Caroline Morahan: Navigating LA’s Bright Lights and Lingering Loneliness
Moving to a new continent for a career is a monumental undertaking, and for Irish actress Caroline Morahan, the transition to Los Angeles in 2009 was no different. Alongside her now-husband, Daithi O’Caoimh, Morahan embarked on a journey to chase her acting dreams in the heart of Hollywood. While the experience was undeniably “invigorating,” she candidly admits it was also a period marked by profound loneliness.
The former Off The Rails presenter recently shared her insights into the challenges and triumphs of building a life across the Atlantic. The initial dive into a new environment was exhilarating. Morahan threw herself into various acting classes, a stark contrast to her teenage experiences. This immersion felt like a significant step forward, a chance for personal and professional growth.
“Moving to a new country is always a big adjustment for anyone,” Morahan explained. “I was really invigorated by diving into a new place. I immersed myself in lots of different acting classes. I hadn’t been in a group acting class since I was a teenager, so all of that was thrilling, a new challenge, and I felt like I was really expanding and growing.”
However, the excitement was tempered by a persistent sense of isolation. The vast time difference between Los Angeles and her native Ireland proved to be a significant hurdle. Simple joys, like sharing a momentous acting experience with family, were often impossible in real-time.
“But it was a very lonely time as well as the time zone was killer,” she elaborated. “If I came in from a great experience, I couldn’t just pick up the phone and call home because it was 3 am. And there was no such thing as voice notes then, so you couldn’t really share things in real time.”
Fortunately, the advent of modern technology has made staying connected far easier. Morahan and her husband now frequently return to Dublin, allowing them to spend quality time with their families. This balance, she feels, offers the “best of both worlds.”
Despite the initial struggles, Morahan harbours no regrets about leaving Ireland for the allure of Hollywood. The opportunities and experiences she has encountered are invaluable, including working alongside acting legends like Kathy Bates and Kelsey Grammer.
“I’ve never regretted moving to LA. I love our life here. The opportunities I’ve had, the experiences, I’ve worked with some of my acting heroes like Kathy Bates and Kelsey Grammer, [they’re] something I could never have done if I hadn’t come here,” she stated.
Morahan also expressed her enduring affection for her homeland and her past work in Ireland. She particularly cherishes the unique sense of camaraderie and the distinct skill set required for presenting.
“But I did and still do love working in Ireland. For one thing, the banter can’t be beaten. Presenting is a different skill set from acting. What I most enjoyed about presenting was the positive impact you can have on people,” she reminisced.
The profound satisfaction derived from positively influencing others is a powerful motivator for Morahan.
“Hearing that something you said or did made someone feel better about themselves or gave them agency to make a positive change in their life – that’s really rewarding. I never know what’s around the corner, I hope to do more of that again in the future – who knows which side of the Atlantic.”
The actress also highlighted the invaluable support she receives from her husband, Daithi O’Caoimh, particularly in her acting career. Despite not being directly involved in the creative industries, O’Caoimh possesses a keen eye for authentic performances.
“He’s not in the creative world; he’s a tech executive, but he has a great radar when it comes to an authentic performance. So when he makes suggestions, I do listen. Yes, I have booked a few auditions after taking performance notes from my husband,” Morahan revealed.
Adding a touch of humour, she also acknowledged his role as her personal tech support. “And he is my tech-support! I am like a dinosaur with a lot of technology.”
Looking ahead, Morahan is eagerly anticipating the release of her latest film, I Hope We Can Still Be Friends. She expressed her excitement for Irish audiences to experience the movie, having already received a thrilling response to its premiere.
“It’s been so thrilling the response we’ve had to the film. I can’t wait for it to be released in Ireland so I can share it with more people. I worked with the team behind this on another film before and we have become great friends,” Caroline explained.
The film’s script was penned by Galway native Emmett Hughes, and it marks the directorial debut of Aisha Tyler. Tyler, who previously cast Morahan as a nurse in her feature film Axis, sought her out for the role of Sarah in I Hope We Can Still Be Friends after seeing her perform in a play in Los Angeles.
