Seth Rogen mourns Catherine O’Hara after the actress’s unexpected passing on Friday at her Los Angeles home. The 43-year-old actor and comedian, who worked alongside O’Hara on the Apple TV+ series The Studio, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his costar and mentor.
Seth Rogen’s Heartfelt Tribute to Catherine O’Hara
<pFollowing news of Catherine O’Hara’s death at age 71, Seth Rogen posted a heartfelt tribute featuring a photo of the actress with a playful smile, gently poking him on the back. Rogen began his message by admitting, “Really don't know what to say…” and recalled telling O’Hara when they first met that she was the funniest person he had ever seen on screen. He also shared how her role as Macaulay Culkin’s mother in the iconic 1990 holiday film Home Alone inspired him to pursue filmmaking, saying, “Home Alone was the movie that made me want to make movies. Getting to work with her was a true honour.”
Rogen detailed O’Hara’s qualities, describing her as “hysterical, kind, intuitive, generous,” and reflecting on how her presence motivated him and the team to elevate their work on The Studio.
“She made me want to make our show good enough to be worthy of her presence in it,”
he wrote, adding,
“This is just devastating. We’re all lucky we got to live in a world with her in it.”
O’Hara’s Role and Impact in The Studio
Catherine O’Hara played Patty Leigh, a powerful Hollywood executive, in Apple TV+’s The Studio, which premiered in March 2025. In the series, Patty acted as a mentor to Rogen’s character, Matt Remick, and the bond between actress and actor extended beyond the screen. Reflecting on their dynamic, Rogen once said in a 2025 interview,
“We actually do get along, but chemistry can be faked. I think you never know. Just because you like someone in real life, it doesn’t mean you’ll have good chemistry with them. Thank God it worked out that way. We were shooting the first scene together, and it seemed to be going well.”
O’Hara herself noted,
“I like Seth. I really like Seth, so that helps.”
Her performance on The Studio demonstrated her versatility, moving seamlessly between comedic and dramatic moments, solidifying her status as a consummate performer late into her career.
Co-Star Tributes and Reflections on Their Friendship
Ike Barinholtz, another cast member from The Studio, took to Instagram to express his grief and gratitude for his time with O’Hara. Posting a photo of them standing together on a staircase, Barinholtz wrote,
“I never in a million years thought I would get to work with Catherine O’Hara let alone become friends with her.”
He continued,
“So profoundly sad she’s somewhere else now. So incredibly grateful I got to spend the time I did with her. Thank you Catherine, I love you.”
Details Surrounding Catherine O’Hara’s Death
Catherine O’Hara was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital on Friday morning after suffering a medical emergency at her Brentwood residence. According to emergency dispatch audio obtained by the Daily Mail, first responders were called around 5 AM due to her experiencing “difficulty breathing.” The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed transporting a woman approximately 70 years old in serious condition. Within hours, O’Hara was pronounced dead, though the precise cause of her passing has not been disclosed.
A statement from her agency, CAA, confirmed her death at home following a brief illness. An LAFD spokesperson said,
“At 4:48 am we responded to a request for medical aid to that address and transported an approximately 70-year-old female in serious condition.”
O’Hara’s last public appearance took place in September 2025 at the Emmy Awards, where she appeared frail on the red carpet. Notably, she was absent from the 2026 Golden Globes held on January 11, despite being nominated for Best Supporting Actress on Television for her role in The Studio.
Family and Personal Life
Catherine O’Hara is survived by her husband of over 30 years, Bo Welch, and their two sons, Matthew, 32, and Luke, 29. Her family has maintained a private stance as the tribute messages and condolences continue to pour in from colleagues and fans worldwide.
Remembering O’Hara’s Career and Legacy
A native of Toronto, Catherine O’Hara began her career as a standout member of the sketch comedy troupe SCTV, which launched the careers of fellow comedy legends like John Candy, Eugene Levy, and Rick Moranis. She rose to widespread recognition playing the mother of Macaulay Culkin’s character in both Home Alone films, endearing herself to millions worldwide.
O’Hara’s comedic range was further displayed in Christopher Guest’s well-loved mockumentaries, such as Best in Show (2000) and A Mighty Wind (2003). Fans also remember her memorable performance in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice, solidifying her as a versatile and beloved actress.
Her career experienced a significant resurgence with Schitt’s Creek, where her portrayal of the eccentric Moira Rose in all 80 episodes won her the Outstanding Lead Actress Emmy Award in 2020. The show earned a devoted fan base and critical praise for showcasing O’Hara’s unique blend of comedy and drama.
Celebrated Honors and Recent Recognitions
Throughout her lifetime, O’Hara collected numerous accolades, including an Emmy win in 1982 for SCTV Network, and multiple nominations for acting and writing. In 2017, she was honored with the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest distinctions. In 2025, she garnered rare dual nominations for her guest role on HBO’s The Last of Us and her performance in The Studio, reinforcing her enduring influence in the entertainment industry.
A Lasting Tribute from Macaulay Culkin
Among the many mourning O’Hara’s death, Macaulay Culkin, her former Home Alone costar, delivered a poignant tribute on Instagram. He shared a split photo featuring a scene from the original film alongside a more recent image from his 2023 Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony where the pair reunited.
“Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you. But I had so much more to say. I love you. I’ll see you later,” Macaulay Culkin
This message underlines the personal bond and lasting impact O’Hara had on those who worked closely with her, providing a glimpse into the profound loss felt by family, friends, and colleagues.
The Enduring Influence of Catherine O’Hara’s Work
Catherine O’Hara’s sudden passing leaves a significant void in the worlds of comedy and television. Her decades-long career spanning groundbreaking comedy, award-winning dramatic roles, and mentorship on projects like The Studio demonstrate her far-reaching effect on the industry. As Seth Rogen mourns Catherine O’Hara, so do countless audiences who admired her ability to bring warmth, humor, and a unique spark to every role.
Looking ahead, the legacy O’Hara built will continue inspiring future generations of actors and comedians. Tributes and celebrations of her work will no doubt increase as fans and peers reflect on her considerable talents and the joy she delivered to so many throughout her remarkable life and career.
