Seth Rogen mourns Catherine O’Hara after the actress’s sudden death on a Friday at the age of 71. The 43-year-old actor and comedian, who worked closely with O’Hara on the Apple TV+ series The Studio, shared a heartfelt tribute expressing his devastation and admiration for his late costar, highlighting how deeply her loss has affected him.
Tributes from Co-Stars and Personal Reflections on O’Hara’s Impact
Rogen posted a touching photograph of O’Hara smiling mischievously as she playfully poked him on the back. Sharing his feelings, he wrote,
“Really don’t know what to say… I told O’Hara when I first met her I thought she was the funniest person I’d ever had the pleasure of watching on screen.”
He revealed that O’Hara’s performance as Macaulay Culkin’s mother in the 1990 hit Home Alone inspired him to pursue a career in filmmaking.
“Home Alone was the movie that made me want to make movies. Getting to work with her was a true honour,”
he added.
In his tribute, Rogen described O’Hara as
“hysterical, kind, intuitive, generous… she made me want to make our show good enough to be worthy of her presence in it.”
He concluded his message with,
“This is just devastating. We’re all lucky we got to live in a world with her in it.”
Fellow The Studio actor Ike Barinholtz shared his sorrow on Instagram, posting a photo of himself and O’Hara on a staircase.
“I never in a million years thought I would get to work with Catherine O’Hara let alone become friends with her,”
he wrote.
“So profoundly sad she’s somewhere else now. So incredibly grateful I got to spend the time I did with her. Thank you Catherine, I love you.”
The Studio: O’Hara’s Final Role and On-Set Bond with Rogen
Catherine O’Hara’s portrayal of Patty Leigh in The Studio, which premiered on Apple TV+ in March 2025, was among her last screen appearances. Playing a powerful Hollywood executive and mentor to Rogen’s character, Matt Remick, the pair developed a close relationship both on and off camera. Rogen reflected on their professional chemistry during a March 2025 interview:
“We actually do get along, but chemistry can be faked. I think you never know. Just because you like someone in real life, it doesn’t mean you’ll have good chemistry with them. Thank God it worked out that way. We were shooting the first scene together, and it seemed to be going well.”
O’Hara responded,
“I like Seth. I really like Seth, so that helps.”
Details Surrounding O’Hara’s Medical Emergency and Passing
On Friday morning, Catherine O’Hara experienced a medical emergency at her Brentwood home in Los Angeles, resulting in first responders arriving around 5 AM after dispatch audio revealed she was having difficulty breathing. The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed they transported the 70-year-old actress to a nearby hospital in serious condition. Hours later, she was declared dead. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
CAA, O’Hara’s representative agency, issued a statement confirming her death followed a brief illness at her Los Angeles residence. An LAFD spokesperson told the Daily Mail,
“At 4:48 am we responded to a request for medical aid to that address and transported an approximately 70-year-old female in serious condition.”
O’Hara’s last public appearance was at the Emmy Awards in September, where she appeared noticeably frail on the red carpet, signaling possible health concerns prior to her passing.
O’Hara’s Family and Recent Absence from Award Ceremonies
The actress is survived by her husband, Bo Welch, to whom she was married for over 30 years, and their two sons, Matthew, 32, and Luke, 29. She was notably absent from the 2026 Golden Globes held on January 11, despite being nominated for Best Supporting Actress on Television for her work on The Studio. The event featured Macaulay Culkin, her Home Alone costar, presenting the award for Best Screenplay – Motion Picture, during which he reflected on their shared history.
Macaulay Culkin’s Emotional Tribute to O’Hara
Macaulay Culkin led the wave of tributes on Instagram after the news of O’Hara’s death became public. Posting a split image—one from the original Home Alone film and another from a recent 2023 reunion at his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony—Culkin wrote,
“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.”
This message highlighted the profound connection between the two actors after decades of collaboration and friendship.
Catherine O’Hara’s Illustrious Career and Comedic Legacy
A native of Toronto, Catherine O’Hara began her career as a member of the beloved SCTV cast, contributing to launching the careers of comedy legends such as John Candy, Eugene Levy, and Rick Moranis. She rose to household fame starring as Macaulay Culkin’s mom in the first two Home Alone films and won widespread acclaim playing the eccentric Moira Rose in all 80 episodes of the comedy series Schitt’s Creek.
O’Hara’s comedic skills also shone in Christopher Guest’s acclaimed mockumentaries, including Best in Show (2000) and A Mighty Wind (2003). Fans also remember her iconic role in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice, further showcasing her range and versatility.
Recognition and Awards Highlighting O’Hara’s Talent
Over the last decade of her career, O’Hara enjoyed a resurgence in popularity with Schitt’s Creek, earning an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2020. Her talent extended beyond comedy, as seen in 2025’s The Studio where she demonstrated her ability to move seamlessly between comedic and dramatic roles.
Her extensive awards résumé includes an Emmy win in 1982 for her work on SCTV Network, an Emmy in 2020 for Schitt’s Creek, as well as eight additional nominations for acting and writing. In 2017, she received the Order of Canada, one of the nation’s highest honors, which celebrated her significant contributions and impact on Canadian culture.
In 2025, O’Hara earned a rare double Emmy nomination for her guest role on HBO’s The Last of Us and her performance in The Studio, underscoring her enduring influence and exceptional versatility as an actress.
The Enduring Impact of Catherine O’Hara in Hollywood and Beyond
Catherine O’Hara’s sudden passing has left a deep void in the entertainment world, especially for those who knew her as a mentor, collaborator, and friend. For Seth Rogen and others who had the privilege of working with her, her unique blend of wit, warmth, and brilliance set a standard they aspired to meet. Her legacy, spanning decades of groundbreaking comedy and memorable performances, continues to inspire audiences and peers alike.
As the industry reflects on her contribution, the impact of her work in iconic projects like Home Alone, Schitt’s Creek, and The Studio remains profound. The emotional tributes from colleagues such as Rogen, Barinholtz, and Culkin highlight just how much her presence is missed and the significant mark she left on the world of entertainment.
