Catherine O’Hara, the Emmy-winning actress renowned for her unforgettable performances in iconic films and television series, has passed away at the age of 71. The Canadian star, celebrated for her roles in “Beetlejuice,” “Home Alone,” and the acclaimed series “Schitt’s Creek,” died on Friday at her home in Los Angeles after a brief illness. The news has elicited a wave of heartfelt tributes from fellow actors and fans alike, highlighting her profound impact on the entertainment industry.
Tributes from Fellow Stars
Meryl Streep, who shared the screen with O’Hara in the 1986 film “Heartburn,” expressed her sorrow, noting that O’Hara filled the world with “love and light” through her brilliant portrayals of unique characters. Pedro Pascal, who co-starred with O’Hara in “The Last of Us,” reflected on his gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside her, stating, “There is less light in my world.”
Ben Stiller remarked on the indelible mark O’Hara left on the realm of comedy, asserting, “For me, there was no one better.” Michael Keaton, who shared the screen with O’Hara in the cult classic “Beetlejuice,” remembered her fondly, describing her as a “pretend wife, a pretend nemesis, and a real-life true friend.” Alec Baldwin, another co-star from the same film, praised her unique comedic talent, calling her “one of the greatest comic talents in the movie business.”
A Lasting Legacy in Film and Television
O’Hara’s career spanned several decades, beginning in the vibrant Canadian comedy scene before transitioning to a series of remarkable film roles that garnered her critical acclaim. Most recently, her portrayal of the eccentric Moira Rose in “Schitt’s Creek” won her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in 2021. This role, alongside her remarkable performances in the “Home Alone” films, has solidified her status as a comedic icon.
Macaulay Culkin, who played her on-screen son in the “Home Alone” series, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, writing, “Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more.” The sentiments echoed by Culkin reflect the deep bond O’Hara formed with her colleagues, as well as the emotional weight of her passing.
Tributes from the Industry and Beyond
Dan Levy, co-creator of “Schitt’s Creek,” hailed O’Hara as “family before she ever played my family,” highlighting the personal connection he shared with her. Levy’s father, Eugene, also expressed his sorrow, stating that words fell short in conveying the loss he felt both personally and professionally after their lengthy friendship spanning over 50 years.
Seth Rogen, who recently worked with O’Hara in the satirical film “The Studio,” recalled telling her that she was “the funniest person I’d ever had the pleasure of watching on screen.” Rogen attributed his inspiration to pursue filmmaking to her iconic performance in “Home Alone.” Christopher Guest, a frequent collaborator, described her as “one of the comic giants of our age,” underscoring her influence on the genre.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau referred to O’Hara as a “beloved Canadian icon,” while current Prime Minister Mark Carney lamented the loss of a true legend. O’Hara leaves behind her husband, Bo Welch, their two sons, and six siblings.
Why it Matters
Catherine O’Hara’s passing marks a significant loss not only for her family and friends but for the entertainment industry as a whole. Her unique ability to blend humour with heartfelt emotion resonated with audiences around the globe, making her performances memorable and cherished. As tributes continue to pour in, it is clear that O’Hara’s legacy will endure, inspiring future generations of comedians and actors to embrace their craft with the same creativity and authenticity she embodied throughout her remarkable career.
