An actress with decades-worth of experience, Sissy O’Hara has put together a resume that extends to mainstream television as well as the indie scene. From horror features like Bloodline Killer to shorts like Slaybor Day 7 and even Boston Strangler, Hulu’s 2023 TV thriller starring Keira Knightley. She was most recently seen in Chris Esper’s emotionally resonant short film Distant Memories.
What was your upbringing like in Providence, Rhode Island?
I grew up in East Providence Rhode Island. Second oldest of seven siblings, five sons, two daughters with my only sister being the youngest. It was an incredibly tight knit Irish-American family with my maternal grandparents living downstairs and my great grandmother living two houses away. My formulative years were full of family, love and tons of humor.
How did you gravitate towards the arts and film? Was it a gradual process or a big breakthrough? Did you receive any formal training?
Thanks to being surrounded by my male siblings exclusively pretty much up until Junior High, I’d been trained in dance from the age of 5, performing at the yearly dance convention in NYC. All for the cause of discouraging the tomboy in me. In addition to that I also learned to play the guitar. For a couple of years my best friend and I played guitar and harmonized singing weekly at the Sunday morning Folk Masses. I participated in the CYO theater competitions and landed roles at St. Xavier’s Academy musical productions in my High School years that were normally awarded to the senior class. I’ve studied under Tim Hillman. Taking his nine month long acting course, United Actors and Patricia Chica’s, Chi Energy courses. For the most part, I seem to follow my instincts. I also believe my career in sales and marketing was great training and found so many similarities within the two professions.
Who are the actors or actresses you look up to or take inspiration from technique or career-wise?
I admire so many different actors but can’t think of a moment when I’ve based anything I’ve ever done on a specific actor’s technique or career. The fact that I was in my 50’s when I returned to acting probably plays a big part in that, petty much well beyond the star struck stage. But then again, there’s always Micah Fitzgerald.
A brief glance at your filmography shows a huge variety of genres and media. From TV to horror and even comedy. Do you have any favorites that you enjoy immersing yourself in? What genre is closest to you as an actress?
I believe a huge part of being able to work as much as I do is due to immersing myself into each unique character. For whatever reason, playing the macabre and creepy roles are the most enjoyable for me along with comedic roles. The majority of recognitions, nominations and awards have come from Horror. For me, it’s not the genre, it’s far more the character to portray. Having a role to portray a real human being is the ultimate honor for me.
How did you and writer/director Chris Esper come together to collaborate on Distant Memories?
I’ve known Chris Esper from pretty much Jump St. We met at a monthly short film critique night that was held in Providence. I worked with Chris while he was still at NE Tech and had a line in his 2012 short film, Still Life. He needed an older actor, was well versed in my work, and must admit, I was his perfect choice (😁).
How did you tap into Anna’s complex mental state during filming? Was there anything about the role that challenged you?
From the age of 16-19, I worked at one of the best nursing homes possibly in the Country at that time. I learned so much about what was referred to as senility back then and was acutely aware of sundowning and pulled a lot of that experience in creating Anna. Crying is extremely difficult for me. I suffer from an extreme dry eye condition along with believing I’d cried my lifetime of tears when my youngest son was born 10 1/2 weeks early.
What is your favorite scene or moment from Distant Memories?
I really enjoyed the kitchen scene played with Christie Devine for two reasons. The challenge of seamlessly transcending from being and not being present. The gift of working with another actor who truly engages with the other in a sensitive scene.
What is the best piece of direction you received from Chris on set?
Chris talking and walking me through my own distant memories, to dig deeper, draw from people and experiences to create a character to be as true and believable as possible.
Your highest profile project is Hulu’s Boston Strangler, where you played Ida Irga. What was it like being on set? What is your fondest memory?
Being on set for Boston Strangler could very well be one of the only A lister type of experiences of my lifetime. My scene was the last of principal filming. The dressing room was bigger than some friends studio apartments, including a huge bathroom with shower. My meal included, filet mignon, lobster, green beans almondine, Caesar salad and my favorite, Creme Brulee. It was strange for me to have the crew not looking into my eyes to greet each other. I know that’s protocol, but having worked crew it was a really strange feeling. Having a huge camera flying over me suspended on a gigantic crane was really something to experience. Working with Mariela Comitini by my side before and after each take, walking me through eye and breathing exercises and speaking to me in such a calm and reassuring manner was a thrill as well.
You have also served as a makeup artist and caterer on several projects. What was it like experiencing a different side of productions?
When I first started working in Indie films, I would take any job to be on a film set. I’d study the performers while learning how films were made. I’ll never cater another film, way too much work and a lot of complaining (some folks can never be satisfied even though one makes miracles from a ridiculous pittance of a budget). What started as a way to get a foot in the door and learn has grown into another source of income. I recently wrapped as Wardrobe Designer for the RomCom Indie feature, Small Potatoes.
What is a performance of yours that you always come back to? Which one stuck with you the most?
I would have to say my role as the Old Woman, again, the short film Entropia. This short was written and directed by Marinah Janello. There are three reasons for this. First, it is the only movie I’ve ever worked on that was filmed (real film, not digital) using a stop action Bolex. Second, only four members of the cast and crew. Third, there was a scene in which my character had to give birth. The physicality and muscle memory I utilized for that, it truly made for a believable scene.
What is some advice you could give to up and coming actors who may find themselves unsure of their journey in such a tough business?
My advice is to believe in yourself otherwise you’ll never get anywhere.
Do you have any projects that we can look forward to?
Yes, my most recent projects have been a feature length RomCom, Small Potatoes, written and directed by Rich Allen. Currently working on another short horror film, written and directed by Jason Lake. I truly believe this one is going to do incredibly well in the festival circuit.
