Shining a spotlight on celebrities and athletes who love to travel.
Some of the most memorable journeys have a way of bringing you back to where it all began. For Marisa Coughlan, that journey leads back to Officer Ursula Hanson, the character she first brought to life in Super Troopers more than two decades ago. Now returning for Super Troopers 3, Coughlan is also embracing a new creative chapter as a writer and producer with Blue Eyed Girl. The Overhead Compartment was excited to catch up with Coughlan about revisiting a beloved role, stepping behind the camera and why taking creative risks has always been worth the journey.
The Overhead Compartment with Marisa Coughlan starts now….
OC: You first played Ursula in Super Troopers in 2001 and now you’re returning to her in Super Troopers 3. What has it been like revisiting a character who has been part of your life for so long?
MC: There are a few experiences in life that I would love to do again; to see it with the perspective of a little more life and appreciate it more. This is one of those, and I got to do it! I think we all had that feeling – enjoying every second of making ridiculous jokes, laughing all day, and knowing that we have a fan base that can’t wait to see it – that’s the cherry on the sundae.
OC: Is there something about Ursula that feels more relatable to you now than when you first played her?
MC: This movie focuses more on romance, in multiple storylines, and I think for Ursula it is a relatable journey. She’s tough, but she still wants a little romance. I think tapping into her more sensitive side was relatable for me.
OC: You are also the writer, producer, and star on Blue Eyed Girl. Which of those jobs did you enjoy the most?
MC: I enjoyed the producing side a lot, because I learned so much. I had never actually made something top to bottom and that was incredibly rewarding. As any producer will tell you, there are so many moments that you think the whole project is falling apart. To see it through was a great experience. When people drop me a note that they related and loved it, it’s especially gratifying.
OC: What do you hope audiences take away from the film?
MC: I feel there is a real epidemic of people feeling stuck in midlife. I hope that people feel inspired to somehow take even one step into that next chapter. It’s scary and hard to chase new dreams and step out of your comfort zone, but it’s even harder to be stagnant, in my opinion.
OC: What still excites you about acting after all these years?
MC: It was incredible to work with someone like Beau Bridges in Blue Eyed Girl. He’s such a pro and made me cry EVERY time. On the flip side, working with the Broken Lizard guys never gets old. They are wonderful guys, good friends, and they are bringing laugh-out-loud comedy to a world that desperately needs it!
OC: What’s the best part of working behind the camera as a producer?
MC: Seeing all of the departments come together to create something is pretty magical. You can write something funny or heart-wrenching all day long, but without the right team it all falls flat.
OC: What’s one lesson you’ve learned from a long career in Hollywood?
MC: It’s a roller coaster, but you are 100 percent going to fail if you quit on the downturns. If you stay in it, and work to tell stories that are personal to you, they will find their audience. I’ve found that the more uniquely personal the story is, the more relatable and universal it seems to be. I think people feel the truth in it when it’s really coming from an honest place.
OC: When you’re not working, how do you spend your downtime?
MC: Well, I’m a writer, which means I’m kind of always working. It weirdly feels like you always have homework because there’s always something you should be working on. Outside of that, I’m a chauffeur and a grocery shopper in my downtime. Four kids, three not driving yet, I am uber driving all day long.
OC: Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
MC: Kevin Williamson really gave me my first break – he opened things up for me and created a lot of opportunity. Outside of that, I’d say my parents had the biggest influence, in a weird way. They were never in any creative field, they met in law school and were both quite intellectual. I did pretty well in school and they could easily have forced me onto a different career path. Instead, they truly encouraged me and supported me. My dad passed years ago now, but he always pushed me to chase my dreams. My mom to this day is my biggest supporter. She’s coming with me to the Comic Con premiere of Super Troopers 3. My husband and kids are too. My ten-year-old may have to shut his eyes – and ears – the entire time, but he’s coming!
OC: If you weren’t working in entertainment, what do you think you’d be doing?
MC: I think I’d be flipping houses – I’ve just always had a thing for real estate and seeing the potential.
OC: First thing you do when you arrive at your room in a hotel?
MC: Leave the hotel and walk the city.
OC: Complete the following sentence: I never leave home without…
MC: My tennis shoes. Walking and exploring new places is my therapy.
Marisa Coughlan, please use care upon departure as items may have shifted in The Overhead Compartment during our journey. Thanks for choosing us for your travel tips! Have a wonderful day!
Photos by Martin Wheeler
