Meet Joe Coolahan: A Celebration of Life and Laughter

Press Market
May 23
5 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

If you’ve spent more than five minutes at Press, chances are you’ve heard someone say, “Oh, you’ve got to meet Joe.” If you haven’t yet, consider this your introduction. Joe Coolahan is one of our amazing regulars. He is known for his quick wit, big heart, and a life full of stories that are equal parts hilarious and humbling.

From Toronto to Collingwood: Joe's Journey

Joe was born and raised in Toronto’s Beach district. He headed off to Western in 1980 and graduated in 1983 with a degree in sociology. After graduation, he studied improv at Second City and Theatre Sports. This training made him not just a better performer but also a more successful salesman.

Joe once ran an insurance and financial services agency. He’ll be the first to tell you that the laughs were free and plentiful. However, the jokes eventually stopped landing. When the numbers didn’t add up, he knew it was time to bow out with grace and, of course, a good punchline.

New Beginnings in Collingwood

In 2017, Joe and his lovely wife, Heather, relocated to Collingwood. This move offered Joe much more than just a new place to live; it gave him space to laugh again, connect with others, and create. Surprisingly, it also marked a return to the stage for him.

Recently, he returned from Portugal after competing in the Amazing Race. His version was the boomer edition, and he partnered with his best friend. They aimed to win but faced a series of unfortunate events—too many bathroom breaks and deep conversations about Portuguese politics. Ultimately, they ended up in last place. Yet, Joe insists it was one of the most incredible experiences of his life.

Joe’s Kindness is Contagious

Joe is the kind of person who notices when others need help and acts on it. One winter day, he spotted two women nearly blown over in a windstorm near Canadian Tire. They had just arrived from Ukraine and didn't speak English. Without hesitation, Joe offered them a ride home. This act of kindness left a lasting impact on him and sparked a new sense of purpose.

Fast forward to May 2024. Joe wrote and performed a show about a fictional insurance agent. He even recruited one of his Ukrainian friends to be part of the cast. Now, he’s back with a one-man show called A Celebration of Life for Bobby Boyd. It played in Peterborough and is now set to hit the stage in London on May 25 and again in Clarksburg on June 6 at the Marsh Street Centre.

The show is comedic but ends with a profound message about kindness and how it changes lives, including your own. Joe's philosophy echoes the sentiment that a good laugh can lead to personal connections and a better community.

Celebrating Community and Laughter

We’re lucky to have Joe as part of our Press crew. He makes you laugh, makes you think, and always demonstrates what community really looks like. If you see him at the counter, don’t hesitate to say hi. He might act like he doesn’t love the attention, but trust us—he does.

Thank you for being you, Joe. We’re so glad you’re here!

A Heartfelt Q&A with Joe

Now, let’s dive into a lovely Q&A with our friend Joe.

Q: If your life had a soundtrack, what song would play during the opening credits?

A: Billy Don’t Be A Hero. I heard it back in 1974 and can’t get it out of my mind.

Q: Can you give us the quick version of who Bobby Boyd is and why we are celebrating his life?

A: Bobby Boyd burst onto the scene in the early 90s. State Farm financed a video that I put together featuring a terrible insurance agent who was absolutely torn to shreds on the Jerry Spaniel Show (a spoof of the Jerry Springer Show). I’ve been having fun playing this idiot for decades. We’re celebrating his life because the production ends with inspiring words about taking care of each other. That was Bobby’s mission in the final years of his life.

Q: How did A Celebration of Life for Bobby Boyd come to life?

A: When I learned that one of my new Ukrainian friends had been involved in theater back home, I quickly asked her if she’d be interested in performing in a play I was putting together. I wasn’t actually putting a show together yet, but when I saw her smile, I knew it was time to create one. On May 5th, 2024, a bunch of Lighthouse Point people, my Ukrainian friend, and I teamed up to perform what might have been the best or possibly the worst (I can’t remember) production of all time. The day after, I began writing A Celebration of Life for Bobby Boyd.

Q: What do you hope people take away from your show?

A: There are all kinds of people out there who are hurting. Be nice to everyone you meet!

Q: What’s something you wish more people knew about the Ukrainian newcomers you’ve supported?

A: Where do I start? They are humble, caring, and hardworking folks. If more people were like the four I’ve gotten to know, the world would be a much better place!

Q: What’s been the most rewarding part of performing again?

A: While sitting around watching Coronation Street and Oprah reruns while eating Cheesies was fun, performing again feels much better.

Q: If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

A: Don’t be an idiot. You’re not better than anyone else. Find that kid eating lunch alone and get to know that person.

Q: What do you love most about Collingwood now that you’ve been here a while?

A: There’s a vibe here. I’ve connected with many Boomers in Collingwood. Most of us have worked hard and are enjoying what we love. Here, people can breathe. Personally, I’m breathing better than ever. It’s partly because retirement is a blast and partly because I live right by the Bay. Lake Ontario is lovely, but the sewage plant on the outskirts of the Beach is a little stinky.

Q: If you could teleport anywhere in the world right now, where are you going and who’s coming with you?

A: John Candy went to high school near where I grew up. I’ve heard incredible stories about him. If I could spend an afternoon strolling along the boardwalk with him on a warm day, that’d be perfect.