On February 1, 2026, Jenna Ortega publicly honored late Canadian actress Catherine O’Hara as one of the greats. Ortega, known for her role in the 2024 film Beetlejuice, shared her heartfelt tribute on Instagram just days after O’Hara’s passing on January 30 at the age of 71. Ortega expressed deep gratitude for the time they spent together, highlighting the impact O’Hara had on her personally and professionally.
Ortega’s Emotional Reflection on Working with O’Hara
The 24-year-old star reflected on their collaboration with genuine admiration. She described O’Hara as
“one of the most beautiful people”
she has ever had the chance to know and work alongside. Ortega promised to forever cherish their experience together and acknowledged the lessons O’Hara imparted during their time on set.
Jenna Ortega wrote on Instagram:
Catherine is one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever had the honour of getting to work with and know. I’ll forever cherish the time we shared together, and everything she taught me.
She further added:
A giant an inspiration in many ways. One of the greats. Thank you so much for it all.
Tributes from Co-Stars and Industry Figures
Ortega’s tribute follows a wave of heartfelt messages from colleagues and friends who admired O’Hara’s talent and warmth. Macaulay Culkin, who played her on-screen son in the iconic Home Alone films, shared a poignant Instagram post featuring nostalgic photos of the pair. Culkin’s message captured his grief and longing for more time together.
Culkin posted:
“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. (sic)”
Schitt’s Creek co-star Eugene Levy also offered his heartfelt sorrow, reflecting on their decades-long friendship. In a statement to Us Weekly, Levy acknowledged the depth of their collaboration, spanning from their early days at Second City and SCTV to the beloved show and various film projects.
Eugene Levy said:
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.
He extended condolences to O’Hara’s husband Bo Welch and their sons Matthew and Luke:
And I will miss her. My heart goes out to Bo, Matthew, Luke, and the entire O’Hara family.
Seth Rogen Reflects on Catherine O’Hara’s Influence
Comedian and actor Seth Rogen, who collaborated with O’Hara on his TV series The Studio, revealed how she inspired him during his formative years. He acknowledged O’Hara’s unique comedic talent and generosity, describing her as a driving force behind his passion for filmmaking.
Rogen posted:
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. 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.
Remembering a Beloved Icon and Her Enduring Impact
Catherine O’Hara’s passing has left a significant void in the entertainment community, as reflected by the heartfelt tributes from stars who admired her work and character. Known for her sharp wit and memorable performances, her career spanned decades and touched multiple generations of actors and audiences alike.
Jenna Ortega’s tribute serves as a reminder of O’Hara’s profound influence on those who had the privilege of collaborating with her, while the outpouring from industry colleagues underlines the warmth and inspiration she provided both on and off screen. As fans and peers continue to celebrate her legacy, her impact will remain a driving force in the creative world.
