Michael Keaton is paying tribute to his longtime friend and co-star Catherine O’Hara following her death at 71. O’Hara, renowned for her roles in Home Alone, Schitt’s Creek, and Beetlejuice, passed away at home on January 30 after a brief illness, as confirmed by her manager to NBC News.
Shared Screen Moments and Deep Friendship
Keaton and O’Hara worked together on several projects, with their connection starting on the 1988 cult classic Beetlejuice. They later reunited for the 2024 sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, as well as the 1994 film The Paper and the 2005 drama Game 6. Their friendship extended well beyond their professional lives.
On Instagram, Keaton posted a photo of the two with a touching message:
We go back before the first Beetlejuice. She’s been my pretend wife, my pretend nemesis and my real life, true friend.
He summarized his feelings by adding,
This one hurts. Man am I gonna miss her.
Keaton also referred to O’Hara’s husband, Robert W. Bo Welch III, indicating his thoughts were with the family during this difficult time.
Remembering O’Hara’s Family and Personal Life
Catherine O’Hara met Welch while working on Beetlejuice, where she starred as Delia Deetz and he served as production designer. The couple married in 1992 and had two sons, Matthew and Luke, who survive her.
Tributes from Cast and Crew Highlight O’Hara’s Impact
Director Tim Burton shared a group photo from the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice set, featuring Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Jenna Ortega. Accompanying the image, Burton wrote,
This picture shows how much light you gave to all of us. You were a special part of my life and after life.
Justin Theroux, also part of the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice cast, expressed his sorrow by posting a photo on Instagram of a director’s chair bearing O’Hara’s name. His dog Kuma can be seen resting beside it. Theroux wrote alongside the image using a dove emoji,
Oh Catherine. You will be so so missed.
The Lasting Legacy of Catherine O’Hara
Catherine O’Hara’s passing deeply affects friends, family, and colleagues who admired her versatility and warmth over a career spanning six decades. Michael Keaton’s tribute underlines the profound personal bonds formed through their shared work and years of friendship. Her memorable performances and genuine spirit ensure her enduring presence in the hearts of many.
