Karen O'Leary - Approaching Situations With Optimism, Love and Kindness

Karen O'Leary has one of the most interesting career arcs of anyone on our screens.

She worked as an early childhood educator for two decades, before being tricked into auditioning for a role in Taika Waititi and Jermaine Clement’s cult-classic feature What We Do In The Shadows.

Her head-turning 90 second performance as Officer O’Leary led to the lead role in comedy spin-off series Wellington Paranormal, a show that is broadcast around the world in 70 countries.

Then last year she made the switch to current events, and won the coveted Best Presenter of Entertainment award for her work on Paddy Gower has Issues on Newshub, months before it was announced the show would not be returning.

In this episode we talk about her unique career path and all the best stories along the way, her reaction to Newshub shutting down and whats next, getting naked with Jermaine Clement, why her nickname is little bush, the best of Officer O’Leary and much much more.

Karen is a lethal combination of charismatic, hilarious and smart – and this was a really fun one, with so many great yarns.

Biggest Surprise: Karen only met Mike Minogue on set minutes before they filmed their iconic scene in What we do in the Shadows

Best Insight: Karen’s philosophy on life: approach all situations with optimism, love and kindness, and take the opportunities presented to you.

Best Laugh: While telling us about her experience filming the movie Nude Tuesday she shared one of her nicknames was Karen “Little Bush” O’Leary.

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