Reese Witherspoon expressed deep sorrow over the passing of her Penelope co-star Catherine O’Hara, who died at the age of 71 on January 30 at her home in Los Angeles. Speaking on Instagram Stories on January 31, Witherspoon reflected on O’Hara’s extraordinary creativity and kindness during their work together on the 2006 film Penelope.
Witherspoon Praises O’Hara’s Talents and Warmth
Witherspoon described Catherine O’Hara as an enduring inspiration, saying,
“Catherine was such an inspiration to me. I worked with her on a movie called Penelope back in 2006, and her creativity was boundless.”
She also highlighted O’Hara’s generosity toward fellow actors and filmmakers, noting,
“She never ceased to amaze me with her generosity toward her fellow actors and filmmakers. In real life, she was just as warm and delightful as she seems on film — a pure delight.”
Witherspoon added that O’Hara’s legacy will live on through her memorable roles on screen and through her family.
Concluding her tribute on Instagram, Witherspoon stated,
“I know she’s making all the angels laugh 🕊.”
Confirmation of Catherine O’Hara’s Passing and Career Highlights
The late actress’s agency, Creative Artists Agency, confirmed her death due to a brief illness and announced that a private celebration of life would be held by her family. Catherine O’Hara was highly regarded for her performances in classic films and shows such as Home Alone, Beetlejuice, Schitt’s Creek, The Studio, and Penelope.
In Penelope, O’Hara portrayed the mother of Penelope Wilhern, a young socialite cursed with a pig’s snout, portrayed by Christina Ricci. The story involves the family’s belief that the curse may be broken if Penelope marries another socialite. Besides O’Hara, the cast included James McAvoy, Peter Dinklage, Simon Woods, Richard E. Grant, and Reese Witherspoon, who played Annie, a new friend of Penelope’s.
Christina Ricci Reflects on Working with Catherine O’Hara
Christina Ricci, who starred alongside O’Hara in Penelope, shared her admiration for the late actress in a 2008 Collider interview. Ricci said,
“It was great. I really love her. I’ve always been a huge fan of hers and she was always everybody’s first choice in this movie.”
She also recalled approaching O’Hara with praise, noting,
“She’s hysterical, and finally one day, Simon [Woods] and I got up the courage to gush and tell her everything we loved about her. She is such a lovely person, so she was just very gracious about it.”
Ricci credited O’Hara with encouraging spontaneity in their acting, remarking,
“She just encouraged us to be more spontaneous and not worry about getting yelled at if we ad-lib or make something up.”
Ricci’s Emotional Social Media Tribute to O’Hara
After news of Catherine O’Hara’s death, Christina Ricci posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, calling O’Hara
“one of my hero’s, the great Catherine O’Hara.”
Ricci mourned the loss of
“the most wonderful, warmest, kind, hilarious human being and the most talented and brilliant actress,”
describing her passing as a significant loss for the acting community.
Remembering Catherine O’Hara’s Family and Personal Life
Catherine O’Hara is survived by her husband, Bo Welch, and their two sons. Reflecting on family and humor, O’Hara once shared with the Toronto Star in 2007,
“They’re very funny, and we encourage it. I’m proud to say, we all make each other laugh. In my home, growing up. I learned that from my parents. They made each other laugh to the end, God bless ‘em. How great is that?”
The Lasting Impact of Catherine O’Hara’s Work in Film and Television
Catherine O’Hara was celebrated for her versatility and sharp comedic timing, which brought to life some of Hollywood’s most beloved characters. Her contributions extended beyond acting to writing and comedy, earning her numerous awards and respect across the industry. O’Hara’s performances continue to resonate with audiences and fellow artists alike, ensuring her creative spirit endures well beyond her passing.
