Jenna Ortega, who portrayed Astrid Deetz in the new Beetlejuice Beetlejuice film, expressed deep admiration and sorrow over the death of Catherine O’Hara, the iconic actress who passed away at 71. Ortega, reflecting on their time together, shared heartfelt words about O’Hara’s influence and their shared experiences on the set.
On February 1, Ortega wrote on Instagram,
Catherine is one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever had the honor of getting to work with and know,
Jenna Ortega, Actress. She added,
I’ll forever cherish the time we shared together, and everything she taught me.
Further praising the late star, Ortega continued,
A giant and inspiration in many ways. One of the greats. Thank you so much for it all.
Details Surrounding Catherine O’Hara’s Death and Legacy
O’Hara’s passing was confirmed by Us Weekly on January 30, revealing she died after a brief illness and hospitalization. Her agency, Creative Artists Agency, released a statement that she died peacefully at her Los Angeles home. They announced,
Prolific multi-award-winning actress, writer and comedian Catherine O’Hara died today at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness,
Creative Artists Agency. The family has planned a private celebration of life in her honor.
Catherine O’Hara was widely known for her role as Delia Deetz in the original 1988 Beetlejuice film and in the 2024 sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. The original movie features Delia and Charles Deetz (played by Jeffrey Jones) moving into a haunted house with their daughter Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder), where they encounter ghosts and the mischievous spirit Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton).
In the latest sequel directed by Tim Burton, O’Hara, Ryder, and Keaton reprised their roles, with Ortega joining as Lydia’s daughter Astrid, continuing the family lineage on screen.
O’Hara Reflects on Returning to Delia Deetz’s Character
In an interview with Parade in September 2024, Catherine O’Hara described the excitement surrounding the Beetlejuice sequel. She shared,
Tim [Burton] was just so excited and enthusiastic about doing it, and that was infectious,
Catherine O’Hara, Actress. She recalled the cast’s collective amazement, saying,
Everybody jumped in, and we kept saying, ‘Do you believe we’re doing this?’ And to see Michael’s face for the first time as Beetlejuice! Like, his character doesn’t have to age because he was always dead.
Despite the enthusiasm, O’Hara admitted feeling some challenge in revisiting the role after 35 years.
It’s 35 years later, I’m probably the oldest cast member, and I let myself age naturally,
she explained.
So, I’m going on camera playing the same person, but that was also the lovely part. It was lovely to think about where these characters are now.
Personal Life and Cherished Memories
Catherine O’Hara is survived by her husband Bo Welch, whom she met during the original Beetlejuice production, and their two sons. She fondly described their relationship in the Parade interview, stating,
He’s a production designer. It’s a lovely memory,
Catherine O’Hara, Actress.
My husband and I love to laugh. We’d laugh 50 times a day if we could. Even when we have a fight, we’ll somehow say something to make fun of the other person, so you just have to laugh at the ridiculousness of us.
Tributes from Cast and Industry Peers
Following O’Hara’s death, many of her Beetlejuice castmates and notable figures in the entertainment community shared emotional tributes. Michael Keaton, who played Beetlejuice, posted on Instagram,
We go back before the first Beetlejuice,
Michael Keaton, Actor. He continued,
She’s been my pretend wife, my pretend nemesis and my real life, true friend. This one hurts. Man am I gonna miss her. Thinking about [Bo] as well.
Director Tim Burton, who helmed both the original and sequel films, also expressed his grief on social media with a heartfelt message, captioning a photo from the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice set, Catherine, I love you, and stating,
You were a special part of my life and after life.
Tim Burton, Director.
Additional tributes from other celebrities and co-stars have further reinforced O’Hara’s impact as a cherished artist and friend within the industry.
The Enduring Influence of Catherine O’Hara’s Work
Catherine O’Hara’s contributions to comedy, film, and television have left a lasting mark, inspiring a new generation of performers including Jenna Ortega. Ortega’s expression of gratitude highlights the importance of O’Hara’s mentorship and legacy. As fans and colleagues continue to mourn her loss, the private family celebration underscores the personal and profound bond between O’Hara and those closest to her.
Her work, especially in the Beetlejuice franchise, remains a beloved cornerstone of popular culture. Future projects and retrospectives will likely continue to honor her memory, reflecting the vibrancy and joy she brought to audiences worldwide.
