In Schitt’s Creek, Moira Rose’s accent is a standout comedic element that makes the character unforgettable. Portrayed by the legendary Catherine O’Hara, Moira is the matriarch of the Rose family throughout all six seasons of the Canadian sitcom. Created by Eugene Levy and Dan Levy, who also played the on-screen father-son duo Johnny and David Rose, Moira’s character became a comedic icon thanks to O’Hara’s performance, earning her an Emmy.
The series follows the affluent Rose family as they lose their fortune and are forced to move to a small rural town, starting over from scratch. Each family member struggles with the adjustment, but Moira has the hardest time and shows the least interest in fitting in. Her exaggerated accent humorously emphasizes how out of place she is while making her a truly memorable character.
Eugene and Dan Levy initially developed Moira Rose with O’Hara in mind for the role. Given her history of working with Eugene Levy, O’Hara quickly joined the project. Moira’s outward appearance was inspired by socialite Daphne Guinness, with her black and white fashion palette highlighting her over-the-top style.
O’Hara significantly contributed to Moira’s character development. She chose Moira’s various wigs and created her distinctive manner of speaking. Moira’s undefinable dialect, further accentuated by her antiquated vocabulary, symbolized her past. O’Hara explained (via Variety) that she initially envisioned Moira as someone who learns a new word every day and tries to incorporate it into conversations. This idea evolved with the notion of Moira and Johnny’s past world travels, leading O’Hara to believe Moira would adopt elements of different dialects.
Moira’s accent, described by O’Hara as “oral mementos of her world travels,” served as a reminder of her old lifestyle before the family’s financial downfall. It combined various cultural influences, allowing Moira to hold onto her past privileges in a layered, nuanced way.
Dialect coaches have been intrigued by Moira’s unique speech pattern. While some consider it a Mid-Atlantic hybrid, others, like Samara Bay (via Elle), note a blend of British, Canadian, and old Hollywood influences. Part of this was likely due to O’Hara’s own Canadian background, but she made it her own by emphasizing certain vowels and incorporating old-fashioned vocabulary. Moira’s accent remains one of the most entertaining aspects of Schitt’s Creek thanks to O’Hara’s creativity.
The success of Schitt’s Creek heavily relied on its actors delivering memorable performances. Each Rose family member has distinctive quirks, like David’s fashion sense or Alexis’s wild stories, but Moira’s accent stands out as one of the most specific and quotable elements. O’Hara’s award-winning performance, filled with humor and attention to detail, showcases her exceptional comedic talent, crucial to the show’s enduring popularity. Without contributions like O’Hara’s, Schitt’s Creek wouldn’t have achieved its lasting acclaim.
