Pedro Pascal tribute Catherine O’Hara has been a focal point of heartfelt tributes following the passing of the acclaimed actress Catherine O’Hara on Friday, January 30, 2026, in Los Angeles. Known for her iconic roles and remarkable comedic talent, Catherine’s death after a brief illness has moved many within the entertainment industry and beyond.
Among those mourning her loss are Pedro Pascal, who worked closely with O’Hara on the second season of the hit series The Last of Us, and Lea Thompson, alongside numerous other notable figures who reflected on her impact and personal connections.
Memories Shared by Co-stars and Creators
Macaulay Culkin, Catherine’s co-star from the beloved Christmas classic Home Alone and its sequel, offered a poignant tribute to the actress who played his mother in the films. Culkin described their close real-life bond, addressing her as “mom” and expressing regret that their time together was cut short.
He wrote on Instagram:
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, Actor
In these films, O’Hara’s portrayal of Kate McCallister was central to the story of young Kevin McCallister, who defends his home from two burglars during the Christmas holidays. Her performance was praised for its grounding emotional depth, highlighted by Christopher Columbus, the producer of Home Alone.
Columbus expressed his admiration, stating:
Today we lost Catherine O’Hara. I’m stunned and heartbroken, along with the rest of the world. I was an obsessive fan of Catherine’s brilliant comedic work on SCTV and was thrilled when she agreed to play Kevin’s Mom in “Home Alone.” What most people don’t realize is that Catherine carries the weight of 50% of that film. The movie simply would not work without her extraordinary performance. Catherine grounds the picture with a profound emotional depth. I will miss her greatly. Yet there is a small sense of comfort, realizing that two of the finest human beings I’ve ever known, Catherine and John Candy, are together again, brilliantly improvising, making each other laugh.
Christopher Columbus, Producer
Pedro Pascal Honors Catherine’s Creative Influence
Pedro Pascal highlighted Catherine O’Hara’s role as Gail, a character in The Last of Us who serves as a therapist challenging his character Joel’s guarded demeanor. Pascal emphasized the profound effect she had through both her acting and presence on set during the show’s second season.
In a tribute accompanying a photo of them on location, he wrote:
Oh, genius to be near you. Eternally grateful. There is less light in my world, this lucky world that had you, will keep you, always. Always, The one and ONLY #CatherineOHara.
Pedro Pascal, Actor
Tributes from Industry Peers and Friends
Seth Rogen, who produced the 2025 comedy The Studio, where O’Hara earned her final Emmy nomination, expressed deep admiration for her comedic genius and influence on his career. He said he was inspired to make movies because of Home Alone and cherished the opportunity to work with her.
Rogen shared:
Really don’t know what to say… I told O’Hara when I first met her I thought she was the funniest person I’d ever had the pleasure of watching on screen. Home Alone was the movie that made me want to make movies. Getting to work with her was a true honour. She was hysterical, kind, intuitive, generous… she made me want to make our show good enough to be worthy of her presence in it. This is just devastating. We’re all lucky we got to live in a world with her in it.
Seth Rogen, Producer and Actor
Ike Barinholtz, who also worked alongside Catherine on The Studio, conveyed his shock and grief, emphasizing the gratitude he felt for their time together.
He commented:
I never in a million years thought I would get to work with Catherine O’Hara let alone become friends with her. 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.
Ike Barinholtz, Actor
Actress Rhea Seehorn extended her heartfelt condolences in a simpler message:
So much love to you & everyone on your show,
Rhea Seehorn, Actress
Renowned actress Meryl Streep, who collaborated with O’Hara on the 1986 film Heartburn, also reflected on Catherine’s compassionate spirit and enduring impact.
Streep remarked:
Catherine O’Hara brought love and light to our world, through whipsmart compassion for the collection of eccentrics she portrayed… such a loss for her family and friends, and the audience she graced as friends,
Meryl Streep, Actress
Official Announcement and Early Life
Catherine O’Hara’s manager confirmed her death, announcing that she passed away at home in Los Angeles after a short illness. The family plans to hold a private celebration of her life.
