Hollywood Pays Tribute to Catherine O’Hara: A Star Who Inspired Many
The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of Catherine O’Hara, a celebrated comedic talent with ten Emmy nominations and two wins. O’Hara passed away on Friday at the age of 71.
O’Hara gained fame through her work on the iconic Canadian sketch-comedy series SCTV, where she won Emmys for writing and later as Best Actress in a Comedy for her role as Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek.
In recent years, she received additional Emmy nominations for a dramatic role in The Last of Us and as Patty Leigh on the multi-Emmy-winning series The Studio.
Many from the entertainment community have expressed their condolences and shared memories. Notable figures such as Michael McKean, Seth Rogen, Ike Barinholtz, and Pedro Pascal have paid tribute to her talent and impact.
Christopher Guest, with whom O’Hara collaborated on several of his improvisational films like Waiting For Guffman and Best In Show, released a poignant statement reflecting on her unique talent. “Only one Catherine O’Hara, and now none. Heartbreaking,” McKean wrote on Twitter.
SCTV alum Andrea Martin remembered O’Hara, stating, “Catherine. She is and will always be the greatest. It is an honor to have called her my friend.”
Leslie Kritzer, who portrayed O’Hara’s character in Broadway’s Beetlejuice, expressed her admiration, recounting the moment she met the actress as a transformative experience.
Pedro Pascal, O’Hara’s co-star in The Last Of Us, shared a heartfelt tribute, highlighting her irreplaceable presence in comedy and offering support to her family and friends during this difficult time.
Brooke Shields described O’Hara as an “unfathomable loss,” emphasizing her beloved status within the industry. “Comedy won’t be the same without her,” she remarked.
Michael Bublé echoed similar sentiments, stating that O’Hara was a “rare light” whose legacy would resonate with fans and performers alike.
Kevin Nealon reflected on O’Hara’s influence on comedy, noting her remarkable ability to create characters that would endure in popular culture. “Catherine O’Hara changed how so many of us understand comedy and humanity,” he said.
National Comedy Center executive director Journey Gunderson praised O’Hara’s extraordinary talents, stating, “She shaped what comedy acting could be – blending precision, humanity, and originality in a way that felt effortless but was anything but.”
Warner Bros. Entertainment also shared their remembrance of O’Hara, highlighting her contribution to the industry.
