Schitt's Creek Stars Share Emotional Tributes Following Catherine O'Hara's Death
The entertainment world is in mourning following the passing of acclaimed actress Catherine O'Hara, who died aged 71 in Los Angeles on Friday after what her representatives described as a "brief illness." New reports indicate she was rushed to hospital with breathing difficulties in the early hours of Friday morning.
Heartfelt Messages from Co-Stars
Eugene and Dan Levy, who starred alongside O'Hara in the beloved television series Schitt's Creek, have shared poignant and deeply personal tributes to their late colleague and friend. The father-and-son duo worked closely with O'Hara throughout the show's six-season run, where she portrayed the eccentric and unforgettable Moira Rose.
Taking to Instagram, Dan Levy posted two photographs: a selfie with Catherine and a still from the show featuring their characters David and Moira. In his caption, he wrote: "What a gift to have gotten to dance in the warm glow of Catherine O'Hara's brilliance for all those years. Having spent over fifty years collaborating with my Dad, Catherine was extended family before she ever played my family. It's hard to imagine a world without her in it. I will cherish every funny memory I was fortunate enough to make with her. My heart goes out to Bo, Matthew, Luke and every member of her big, beautiful family."
A Professional Relationship Spanning Decades
Eugene Levy's connection with Catherine O'Hara extended far beyond their time on Schitt's Creek. Their professional relationship began in the 1970s when they both performed in the sketch comedy Second City, later known as SCTV. Over the decades, they collaborated on numerous projects including Christopher Guest's mockumentaries Best in Show and A Mighty Wind before ultimately portraying married couple Johnny and Moira Rose.
In an official statement, Eugene Levy expressed his profound grief: "Words seem inadequate to express the loss I feel today. I had the honour of knowing and working with the great Catherine O'Hara 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 the entire O'Hara family."
An Illustrious Career Remembered
Catherine O'Hara's remarkable career spanned television, film, and theatre, earning her numerous accolades including Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. While she gained widespread recognition for her role as Moira Rose in Schitt's Creek, her filmography includes iconic performances in Tim Burton's Beetlejuice and its 2024 sequel, the beloved holiday classic Home Alone, and more recently, the Apple TV+ series The Studio.
The Canadian actress was celebrated for her unique comedic timing, distinctive voice, and ability to bring complex, memorable characters to life. Her portrayal of the pretentious yet endearing Moira Rose became a cultural touchstone, with her elaborate wigs and extravagant vocabulary delighting audiences worldwide.
Outpouring of Grief from Hollywood
Tributes have flooded in from across the entertainment industry, with many of O'Hara's Schitt's Creek co-stars sharing their own heartfelt messages. Annie Murphy, who played her on-screen daughter Alexis, and Jennifer Robertson, who portrayed Jocelyn Schitt, both expressed their admiration and sorrow.
Robertson wrote: "Being in Catherine O'Hara's orbit was a beautiful, magical gift. She was an absolute star who never understood why people made such a fuss about her. Her passing is a loss for everyone who knew and loved her."
Chris Elliot, who played Roland Schitt, remembered her as "such a warm-hearted, generous and humble human being," while Sarah Levy, Eugene's daughter who appeared as waitress Twyla, simply stated: "This one cuts deep."
Macaulay Culkin, who played O'Hara's on-screen son Kevin in the Home Alone films and remained close with her afterwards, shared an especially poignant tribute on social media: "Mama. 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."
A Lasting Legacy
CBC, the network that aired Schitt's Creek, released a statement praising O'Hara's contributions: "Catherine brought unmatched talent and a rare and radiant spirit to everything she touched." This sentiment has been echoed throughout the industry as colleagues, fans, and critics reflect on her extraordinary body of work.
Beyond her professional achievements, those who knew Catherine O'Hara personally have emphasised her kindness, humility, and genuine nature. Despite her considerable success and recognition, she remained grounded and appreciative of her opportunities in the entertainment industry.
As the entertainment community continues to process this significant loss, Catherine O'Hara's legacy as a versatile performer, cherished colleague, and beloved friend will undoubtedly endure through her extensive catalogue of work and the countless lives she touched throughout her fifty-year career.
