Reese Witherspoon paid tribute to the late Catherine O’Hara, remembering their collaboration on the 2006 film Penelope and celebrating O’Hara’s extraordinary generosity and creativity. O’Hara, who passed away at 71 in Los Angeles after a brief illness, left behind a legacy marked by her warmth and talent that deeply touched colleagues and fans alike.
Reese Witherspoon Shares Personal Memories of Catherine O’Hara
On January 31, Reese Witherspoon reflected emotionally on her time working with Catherine O’Hara through an Instagram Stories post. She expressed profound sadness over the actress’s passing and highlighted the inspiration she found in O’Hara’s work and character.
Feeling so sad about the passing of Catherine O’Hara,
Witherspoon, 49, wrote.
Catherine was such an inspiration to me. I worked with her on a movie called Penelope back in 2006, and her creativity was boundless.
Witherspoon went on to emphasize O’Hara’s genuine kindness behind the scenes, describing her as not only a talented actress but also a warm and delightful presence. She noted that O’Hara’s generosity extended to her fellow actors and filmmakers alike.
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.
Concluding her tribute, Witherspoon observed how O’Hara’s legacy will endure through her work and family, imagining her spirit bringing joy beyond life.
I know she’s making all the angels laugh 🕊,
she said.
Richard E. Grant Recalls a Lasting Friendship From ‘Penelope’
Catherine O’Hara’s role as the mother of the titular character in Penelope remains one of her memorable performances, starring alongside Reese Witherspoon, James McAvoy, Peter Dinklage, and Richard E. Grant. Witherspoon played Annie, a friend who supports Penelope’s self-discovery, highlighting O’Hara’s gift for blending humor and heartfelt emotion.
Richard E. Grant, who acted as O’Hara’s on-screen husband in the film, shared a personal tribute that illustrated their close bond beyond the camera.
We played a couple in PENELOPE (2006) & instantly bonded,
Grant recalled.
This connection endured for years, with Grant speaking fondly of how O’Hara and her husband, production designer Bo Welch, became cherished friends sharing laughter and meals across different locations.
She & her husband Bo were the first people we called when we were in LA, stayed with us in the Cotswolds shared dinners in London & never stopped yakking & laughing,
he wrote.
Grant expressed deep sorrow at her death, calling it an irreplaceable loss and extending his sympathies to her family.
The death of my great friend Catherine O’Hara is an incalculable loss,
My heart goes out to Bo, Matthew & Luke.
Catherine O’Hara’s Passing Prompts Widespread Reflections on Her Life
On January 30, the entertainment community learned of Catherine O’Hara’s death at age 71, confirmed by her agency Creative Artists Agency. They revealed she died at her Los Angeles home following a brief illness, and that a private celebration of life would be held by her family.
O’Hara’s extensive career spanned film, television, and stage, with iconic roles in productions such as Home Alone, Beetlejuice, Schitt’s Creek, and The Studio. Her creative talents were matched by her kindness and the infectious warmth she shared both on and off screen.
Tributes from co-stars and admirers praised her not only for her remarkable acting but also for the generosity and joy she offered to those lucky enough to work alongside her. O’Hara is survived by her husband of 33 years, Bo Welch, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke.
Her passing leaves a profound void in the entertainment industry but also a legacy rich with laughter, creativity, and heartfelt relationships that will resonate for years to come.
