As a budding artist myself, I find it incredibly inspiring to hear about this individual’s journey. She’s navigating her career with such grace and humility, always striving for growth but also acknowledging her own limitations. Her experiences on set, from accidentally locking herself in a trailer to learning from the pros, are relatable and endearing.
In Cat Cohen‘s latest performance titled “Come For Me“, there’s a fusion of humor and cabaret as she tackles various subjects, ranging from light-hearted ones like using astrological signs to justify personal shortcomings, to deeply personal experiences such as the unexpected consequences of filming a sex tape with her partner. A segment that strikes a balance between these extremes sees Cohen addressing how she treats herself unkindly in her inner thoughts. She recounts a recent incident where someone commented on an otherwise pleasant photo, saying “30 pounds overweight”. Her reaction? “Did I write this? Did I take an Ambien and tweet at myself the way I talk to myself all fucking day?” This essentially means she was shocked by the criticism because it mirrored the harsh self-talk she often experiences.
After Cohen’s special premiered on Veeps on October 17, she has been featured in four episodes of the latest season of “Only Murders in the Building,” playing a part as one half of the directing duo The Brothers Sisters. Furthermore, her debut album titled “Overdressed” is scheduled for release on November 14. This inevitably raises an age-old question: Does achieving success alleviate all self-esteem issues?
Cohen chuckles as he speaks during a weekend trip to upstate New York over Zoom, “I’ve been so critical of myself for such a long time that I can’t imagine being any other way.” He continues, “But it seems like I’m only just starting to realize there might be another path. For so long, I thought, ‘If I can’t be beautiful, then I have to excel at everything I do.’ I need to let go of that mindset, but I haven’t managed it fully yet.
Cohen’s latest work continues the theme set in her 2022 Netflix hour special titled “The Twist..? She’s Gorgeous“, which she describes as a kind of precursor to her newer content. “In essence, the first one was about my twenties, and this one is all about turning thirty and realizing, ‘Wow, this isn’t cute anymore,'” she shares. “It’s no longer adorable to be a mess. I don’t have a house yet, I want more financial stability, and I suppose I should consider getting married.” Here, Cohen discusses her quest for inspiration and what she envisions next with The Hollywood Reporter.
Do you feel connected to this material, or does it reflect a past version of yourself?
I filmed my special in June, and everything I had written prior to that went into the special. The content seems to mirror, essentially, where I am at present. Initially, my first special on Netflix was delayed due to COVID-19. Originally scheduled for taping in 2020, it eventually aired in 2022. Every few months, I’d receive a call saying they were pushing the release back even further. By the time it was finally released, it felt like looking at an older version of myself, as if it didn’t truly represent who I am now.
Occasionally, it seems as though some part of society significantly advanced their lives during the pandemic, while many others emerged from that time wondering, didn’t we all hit the ‘pause’ button? How come so many people have a house now?
100% sure, I recall pondering that I should wait quite some time before tying the knot due to those COVID weddings feeling rather dismal. In hindsight, it seems like adopting a furry friend would’ve been a fantastic decision – that’s one thing I wish I had done. I could have brought home a playful puppy, and by now, I would have a well-trained, beautiful companion to share my gaming adventures with.
Reflecting on my journey from then to now – marking my 30th year amidst a global pandemic no less – I can’t help but ponder over the transformation in my perspective towards my career and work. The person I was back then seems almost unrecognizable, as I’ve grown, adapted, and learned to navigate through the highs and lows of my professional life.
In simpler terms, many of these songs were self-composed on my guitar, right here in this very house, a luxury I might not have had if I’d been living in the city without a pandemic lockdown. With all the extra time on my hands to experiment with chords, I found myself striving to maintain momentum. I was putting in a lot of effort, performing on Zoom and pushing things forward when I could have been content regardless. Perhaps it’s just age, but I wish I’d relaxed more. It feels like I should have taken a moment to breathe and stay present. This period has significantly impacted my personality, but the main lesson is that you can’t control everything; instead, focus on what you can, and try to enjoy the process.
In your stand-up, you often reveal intimate aspects of your life, such as deep thoughts or sexual topics. Have you ever considered setting boundaries on what you choose to disclose?
