
Friday, January 30, everyone was shocked by the death of Catherine O’Hara. At the age of 71, the actress is known for BeetlejuiceHome Alone, and several other shows and movies passed due to a “short illness,” according to multiple reports.
After the news broke, O’Hara was praised by several costars over the decades, including Home Alone Macaulay Culkin. “Mom, I think we have a lot of time,” he wrote Instagram. “I think we have time. I want more. I want to sit in the chair next to you. I hear you. But I have so much more to say. I love you. See you later.”
“She is my pretend wife, my pretend enemy and my real life, real friend,” said Michael Keaton. “We’ll be back before the first one Beetlejuice. This one hurts. Man I will miss him. Also thinking about (her husband, Bo Welch).
“Oh, genius near you. Eternally grateful,” he added The Last Of Us’ Peter Pascal. “There is a little light in my world, this lucky world that has you, will always have you. Always ♥️.” Separately, series co-creator Craig Mazin He was remembered as a “wonderful, bright, kind, beautiful person. I think he would have preferred us to keep laughing no matter what, or at least not cry. We are lucky to have you.”
In one joint statementthe cast and crew of Apple’s The Studio He was called “a hero to all of us, and we pinch ourselves every day that we got to work with him. We are incredibly saddened that he is gone and send our deepest sympathies to Bo and all of his family.”
Separated, his longtime friend and Schitt’s Creek in the United States costar Eugene Levy Calling it “an honor (to have known and worked with) Catherine for over fifty years. From our beginnings on the Second City stage, to SCTV, to the shows we did with Chris Guest, to our six glorious years on ‘Schitt’s Creek,’ I loved our working relationship, but most of all our friendship. And I miss her. My heart goes out to Bo’s family, Matthew, Luke and all of O’Hara.”
We’ve collected more compliments for O’Hara below.
What an honor to be spoofed by Catherine O’Hara. What an unfathomable loss. We love you, Catherine. Comedy just wouldn’t be the same without him. Sending love to Catherine’s family, friends, castmates, and fans today. True love. pic.twitter.com/ucUYTj8zmm
— Brooke Shields (@BrookeShields) January 30, 2026
This is shocking news. A very nice person, artist and colleague. I’ve been lucky enough to direct, produce and act in projects with him and he just gets better every year. My heart goes out to Bo & family. #RIPCatherineO‘Come on https://t.co/7pWcpYARai
– Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) January 30, 2026
From SCTV to Home Alone to her unforgettable role as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, Catherine O’Hara is a beloved Canadian icon with a unique gift for comedy and heart. He has made people laugh for generations and helped bring Canada’s story to the world in a way that only he… pic.twitter.com/tO72Xy3yqp
– Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 30, 2026
While working at Second City Theater in Toronto, Catherine O’Hara became Gilda Radner’s understudy.
When Radner left in 1974, O’Hara became a member of the company, and his ability to imbue his comedic characters with depth and humanity launched a decades-long career. pic.twitter.com/NazY2aEuQA
— Encyclopaedia Britannica (@Britannica) January 30, 2026
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