Renowned actress Catherine O’Hara was honored posthumously on Sunday evening, winning the Best Actress award at Actor Awards 2026 for her outstanding role in Seth Rogen’s comedy series, The Studio. The tribute left fans and the entertainment world moved, as the award recognized her exceptional talent following her passing earlier this year.
O’Hara received the accolade for Outstanding Performance By A Female Actor In A Comedy Series, celebrating her portrayal of Patty Leigh in the Apple TV show. This recognition marked a poignant moment at the ceremony, formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG Awards), held amid widespread emotion.
Seth Rogen’s Emotional Acceptance on Behalf of O’Hara
Seth Rogen, creator and star of The Studio, took the stage to accept the award for the late actress. As Lisa Kudrow announced O’Hara’s win, the audience stood in a standing ovation, visibly moved by the tribute. Rogen, with tears in his eyes, shared his reflections on the honor.
“I was asked to assume the very sad honor of accepting this award on O’Hara’s behalf.”
— Seth Rogen, Creator and Actor
The 43-year-old actor further spoke about O’Hara’s profound respect for her fellow performers and her exceptional nature both on and off screen.
“I know she would have been honored to receive this award from her fellow performers, who I know she respected so much. She was such big fans of all of yours. I obviously have been reflecting on the time I was fortunate enough to spend with her and working with her, and something that I’ve just been marveling at over the last few weeks was really her ability to be generous and kind and gracious, while never, ever minimizing her own talents and her own ability to contribute to the work that we were doing.”
— Seth Rogen, Creator and Actor
He closed his speech by emphasizing how fortunate the world was to have experienced her talents.
“We were lucky that we got to live in a world where she so generously shared her talents with us.”
— Seth Rogen, Creator and Actor
The Life and Career of Catherine O’Hara
Catherine O’Hara passed away on January 30, 2026, at the age of 71, due to a pulmonary embolism linked to rectal cancer. Her sudden departure left a significant void in the entertainment industry and among fans worldwide.
Starting her career in Toronto with the Second City improvisation troupe, O’Hara quickly gained recognition in the United States with films like Beetlejuice (1988). She became a beloved figure thanks to her role as Macaulay Culkin’s mother in the iconic holiday movie Home Alone, where her panicked scream remains a cherished cinematic moment.
Throughout her career, she contributed to numerous projects including Schitt’s Creek, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and more recently appeared in The Studio and HBO’s The Last Of Us. Her role as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek was especially impactful, introducing her to a new generation and earning her multiple prestigious awards such as the Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Awards.
O’Hara’s Family and Lasting Legacy
Catherine O’Hara is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, aged 74, along with their two sons, Matthew Welch (32) and Luke Welch (28). Her work continues to inspire actors and audiences alike, assuring her place as a cherished icon in entertainment history.
This posthumous recognition at Actor Awards 2026 highlights the enduring respect and admiration held by her peers and acknowledges the powerful impact she left behind through her performances, particularly in comedy. The award ceremony served as a heartfelt reminder of her generosity, kindness, and extraordinary talent that defined her celebrated career.
