Moira Rose's distinctive pronunciation of "baby" as "bebe" originated as an accidental comedic moment that was embraced and became a beloved, iconic characteristic of her character on Schitt's Creek.
The Origin of Moira's "Bebe"
The unique pronunciation was not initially planned but emerged during the production of the show, specifically becoming prominent in season four.
- Accidental Beginning: Actress Catherine O'Hara, who portrays Moira, stated that she first said "bebe" as either a joke or an unintentional mistake during filming.
- Crew Reaction: The pronunciation immediately elicited laughter from the crew members on set. This positive, humorous response signaled that it was a comedic goldmine.
- Embraced and Solidified: Given the positive reception, the distinct "bebe" stuck and became a recurring, much-anticipated verbal flourish for Moira, distinguishing her dialogue throughout the later seasons.
Evolution of Moira's Pronunciation
Before "bebe" became a fixture, Moira's pronunciation of "baby" was notably different in earlier episodes.
| Season | Pronunciation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Seasons 1-3 | "Baby" | Moira used the standard pronunciation of the word. |
| Season 4 onwards | "Bebe" | Introduced as a joke/mistake, kept due to positive crew reaction, became an iconic character trait. |
This evolution from a standard pronunciation to an idiosyncratic one highlights how improvisational moments can shape and define a character, making "bebe" one of Moira Rose's most memorable quirks.
