PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Sheila McCarthy has always been one of my favorite actresses. From Die Hard 2 to The Umbrella Academy, she always shines brightly with every role she takes on. I’m happy to see her doing several projects right now including the new horror film Isabelle.
I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to interview Sheila for Isabelle, where we talk about how she got involved with the film, her character, and much more.
PopHorror – It’s great to talk with you Sheila. You’ve been in this business for a long time, what is some advice you would give to others who are just starting?
Sheila McCarthy – My main advice? If you can think of anything else to do in your career, do it. This business requires a kind of 150% commitment and it is not for the faint of heart! Actors spend an enormous amount of time just wanting to ACT. If you really and truly must be in show business then get ready to work really hard and be prepared to be rejected and rejected again. The rewards are sensational and unlike anything else but it is a difficult and ever changing journey for sure.
PopHorror – That’s some fantastic and incredibly honest advice. Out of all the films you’ve done, what has been your favorite one or your favorite character?
Sheila McCarthy – I would have to say my favourite character of all time was MISS CLOACA BIRDWOOD in a children’s film called Georges Island. I played opposite the late and great Maury Chaykin and Irish actor Ian Bannen. It was the best experience ever!
PopHorror – How did you get involved in the new horror film Isabelle?
Sheila McCarthy – One of the producers and writer of Isabelle, Donald Martin, approached me about playing Anne. He sent me the script and I was on board instantly. Who doesn’t love shooting horror??
PopHorror – This is true! Can you tell us about your character?
Sheila McCarthy – Anne is a sad ghost of a women tormented by the loss of her daughter. She is obsessed with what happened to her dear child and up to her plain dark knickers in guilt, remorse and religious fervour. Anne is trapped in her house and in her life with no one to turn to for help.
PopHorror – Do you have any favorite scenes?
Sheila McCarthy – We shoot all of the scenes in Isabelle in Hamilton in two side by side old Victorian homes. One of the homes actually houses some wonderful older gentlemen, a kind of halfway house for them. They stayed in the house while we shot and were so fun! They would hide away then creep a look in after we finished rolling on a scene and give me the thumbs up! Honestly there was another whole movie going on behind the one we were shooting. I also loved shooting the scene with all of the candles burning and me prostrate on the floor doing the Our father. That was intense and a thrill to do. Working with the fabulous stunt people was also a blast in the scene we shot with my ‘daughter’ and me. Wheel chair gymnastics!
PopHorror – Do you have any upcoming projects you’d like to talk about?
Sheila McCarthy – I have just finished shooting a Hallmark movie called Christmas Club in Winnipeg and before that, shot a feature directed by Helen Shaver entitled Happy Place which will be released at Sundance in 2020. Before that I shot a film called Broken Heart. You can also catch Umbrella Academy on Netflix where I play an old donut whore called Agnes.
