loved ones and take care of yourselves.
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How has the loss of your father influenced your approach to writing and crafting characters in your work?
Archyde Exclusive: Sharon Horgan: Navigating Grief, Resilience, and Laughter
Archyde welcomes the incredibly talented and insightful Sharon Horgan, the mastermind behind hit shows like ‘Catastrophe’ and ‘Bad Sisters’. In this heartfelt interview, Sharon opens up about her personal journey thru grief, the resilience she’s built, and how her experiences inform her unique brand of comedy.
Archyde: Thank you for joining us today,Sharon. Let’s start with the toughest topic first. Production on ‘Bad Sisters’ was halted due to your bereavement. How did you manage to return to work after losing your father?
Sharon Horgan: Thank you for having me. Losing my father was incredibly challenging.When I went back to work,it felt strange at first. I was grappling with these intense emotions, and trying to portray similar feelings on screen was… tough. But I also found it cathartic. It’s like I coudl process my grief through my work, despite the difficulty.
Archyde: Your brother watched an episode filmed after your father’s passing and found it emotional. How did you channel your grief into your performance?
Sharon Horgan: Everything I was feeling went into those scenes. It was a weird muscle memory, acting out those emotions.It felt strange,even wrong at times,but it was also a way for me to connect with my feelings and express them. It was intense, but in a way, it helped me understand and navigate my grief.
Archyde: That’s incredibly insightful.Do you find that humor helps you cope with loss and tough times?
Sharon Horgan: Absolutely. Humor is a powerful coping mechanism. I think that’s why I throw myself into my work, especially when life gets tough. it’s not about ignoring the pain, but finding a way to process it, to laugh even when it feels hard.
Archyde: You’ve recently turned 50. How has this milestone affected your outlook on life and work?
Sharon Horgan: Turning 50 was a big moment for me. I think it’s made me more mindful of how I spend my time and who I work with. Losing my father brought a new urgency to life, a reminder that time is precious. I’m also more confident in my choices, more willing to prioritize my well-being.
Archyde: Loss and resilience are recurring themes in your work. How have your personal experiences shaped your writing and storytelling?
Sharon Horgan: they’re woven into everything I do. My experiences, my emotions, they all inform my writing. I think that’s what makes it honest, raw./share> I’m not afraid to explore challenging topics,because I’ve lived them. And I think that makes the humor more relatable, more real.
Archyde: Your authenticity is truly what resonates with audiences. What advice would you give to others going through similar experiences?
sharon Horgan: Grief doesn’t have an ‘off’ switch, and that’s okay. Allow yourself to feel the emotions as they come. Talk about your losses, your pain. It’s okay to ask for space,to prioritize your well-being. And remember,it’s okay to laugh,even when it’s hard.
