Catherine O’Hara, Beloved Comedic Actress, dies at 71
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The world mourns the loss of Catherine O’Hara, the celebrated Canadian actress whose comedic timing and unforgettable characters captivated audiences for decades, who passed away Friday morning at her Los Angeles home following a short illness. O’Hara’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, fellow performers, and fans alike, celebrating a career marked by both critical acclaim and enduring affection.
A Career Defined by Versatility and Iconic roles
O’Hara’s career spanned decades, encompassing stage, film, and television.She rose to prominence in the 1970s as a member of the renowned comedy troupe Second City in Toronto,and later as a key player on the sketch comedy series SCTV. Her talent for character work shone through in films like Beetlejuice, Home Alone, and The Nightmare Before Christmas, where she voiced Sally. However, it was her recent role as Moira Rose in the critically acclaimed series schitt’s Creek that cemented O’Hara’s status as a comedic icon. Her portrayal of the eccentric former soap opera star earned her widespread acclaim, including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Led Actress in a Comedy Series in 2020, a Golden Globe in 2021, and six consecutive Canadian Screen Awards. The series itself garnered nine Emmy Awards during the 72nd primetime Emmy Awards ceremony.
Tributes Pour In From Across the Industry
In the hours following the declaration of her death, colleagues and friends shared heartfelt tributes, praising not only O’Hara’s remarkable talent but also her warmth and kindness.
Eugene Levy, who played O’Hara’s on-screen husband, expressed his profound grief, stating, “I’ve had the honor of knowing and working with the great Catherine O’Hara for over fifty years. From our early days on the Second City stage, to SCTV, to the films made with Christopher Guest, to our six fantastic years on Schitt’s Creek, I’ve cherished our professional relationship, but even more so, our friendship. She will be missed. My thoughts go out to Bo, Matthew, Luke and to the entire O’Hara family.”
Dan Levy echoed these sentiments,sharing on Instagram: “What a gift to have been bathed in the warm light of Catherine O’Hara’s genius for all these years! Having collaborated with my dad for over fifty years,Catherine was family long before she played mine on screen. It’s unachievable to imagine a world without her. I will cherish every hilarious memory I have. Sending my thoughts to Bo, Matthew, Luke and every member of her big, beautiful family.”
Sarah Levy, who played Twyla Sands in Schitt’s Creek, posted a poignant photo of O’Hara in her role, writing, “This one really hurts.What an honor it was to know, work with, and love Catherine O’Hara! thank you for everything you brought to this world. You will be deeply missed.”
Annie Murphy, who portrayed Alexis Rose, O’Hara’s on-screen daughter, remembered her “mother’s” infectious laughter, stating, “Her laugh encouraged everyone who heard it to join in and be as joyful as she was. We were so lucky to have her among us.”
Even outside the Schitt’s Creek family, tributes flowed in. Comedians Steve Martin and Martin Short honored O’Hara during their performance Friday night in Austin, Texas, displaying an image of the actress on screen and hailing her as “the greatest, brightest, kindest, and sweetest angel” they had ever worked with. They then raised a glass in her memory to a standing ovation.
Catherine O’Hara’s passing leaves a void in the world of comedy,but her legacy of laughter and unforgettable performances will undoubtedly endure. She is survived by her husband, Bo Welch, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke.
