At the recent Actor Awards ceremony, Jenna Ortega delivered a deeply emotional tribute to the late Catherine O’Hara, capturing widespread attention and sparking viral reactions online. This heartfelt moment came as Seth Rogen accepted a posthumous award on behalf of O’Hara, recognizing her exceptional performance as Patty Leigh in The Studio.
Remembering Their Collaboration on Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Ortega and O’Hara shared the screen in the 2024 sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, a collaboration that left a lasting impact on the younger actress. O’Hara tragically passed away in February of this year due to a sudden blockage in a lung artery, making Ortega’s tribute even more poignant. During Seth Rogen’s speech, footage showed multiple celebrities visibly moved, with Ortega notably wiping away tears, a gesture that quickly went viral.
Jenna Ortega’s Personal Reflections on Catherine O’Hara
Following O’Hara’s passing, Ortega expressed her admiration and sorrow in an Instagram tribute, calling her former co-star
“one of the most beautiful people”
she had the honor to know and work with. Ortega added,
“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,” Jenna said.
She continued her heartfelt message, highlighting O’Hara’s inspiration and legacy:
“A giant, an inspiration in many ways. One of the greats. Thank you so much for it all.”
Behind the Scenes: The Iconic Dance Scene and Mutual Admiration
In interviews, Ortega and O’Hara reflected fondly on their memorable work together, especially the dance sequence in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Ortega described the younger actress’s influence, saying,
“You were the inspiration behind the performance art aspect of it.”
O’Hara shared her artistic approach, explaining,
“I wanted the more… illogical to my mind… dance moves that kind of mean nothing in all modern… not all modern dance, modern dance is amazing.”
Ortega recalled their creative process, adding,
“We were in a tent right off set and we were like, ‘Oh it’s funny when you do that.’”
O’Hara agreed they fully embraced the spontaneity, saying they went for it.
Catherine O’Hara’s Esteem for Jenna Ortega
In a separate interview, O’Hara praised Ortega’s talent and character, expressing deep admiration for the 23-year-old actress:
“Love her. What a cool young woman. Wow.”
The Lasting Impact of Jenna Ortega’s Tribute
Jenna Ortega’s emotional response and public tribute to Catherine O’Hara resonate widely among fans and the film community, highlighting the profound connections formed through collaborative art. This visible display of grief and respect keeps O’Hara’s legacy alive while showcasing the heartfelt bond between mentor and protégé. As the film industry remembers O’Hara’s remarkable contributions, Ortega’s words and actions serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring influence one artist can have on another.
Jenna crying… ohmybaby 🥺
Seth Rogen's speech on Catherine O'Hara pic.twitter.com/zx8QvDm21K
— ortegay 🥝🎧 (@Roxdk7) March 2, 2026
