BEYOND ST. MICHAEL’S SCHOOL – An extraordinary path that began at St. Michael’s School
Erin O’Malley ’88
After graduating St. Michael’s Erin remained quite involved with the church because of her mom’s (Paulette O’Malley – longtime parishioner and current school Trustee) connection and continued as an altar girl well into high school.
She attended Tucson High Magnet School and then went on to attend the University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinema-Television, getting a bachelor’s degree from the film school.
She remained in Los Angeles after graduating college and began her career in the film and television industry where she excelled, even winning an Emmy! She eventually married her wife, Windy Bunts (coincidentally also a Tucson native), and they have made a home in Silverlake near downtown Los Angeles. Erin and Windy are the proud moms of two daughters.
Erin O’Malley is an American director and producer known for Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000), New Girl (2011), The Crossover (2023), and Da Ali Gi Show.
Q: What’s one lesson from St. Michael’s that still guides you or one person from St. Michael’s who really impacted your life?
A: In various ways at St. Michael’s we were told repeatedly that there were really only two things that should guide one’s life — “… truth and beauty. The rest is all baloney.” That made a huge impression on me as a child and has stuck with me throughout my adult life.
When considering all options, all aspects, all possibilities, all relationships, of one’s life, it is best to look for the truth and beauty within. They will guide you and be your beacon of happiness and gratitude.
Q: What’s your proudest accomplishment so far?
A: I’d say becoming a parent and raising my children. I always tell people that being a parent can be the most relentless and exhausting part of one’s life but it’s the one thing you’d never give up for anything or anyone. My greatest gift has been the love and companionship of my children and the joy of learning from them throughout their lives and as they become young adults. Professionally, I am quite proud of the body of work I’ve managed to achieve. The accolades of awards (an Emmy and other nominations) are wonderful for one’s ego and are a lovely representation of one’s work but the immense joy and satisfaction that comes with making great work and having that work be so impactful to so many is invaluable and beyond rewarding personally.
Q: What are a few fun facts about you?
A: I won an Emmy Award. I am an avid weight lifter. I desperately wanted to be an astronaut until I took a drama class and fell in love with that art!
Q: What was your favorite SMS tradition?
A: I loved participating in Declamation Day. I did quite well both years I participated, I believe being the first 7th grader to ever win the grand prize and then being the first student to win grand prize both years in a row. The winning was super fun but truly I loved watching Declamation Day throughout all my years at St. Michael’s as a young student. Hearing others recite poetry is such a moving thing, and a real treat! Also, Fr. Fowler used to recite Edgar Allan Poe’s short story The Tell-Tale Heart around Halloween for the entire school and we always looked forward to that each year.
Q: What advice would you give to current students?
A: Breathe. Every day take a few quiet deep breaths and remind yourself you are good enough, you are worthy, you are capable, you are lovely inside and out, and you matter in every way. Your feelings matter and you are loved. Be kind to yourself, there’s always a new day with new possibilities ahead.