The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Catherine O’Hara, the legendary Canadian actress and comedian who died Friday at age 71, following a brief illness. O’Hara’s five-decade career left an indelible mark on comedy and the countless actors and comedians whom she influenced. News of her unexpected death at her Los Angeles home prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues, friends, and fans who recognized her as one of the most brilliant comedic talents of her generation.
Directors, fellow comedians, and co-stars from her diverse body of work continue to emphasize not only her genius as a performer, but also her warmth, generosity, and lasting influence on the craft of comedy. Here’s what the entertainment world is saying about Catherine O’Hara:
Macaulay Culkin (Instagram)
The “Home Alone” lead actor shared an emotional farewell to his on-screen mother: “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.”
Michael Keaton (Instagram)
“We go back before the first Beetlejuice. She’s been my pretend wife, my pretend nemesis and my real life, true friend,” writes her “Beetlejuice” co-star in a touching post. “This one hurts. Man am I gonna miss her. Thinking about Beau as well.”
Pedro Pascal (Instagram)
Her “The Last of Us” co-star posted loving words on Instagram remembering the actress: “Oh, genius to be near you. Eternally grateful. There is less light in my world, this lucky world that had you, will keep you, always. Always ♥️”
Michael McKean (X)
Her frequent collaborator in Christopher Guest films wrote on X: “Only one Catherine O’Hara, and now none. Heartbreaking.”
Jamie Lee Curtis (Instagram)
The Oscar winner, whose husband Christopher Guest often featured O’Hara, posted that the “Best in Show” star was the best part of the series, along with one of Curtis’ favorite clips.
Justin Theroux (Instagram)
Her “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” co-star posted an image of her empty chair: “Oh Catherine. You will be so so missed.”
Michael Bublé (X)
The Canadian singer wrote an extensive tribute: “Heartbroken doesn’t even begin to cover it. Catherine O’Hara was one of a kind. A rare light in this world and her passing hits with a weight I can’t fully put into words. She wasn’t just a legendary artist, actor and comedian. She was an ambassador for Canada in the truest sense: brilliant, fearless, deeply original, and so full of humanity. She made the world laugh, but she also made people feel seen. … Rest easy, Catherine. Thank you for everything.”
Ron Howard (X)
The acclaimed director shared: “This is shattering news. What a wonderful person, artist and collaborator. I was lucky enough to direct, produce and act in projects with her and she was simply growing more brilliant with each year. My heart goes out to Bo & family. #RIPCatherineO’Hara”
Josh Gad (Instagram)
The “Frozen” star wrote: “I don’t understand what I’m seeing. I can’t bring myself to believe she is gone. Why is the world such a heart breaking place right now? I truly cannot process how to say goodbye to someone so full of life who seemed to just be hitting her prime. Goodbye legend. Thank you for making us laugh until we hurt… which is why right now we are all hurting so damned much knowing we will never again get those laughs. RIP. My love and deepest condolences go out to her entire family.”
Hank Azaria (Instagram)
Her “Bartok the Magnificent” co-star posted a clip of the film, captioned by: “Comedy will never be the same without Catherine O’Hara. An inspiration to us all, especially little Bartok. Sending love to Catherine’s family and friends today. A profound loss.”
Kevin Nealon (X)
The comedian reflected: “Catherine O’Hara changed how so many of us understand comedy and humanity. From the chaos and heart of Home Alone to the unforgettable precision of Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, she created characters we’ll rewatch again and again.”
Tom Green (X)
“I’m so sorry to hear the news that Canadian comedy legend Catherine O’Hara has passed away at 71. She’s kept me and millions of others entertained throughout my lifetime — from her brilliant work on SCTV, to Home Alone, Beetlejuice, Best in Show, Schitt’s Creek, and so many other films and television classics. Her characters brought so much joy and laughter to the world,” her fellow Canadian comedian tweeted.
Seth Rogen (Instagram)
The actor and comedian wrote: “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.”
Ike Barinholtz (Instagram)
“I never in a million years thought I would get to work with Catherine O’Hara let alone become friends with her. So profoundly sad she’s somewhere else now,” her co-star from “The Studio” posted. “So incredibly grateful I got to spend the time I did with her. Thank you Catherine I love you ❤️”
Debra Messing (Instagram)
“Woke up to the devastating news of Catherine O’Hara’s passing. I have no words. She was a blazing shining Light. A Master at broad character work and raw tenderness in her dramatic work. There was literally NO ONE in the world like her. She inspired me endlessly,” the actress wrote. “I dreamed of one day working with her. Her life was cut short way too soon. So vibrant and brave and luminous. And this scene made me cry. The beauty and honesty. I can’t imagine a world without her magic in it.”
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