Hollywood mourned the loss of beloved actress Catherine O’Hara, who passed away at the age of 71 on Friday after a brief illness. Known for her iconic work in films and series such as Schitt’s Creek, Beetlejuice, Home Alone 1 and 2, and The Studio, the news triggered an outpouring of grief and admiration from fans, co-stars, and industry figures worldwide. Among the many tributes, Justin Theroux’s touching “Justin Theroux tribute” stood out as part of a collective farewell to the cherished performer.
Friends and Co-Stars Remember Catherine O’Hara’s Talent
Following the announcement of O’Hara’s death, heartfelt condolences streamed in across social media and public statements from actors who worked closely with her. Macaulay Culkin, who portrayed her son Kevin in Home Alone, shared emotional words, capturing a deep personal loss:
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.
Culkin accompanied his message with nostalgic photos from their time on set and a touching reunion during his Walk of Fame ceremony.
Director Chris Columbus, who helmed Home Alone, described his shock and sorrow in detail, emphasizing O’Hara’s vital contribution to the film’s success.
I was an obsessive fan of Catherine’s brilliant comedic work on SCTV and was thrilled when she agreed to play Kevin’s mom in Home Alone. What most people don’t realize is that Catherine carries the weight of 50 percent of that film. The movie simply would not work without her extraordinary performance. Catherine grounds the picture with a profound emotional depth. I will miss her greatly,
Columbus shared.
Christopher Guest, a frequent collaborator in mockumentaries such as Best in Show and Waiting for Guffman, expressed his devastation at losing a comedic powerhouse:
We have lost one of the comic giants of our age,
he said.
Schitt’s Creek Family and Other Peers Share Fond Memories
Dan Levy, who played O’Hara’s son on Schitt’s Creek, reflected on their close bond, calling her “extended family.” He honored years of collaboration and the joy her talent brought both on and off screen.
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.
He added,
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.
Other Schitt’s Creek cast members and crew, including Eugene Levy, director Jordan Canning, and Lily Tomlin, also paid tribute to O’Hara’s unforgettable impact on their lives and the show. Actor-comedian Seth Rogen, who worked alongside her in the Apple TV+ series The Studio, expressed being overwhelmed and honored by their shared experience:
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. Home Alone was the movie that made me want to make movies. Getting to work with her was a true honour. She was hysterical, kind, intuitive, generous … she made me want to make our show good enough to be worthy of her presence in it. This is just devastating. We’re all lucky we got to live in a world with her in it,
he wrote. Director Judd Apatow responded to Rogen’s tribute with praise:
Brilliant and kind. Riotously funny for fifty years. A really special person.
Legendary Filmmakers and Actors Celebrate Her Legacy
Martin Scorsese, who collaborated with O’Hara on the 1984 film After Hours, wrote about the overwhelming sadness caused by her passing. He highlighted her many notable roles and referred to her as a “true comic genius” and “wonderful human being.”
Many people know her from Schitt’s Creek. For many others, it’s the Home Alone pictures or Beetlejuice or the Christopher Guest comedies. For me, and for most of my friends, it’s SCTV. All I have to do is think about one of the characters she created, like Lola Heatherton or Dusty Towne, and I’m laughing. Catherine was a true comic genius, a true artist, and a wonderful human being. I was blessed to be able to work with her on After Hours, and I’m going to miss her presence and her artistry. We all are,
he said.
Actor Pedro Pascal shared a tribute remembered for their work together on HBO’s dystopian drama The Last of Us. Calling her “genius,” he said:
There is less light in my world, this lucky world that had you, will keep you, always,
highlighting their friendship and admiration beyond the screen.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and former PM Mark Carney joined the global community in mourning one of Canada’s most cherished entertainers. Trudeau acknowledged her as a national icon with an unmatched comedic gift:
From SCTV to Home Alone to her unforgettable role as Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek, Catherine O’Hara was a beloved Canadian icon with a rare gift for comedy and heart. She made people laugh across generations and helped bring Canadian storytelling to the world in a way only she…
Mark Carney echoed the sentiment of loss, saying:
I join Canadians and fans across the world in mourning the loss of Catherine O’Hara. Over 5 decades of work, Catherine earned her place in the canon of Canadian comedy — from SCTV to Schitt’s Creek. Canada has lost a legend. My thoughts are with her family, friends, and all…
Beetlejuice Cast and Crew Reflect on Their Shared Experiences
Michael Keaton, who starred alongside O’Hara in Beetlejuice, recalled their longtime friendship and on-screen chemistry.
We go back before the first Beetlejuice. She’s been my pretend wife, my pretend nemesis and my real life, true friend. This one hurts. Man am I gonna miss her. Thinking about Beau as well.
Director Tim Burton posted a behind-the-scenes photo from the upcoming sequel, featuring O’Hara with cast members Winona Ryder, Jenna Ortega, and Keaton, and wrote:
Catherine, I love you. This picture shows how much light you gave to all of us. You were a special part of my life and after life,
reflecting on her enduring presence both personally and professionally.
Justin Theroux, O’Hara’s co-star in Beetlejuice, posted a poignant image of a chair from the set bearing her name, accompanied by the caption, Oh Catherine. His tribute added to the collective mourning from the entertainment community.
Family and Private Farewell
Catherine O’Hara is survived by her husband Bo Welch, their sons Matthew and Luke, as well as her siblings Michael O’Hara, Mary Margaret O’Hara, Maureen Jolley, Marcus O’Hara, Tom O’Hara, and Patricia Wallice. According to her agency, the family will hold a private celebration of life to honor her memory.
From SCTV to Home Alone to her unforgettable role as Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek, Catherine O’Hara was a beloved Canadian icon with a rare gift for comedy and heart. She made people laugh across generations and helped bring Canadian storytelling to the world in a way only she… pic.twitter.com/tO72Xy3yqp
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 30, 2026
I join Canadians and fans across the world in mourning the loss of Catherine O’Hara.
Over 5 decades of work, Catherine earned her place in the canon of Canadian comedy — from SCTV to Schitt's Creek.
Canada has lost a legend. My thoughts are with her family, friends, and all…
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) January 30, 2026