The statement read:
Prolific multi-award-winning actress, writer, and comedian Catherine O’Hara died today (Friday, January 30) at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness,
Manager’s Statement
Born in 1954 in Toronto, Canada, Catherine began her career in the 1970s as part of the sketch comedy series Second City Television (SCTV). Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, she gained recognition through her roles in comedies like After Hours (1985), Heartburn (1986), Beetlejuice (1988), and the Home Alone films. Her connection to Macaulay Culkin as the on-screen and off-screen maternal figure remains one of her most cherished relationships.
Michael Keaton and Alec Baldwin Remember Their Co-star
Michael Keaton, who appeared with O’Hara in Beetlejuice, recalled their long friendship that began before the film’s production and celebrated their enduring bond.
Keaton stated:
We go back before the first Beetlejuice. She’s been my pretend wife, my pretend nemesis and my real life, true friend. This one hurts. Man am I gonna miss her.
Michael Keaton, Actor
Alec Baldwin, another co-star from Beetlejuice, described Catherine as a uniquely gifted comedic talent with a style all her own.
Baldwin said:
One of the greatest comic talents in the movie business
and praised her for her distinctive quality:
quality that was all her own
.
Notable Collaborations and Awards Throughout Her Career
Catherine O’Hara was also celebrated for her extensive work with director Christopher Guest, appearing in four of his films: Best in Show, For Your Consideration, Waiting for Guffman, and A Mighty Wind. Over her career, she received two Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards for her outstanding contributions.
Her career experienced renewed acclaim in her sixties when she embraced the role of Moira Rose in the CBC sitcom Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020), winning her both an Emmy and a Golden Globe alongside co-stars Eugene Levy, Dan Levy, and Annie Murphy.
Paul Walter Hauser and Ron Howard Reflect on Catherine’s Legacy
Actor Paul Walter Hauser compared Catherine’s talent to that of Meryl Streep, praising her consistent excellence and respectful professionalism in an often-challenging industry.
He wrote:
I could watch her in anything. Didn’t matter how good or bad the film or show was. I wanted to see what she would do…. Not sure I can process or fathom that she’s gone but I am so grateful for the work she did and how she kept such a flawless reputation in a very sketchy and checkered business.
Paul Walter Hauser, Actor
Director Ron Howard took to social media to express his sorrow and admiration, recalling his experiences working with her and her growing brilliance over time.
Howard shared:
This is shattering news. What a wonderful person, artist and collaborator. I was lucky enough to direct, produce and act in projects with her and she was simply growing more brilliant with each year. My heart goes out to Bo & family. #RIPCatherineO’Hara
Ron Howard, Director
Rita Wilson Offers Condolences to Catherine’s Family
Actress and producer Rita Wilson expressed sympathy for Catherine’s family while highlighting the authenticity that defined O’Hara both personally and professionally.
Wilson wrote:
Catherine O’Hara – a woman who was authentic and truthful in all she did. You saw it in her work, if you knew her you saw it in her life, and you saw it in her family. Bo, Luke and Matthew, our deepest sympathies. May Catherine rest in peace. May her memory be eternal.
Rita Wilson, Actress and Producer
A Lasting Influence on Film and Television
As the tribute messages pour in, Catherine O’Hara’s legacy as a comedian, actress, and beloved creative collaborator remains undeniable. From her early days in Toronto’s comedy scene to her starring roles in iconic films and television series, she inspired colleagues and fans with her wit, warmth, and talent.
Her passing marks not only the end of an era for many who admired her work but also signals a lasting imprint on both comedic and dramatic storytelling. The private celebration planned by her family will honor a remarkable life that touched many people worldwide, leaving a powerful mark on the industry and those who knew her personally.
This is shattering news. What a wonderful person, artist and collaborator. I was lucky enough to direct, produce and act in projects with her and she was simply growing more brilliant with each year. My heart goes out to Bo & family. #RIPCatherineO’Hara https://t.co/7pWcpYARai
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) January 30, 2026
