Marisa Coughlan has spent her career proving she’s never been just one thing—on screen or off. As Officer Ursula in Super Troopers, she became part of a cult-comedy phenomenon so enduring that strangers still shout at her from moving cars. Now, she’s stepping back into the role for the third installment, more than two decades after the franchise first found its audience. The film hits theaters August 7, with Brian Cox among the returning cast members.
But Ursula is just one piece of Coughlan’s wide-ranging career. A magna cum laude USC grad, Coughlan has moved fluidly between acting, writing and producing, most recently with Blue Eyed Girl, a film she wrote, produced and starred in. Along the way, she’s shared the screen with Kate Hudson, Matt Bomer and Liv Tyler, and appeared in series ranging from Boston Legal to Grey’s Anatomy. Off screen, she’s raising four kids and, by her own admission, still figuring out what self-care even looks like in the middle of it all.
We caught up with the star ahead of the film’s release—and a busy Comic-Con weekend—to talk about returning to Ursula, plus the skin care and wellness staples that carry her through long days on set and even longer ones at home.
Super Troopers has this incredible cult following that most films never achieve. When did you realize it had become something bigger than a movie?
“When I would walk down the street and people would roll down their windows and scream, ‘Hey, Charlie’s Angel!’ Ha! It was a slow burn, but when it finally hit, it hit.”
You’ve now played this character across three films and more than two decades. How has she changed, and how have you changed alongside her?
“Ursula has always been a strong, smart woman surrounded by a bunch of dudes who are slightly idiotic…and none of that has changed! Truthfully, Ursula has found more of her voice, and I would say the same could be said of my own journey. I feel more empowered today than I did 20 years ago—and aware that the worst-case scenario of being outspoken is usually not that bad. The upside is usually worth it.”
You graduated magna cum laude from USC. You write, produce and act. You clearly don’t fit a single mold. Has the industry caught up to that, or are you still fighting to be seen as more than one thing?
“It’s hard to wear multiple hats because the industry really loves to put you in a category and keep you there. I went from acting to writing, and people forgot I was an actor…then back to acting and they forget I’m also a writer. I had to produce something that combined it all in order to prove that I could do it all simultaneously.”
You have four kids and a very full creative life. What have you had to figure out about making time for yourself?
“Can I define self-care? I’m not familiar with it! But, in all honesty, it is a struggle, as I am a do-er and am on the move from the second I wake up. I sometimes lose track and realize that I didn’t sit down all day—or eat a real meal. I know this is relatable to most moms!”
What are some of your go-to beauty products—skin care, hair care, wellness—after a long day on set?
“After four pregnancies, I’m pretty cautious about products and what’s in them. I love a skin-care line called Evanhealy. It’s completely organic, smells amazing and is effective, in my opinion. I take a lot of gummy vitamins because it’s a great excuse to eat candy. Gruns gummies and some Create creatine gummies are my go-to. I love Athletic Greens, and also have used Armra colostrum a lot—I love the watermelon flavor. In terms of makeup, I love Molly Sims’ YISE line—it’s very natural and glowy. Also, I think she’s a badass.”
