The entertainment world is grieving the unexpected passing of Catherine O’Hara, the acclaimed actress who died at 71 on January 30, 2024. Known for her extraordinary career and recent work alongside Seth Rogen, her death has prompted heartfelt tributes from peers and fans alike.
O’Hara’s manager confirmed her death on January 30 without disclosing a cause. Her role in the series The Studio, among other notable appearances, brought her wide recognition, inspiring colleagues to honor her legacy and reflect on her impact.
Cast and Crew Reflect on Working With Catherine O’Hara
Following the announcement, the cast and crew of The Studio expressed their sorrow. A statement released by Seth Rogen’s representative said,
“We are at a loss for words at the passing of our friend Catherine O’Hara.”
It continued,
“She was a hero to all of us, and we pinched ourselves every day that we got to work with her on The Studio. She was somehow classy, warm, and hilarious all at the same time. We’re unbelievably saddened she is gone and send our deepest sympathy to [her husband] Bo and all her family.”
Macaulay Culkin, who co-starred with O’Hara in the classic Home Alone films as her on-screen son Kevin McCallister, paid tribute on Instagram. He shared a poignant message alongside photographs from both the original set and a recent event where O’Hara attended his Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony in December 2023. Culkin wrote,
“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.”
Not long after her death was announced, comedy icons Martin Short and Steve Martin honored O’Hara during their show in Austin, Texas. Short recalled meeting her as a teenager and praised her character, stating,
“Catherine O’Hara I met when she was 18 years of age. And in all these years later, she has been the greatest, most brilliant, kindest, sweetest angel that any of us worked with. So, God bless Cate.”
Jennifer Robertson, a co-star from Schitt’s Creek, shared her admiration via Instagram:
“Being in Catherine O’Hara’s orbit was a beautiful and magical gift. She was an absolute star who never understood why people made such a fuss over her. Catherine was truly one of a kind. Her passing is a loss for everyone who knew and loved her, and a loss for Canada. You will be deeply missed Catherine. 💔”
Schitt’s Creek Co-Stars and Collaborators Express Deep Grief
Catherine’s longtime collaborators and friends from Schitt’s Creek sent emotional tributes. Eugene Levy, who worked with her across multiple projects for over five decades, said,
“Words seem inadequate to express the loss I feel today. I had the honor of knowing and working with the great Catherine O’Hara for over fifty years.”
He highlighted their journey together,
“From our beginnings on the Second City stage, to SCTV, to the movies we did with Chris Guest, to our six glorious years on ‘Schitt’s Creek,’ I cherished our working relationship, but most of all our friendship,”
and expressed his condolences:
“And I will miss her. My heart goes out to Bo, Matthew, Luke, and the entire O’Hara family.”
Dan Levy, Eugene’s son and co-creator of Schitt’s Creek, posted on Instagram with two photos alongside O’Hara, reflecting on their connection:
“What a gift to have gotten to dance in the warm glow of Catherine O’Hara’s brilliance for all those years. Having spent over fifty years collaborating with my Dad, Catherine was extended family before she ever played my family. It’s hard to imagine a world without her in it. I will cherish every funny memory I was fortunate enough to make with her. My heart goes out to Bo, Matthew, Luke and every member of her big, beautiful family.”
Sarah Levy, also from the Schitt’s Creek cast, conveyed the pain of losing O’Hara on Instagram, writing, “This one cuts deep.” She added,
“What an honour it has been to know and work with and love Catherine O’Hara. Cheers to all that you brought to this world — you will be so, so missed. ❤️”
Friends and Fellow Actors Share Personal Memories
Ike Barinholtz, who appeared with O’Hara in The Studio, posted on Instagram about their friendship:
“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 ❤️.”
Joe Pesci, notable for his role in Home Alone, remarked simply,
“Catherine was a great actress, and she will be missed. God bless. Rest in Peace.”
Tim Burton, who directed O’Hara in the cult classic Beetlejuice, shared a special tribute along with a photograph from the set featuring O’Hara and co-stars. He wrote on Facebook,
“Catherine, I love you. This picture shows how much light you gave to all of us. You were a special part of my life and afterlife.”
Christopher Guest, a frequent collaborator on films like Waiting for Guffman and Best in Show, expressed profound sorrow:
“I am devastated. We have lost one of the comic giants of our age. I send my love to her family.”
