Seth Rogen delivered a heartfelt tribute to Catherine O’Hara at the Directors Guild Awards on February 7, recognizing her exceptional talent and impact on their work. The tribute came shortly after O’Hara’s passing on January 30 at age 71 following a brief illness, with Rogen reflecting on her role in their projects and her lasting influence within the entertainment industry.
Remembering O’Hara’s Career and Recent Roles
Catherine O’Hara was widely admired for her versatile performances, most recently starring as Hollywood executive Patty Leigh in the series The Studio. Known for her captivating and memorable characters, she earned respect and affection from collaborators and fans alike. Her contributions ranged from comedic roles to powerful dramatic appearances, leaving an indelible mark on audiences.
Rogen and Goldberg’s Reflection on O’Hara’s Influence
Accepting the award for Best Comedy Series, Rogen and co-creator Evan Goldberg took a moment to honor O’Hara’s involvement in their show. They described her as an inspiration since childhood, especially recalling her portrayal of Kevin McAllister’s mother in the first two Home Alone films. Rogen recalled,
“Home Alone, honestly, is like the movie that made me wanna make movies in a lot of ways,”
linking her iconic role to his own creative journey.
He humorously noted how O’Hara’s on-set habit of calling out to cast members echoed her character’s famous calls in Home Alone:
“In that movie, she’s always yelling ‘Kevin, Kevin,’ and on set she would always be yelling, ‘Evan, Evan,’ and every time she did it we were like, It’s like Home Alone.”
O’Hara’s Genius and Kindness Highlighted by Rogen
Seth Rogen praised the rare combination of O’Hara’s extraordinary talent and warmth:
“The best part of her is she showed that you can be an utter genius and also the nicest person in the entire world,”
he stated. He acknowledged the team’s dedication to honoring her contributions through their work, adding,
“Every day, we work very hard to make the show good enough to warrant her time and her presence. So ultimately we would like to thank the DGA for this, but we would mostly like to thank Catherine O’Hara.”
Additional Tributes Reflect O’Hara’s Wide-Ranging Impact
Macaulay Culkin, who starred alongside O’Hara in the Home Alone films, also shared an emotional message upon her death, expressing regret with the words that he “thought we had time.” Meanwhile, Dan Levy, creator and star of Schitt’s Creek, honored O’Hara’s powerful presence as Moira Rose on the show. Levy described O’Hara as a cherished member of their extended family, saying,
“What a gift to have gotten to dance in the warm glow of Catherine O’Hara’s brilliance for all those years.”
Levy also reflected on her long-standing relationship with his family through working with his father Eugene, calling her an extended family member before she ever portrayed one:
“Having spent over fifty years collaborating with my Dad, Catherine was extended family before she ever played my family. 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.”
O’Hara’s Legacy Extends Across Film and Television
Beyond comedy, Catherine O’Hara appeared in acclaimed projects including The Last of Us, where her co-star Pedro Pascal and many others publicly shared tributes following her passing. Her enduring legacy is remembered by colleagues and fans across genres, highlighting her extraordinary range and generosity as an artist.
