Friday, January 30th, felt like a punch to the gut. You were probably scrolling through headlines when *that* name jumped out, accompanied by the words “unexpectedly passed.” Catherine O’Hara, the queen of comedy, was gone.
The outpouring of grief from Hollywood wasn’t just polite condolences; it was a tidal wave of genuine affection for a woman who clearly touched countless lives. Tributes poured in immediately from former co-stars, directors, and friends, each painting a picture of a talent that was as radiant as it was rare.
Following the news, O’Hara was eulogized by several costars across the decades, including Home Alone’s Macaulay Culkin. “Mama, I thought we had more time,” he wrote on Instagram. “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.”
“She’s been my pretend wife, my pretend nemesis and my real life, true friend,” said Michael Keaton. “We go back before the first Beetlejuice. This one hurts. Man am I gonna miss her. Thinking about [her husband, Bo Welch] as well.”
“Oh, genius to be near you. Eternally grateful,” added The Last of Us’ Pedro Pascal. “There is less light in my world, this lucky world that had you, will keep you, always. Always .” Separately, series co-creator Craig Mazin remembered her as a “wonderful, brilliant, kind, beautiful human being. I think she would prefer that we keep laughing somehow, or at the very least not cry. We were lucky to have had you at all.”
In a joint statement, the cast and crew of Apple’s The Studio called her “a hero to all of us, and we pinched ourselves every day that we got to work with her. We’re unbelievably saddened she is gone and send our deepest sympathy to Bo and all her family.”
Separately, her longtime friend and Schitt’s Creek costar Eugene Levy called it “an honor [to know and work with] Catherine for over fifty years. 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 I will miss her. My heart goes out to Bo, Matthew, Luke and the entire O’Hara family.”
We’ve collected more eulogies for O’Hara down below.
What an honor it was to be spoofed by Catherine O’Hara. What an unfathomable loss. We love you, Catherine. Comedy won’t be the same without her. Sending love to Catherine’s family, friends, castmates, and fans today. Truly beloved. pic.twitter.com/ucUYTj8zmm
— Brooke Shields (@BrookeShields) 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
From SCTV to Home Alone to her unforgettable role as Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek, Catherine O’Hara was a beloved Canadian icon with a rare gift for comedy and heart. She made people laugh across generations and helped bring Canadian storytelling to the world in a way only she… pic.twitter.com/tO72Xy3yqp
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 30, 2026
While working at Toronto’s Second City Theater, Catherine O’Hara was made Gilda Radner’s understudy.
When Radner left in 1974, O’Hara became a member of the company, and her ability to imbue her comedic characters with depth and humanity launched a decades-long career. pic.twitter.com/NazY2aEuQA
— Encyclopaedia Britannica (@Britannica) January 30, 2026
Hollywood Remembers Catherine O’Hara
When news of someone’s passing breaks, social media transforms into a digital memorial. For Catherine O’Hara, the virtual space overflowed with anecdotes, memories, and expressions of gratitude.
Macaulay Culkin, her *Home Alone* son, shared a particularly poignant message. Michael Keaton, who shared the screen with her in *Beetlejuice*, spoke of a friendship that predated their first film together. Pedro Pascal, from *The Last of Us*, simply stated, “There is less light in my world.” These weren’t just celebrity platitudes; they felt like heartfelt goodbyes.
How did Catherine O’Hara become famous?
O’Hara’s career was no overnight success; it was built brick by brick. She started at Toronto’s Second City Theater, where her talent for creating memorable characters quickly became apparent. That early work paved the way for her breakthrough role on *SCTV*, a Canadian sketch comedy show that earned her an Emmy Award. From there, she blossomed into a screen icon. It’s worth remembering that every great performer was once just getting started.
‘Schitt’s Creek’ and Beyond: A Legacy of Laughter
Think of the characters O’Hara brought to life. Moira Rose, the eccentric matriarch of *Schitt’s Creek*, became the role she was born to play. Eugene Levy, her longtime friend and co-star, said it was “an honor” to have worked with her for over 50 years, from their Second City beginnings to their six glorious years on *Schitt’s Creek*.
Beyond *Schitt’s Creek*, O’Hara’s filmography is a testament to her range. From her early work with Christopher Guest on films like *Waiting for Guffman* to her iconic voice work in animated films, she consistently delivered unforgettable performances. She was a chameleon, capable of disappearing into any role.
What was Catherine O’Hara’s cause of death?
Official reports state that O’Hara passed away after a brief illness. The sudden nature of her death has added to the shock and sadness felt by fans and colleagues alike. While details are scarce, it’s clear that her loss is deeply felt.
Remembering a Comedic Genius
Brooke Shields expressed the sentiment of many when she wrote that it was “an honor” to be spoofed by Catherine O’Hara. Ron Howard, who directed her, called her a “wonderful person, artist, and collaborator.” Even Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau weighed in, calling her “a beloved Canadian icon.”
The outpouring of love serves as a reminder of O’Hara’s impact. She wasn’t just an actress; she was a cultural touchstone, a source of joy, and an inspiration to countless others. The world feels a little less funny without her.
What were Catherine O’Hara’s most notable roles?
Narrowing down O’Hara’s most notable roles is a challenge, given her extensive and diverse career. However, certain performances stand out. Her roles in *Home Alone* and *Beetlejuice* cemented her status as a comedic force, while her portrayal of Moira Rose earned her critical acclaim and a new generation of fans. Don’t forget her work in *Best in Show* and *A Mighty Wind*, where she demonstrated her improvisational skills and comedic timing. Each role showcased a different facet of her talent, and that talent was boundless.
Catherine O’Hara’s career in entertainment was a performance that will never stop giving. She was a true original, a master of her craft, and a beloved figure in Hollywood and beyond. The tributes pouring in confirm that she was, in essence, a genius. Was her gift underappreciated during her life?