His wife, actress Jamie Lee Curtis, reposted a clip from Best in Show on Instagram, captioning it,
“BEST OF THE BEST IN SHOW! Catherine O’Hara.”
Michael McKean, who shared screen time with O’Hara in several mockumentaries, noted on X,
“Only one Catherine O’Hara, and now none. Heartbreaking.”
SAG-AFTRA Honors Catherine O’Hara’s Illustrious Career
The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) issued a statement mourning O’Hara’s passing, praising her achievements:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Catherine O’Hara. A beloved actor and comedian, Catherine was a two-time SAG-AFTRA Actor Award winner for her unforgettable work on ‘Schitt’s Creek.’ She’s currently a nominee for ‘The Studio.’ From comedy to drama, her brilliance, generosity and originality has left an indelible mark on film and television. We honor her extraordinary legacy and extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and legions of fans.”
Ron Howard, who directed O’Hara on The Studio, shared on X,
“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.”
Rita Wilson remembered her as genuine and truthful, writing,
“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.”
Colleagues Recall Shared Moments and Lasting Impact
Michael Keaton, O’Hara’s longtime friend and co-star from Beetlejuice, expressed his anguish on Instagram:
“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. Thinking about Beau as well.”
Pedro Pascal, who worked with O’Hara on the second season of The Last of Us, posted a tribute:
“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.”
Justin Theroux, O’Hara’s co-star in the 2024 film Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, reflected on set life, posting a photo of her director’s chair with the caption,
“🕊️Oh Catherine. You will be so so missed.”
Paul Walter Hauser described her as an unparalleled talent, saying,
“She was my Meryl Streep. 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. SCTV, After Hours, Beetlejuice, Home Alone 1 & 2, Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, For Your Consideration, Schitt’s Creek, The Studio. 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.”
He added,
“A freaking angel just went home to Heaven, And she’s not home alone.”
Josh Gad, who collaborated with O’Hara on the animated comedy Central Park, shared his sorrow in an Instagram post:
“I don’t understand what I’m seeing. I can’t bring myself to believe she is gone. Why is the world such a heart breaking place right now? I truly cannot process how to say goodbye to someone so full of life who seemed to just be hitting her prime. Goodbye legend. Thank you for making us laugh until we hurt… which is why right now we are all hurting so damned much knowing we will never again get those laughs. RIP. My love and deepest condolences go out to her entire family.”
Canadian Artist Michael Bublé Pays Tribute to a National Icon
Michael Bublé, fellow Canadian and celebrated singer, shared a moving homage to O’Hara, calling her an ambassador for their country.
“Heartbroken doesn’t even begin to cover it. Catherine O’Hara was one of a kind,”
he wrote on Instagram.
“A rare light in this world and her passing hits with a weight I can’t fully put into words. She wasn’t just a legendary artist, actor and comedian. She was an ambassador for Canada in the truest sense: brilliant, fearless, deeply original, and so full of humanity. She made the world laugh, but she also made people feel seen.”
Bublé continued to emphasize her influence:
“As an artist, she inspired me more than she’ll ever know. She set the bar for what it means to represent your country with excellence and grace and all without ever losing warmth or humility. My heart is broken for her family, her loved ones, and everyone who adored her, both here in Canada and around the world. If you’re grieving this loss, you’re not alone. We’re all holding a piece of this sadness together. Rest easy, Catherine. Thank you for everything.”
Legacy and Lasting Influence Amid Widespread Mourning
Catherine O’Hara’s sudden death has profoundly affected friends, family, and the entertainment industry. Her diverse talents ranged from brilliantly comedic performances to deeply moving dramatic roles, leaving a unique mark on multiple generations. With a career spanning pioneering sketch comedy at Second City, iconic film roles like Beetlejuice and Home Alone, as well as beloved television roles including Schitt’s Creek and The Studio, O’Hara’s artistry was celebrated for its originality, warmth, and humor.
As tributes continue to pour in from across the globe, the outpouring underscores the irreplaceable place O’Hara held in the hearts of colleagues such as Seth Rogen, Michael Keaton, Eugene Levy, and many others. Her ability to inspire laughter and connection has cemented her legacy as a treasured figure in comedy and beyond.
Her passing invites reflection on the impact of her work and what future projects might have benefited from her presence. Those who admired Catherine O’Hara will carry forward her memory and celebrate the joy she brought to entertainment and the lives she touched.
Only one Catherine O'Hara, and now none. Heartbreaking.
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) January 30, 2026
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