It’s mainly my experiences that I find amusing, often it takes years for those moments to become comedic material. Over time, things seem funnier. In my current relationship, I approach humor on a joke-by-joke basis, occasionally checking if it’s acceptable to share a joke. He was already familiar with my comedy since he saw me perform before we started dating, so he knew what to expect. Additionally, I have a rule: anyone I make jokes about in my comedy should come off well, while I portray myself as the foolish one.
Have your family and friends been watching your role on Only Murders in the Building?
It’s been noted with enthusiasm that I hoisted Martin Short aloft. However, following the broadcast, I received a message from my aunt. She said, “Girl, this show has some major celebrities. Great job! #MerylStreep”, so here’s the latest update from my family circle.
Could you share some insights about transitioning to acting in television shows? Was becoming an actor a lifelong dream, or was it a natural evolution from your experience as a performer?
Deep down, isn’t there a part of everyone that dreams of appearing on TV? [Chuckles.] As a child with a passion for musical theater, I too harbored such a dream. The experience of seeing yourself on screen is an entirely unique creature that I doubt will ever feel familiar to me. I’m constantly left wondering, “Is that really me?” Yet, at the same time, I’ve become desensitized to it and no longer critique myself too harshly, as I’m simply grateful for the TV opportunities. It’s such a thrill to participate sometimes, and I eagerly anticipate doing so more in the future. I’m actively visualizing landing a major sitcom role in the upcoming year.
Will we ever see you in a TV writers room?
As a gamer, I sometimes find myself drawn towards the allure of a writer’s room, but deep down, it’s not my heart’s ultimate desire. I’ve dabbled in scriptwriting, yet it doesn’t ignite the same fire as other pursuits. There are undoubtedly others who yearn for it more intensely, and I prefer to channel my energy elsewhere. It can be a bit awkward when I gaze into the mirror and hear the echo of “You want to perform,” but life would be simpler if I didn’t.
How does reality line up with what you dreamt about as a kid?
On my initial day at work, which happened to be on the show “Difficult People”, I had absolutely no clue about what awaited me. My role was a single line in that production. One incident that stands out is when I accidentally got myself locked inside my trailer. At that moment, I wondered, “What exactly is a trailer? Why am I confined to this small space?” The experience taught me the importance of observing the experts on set, and attempting to mimic someone who appears to know their job well.
Who was that person for you on Only Murders in the Building?
It was truly fortunate for me to have had a conversation and collaborated with Molly Shannon, whom I’ve admired since childhood. She exuded an aura of comfort and ease that made us feel at home. Indeed, she reigns supreme. Remarkably, by the time I did this production, I had enough experience on sets to know how to conduct myself, but I was still quite anxious in the presence of such legends. In their esteemed presence, my personality and identity seemed to vanish.
Do they act like mentors on set?
I’d like to make my intentions clear: I’m actively seeking a mentor, preferably a seasoned professional in Hollywood. I yearn for their wisdom and guidance. I find myself at a point where assistance and a fresh perspective are crucial. If someone is willing to take on this role out of companionship or the desire to uplift others, I would be most grateful. Do you happen to know anyone who fits this description? Ideally, I’m looking for someone with extensive experience and insights gained from navigating the industry over time.
What about Molly Shannon?
She’s still in her prime. I need someone who is retired and could answer the phone at any time.
Did you see that Kathy Bates is going to retire after Matlock?
I should reach out. Hey Kathy, it’s me… Cathy.
I have to imagine she has a lot of wisdom to share.
Indeed, there’s even the possibility of having excessive knowledge. In other words, when you recount your experiences, they sound so daunting that I find myself hesitant about replicating them.
Has there ever been a specific role or performance that made you believe your career was on the correct path?
Initially, when I began integrating cabaret songs into my standup routine back in 2017, it seemed like I had stumbled upon something thrilling and I felt compelled to explore that direction. And when I received the [best newcomer] award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2019, it was my most cherished achievement. While Americans may not be familiar with or care much about this award, for me, it represented my most significant accomplishment. It felt like all those years spent shaping myself as a performer were finally acknowledged.
Do you plan to write another book?
Indeed, here’s my attempt at paraphrasing your text:
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2024-10-16 17:55