Stars across Hollywood and Canada mourn Catherine O’Hara: ‘I thought we had time’
Stars across Hollywood and Canada are mourning the loss of beloved comedian and actor Catherine O’Hara.
O’Hara, known for her roles in “Schitt’s Creek,” “Beetlejuice,” “Home Alone” and “The Studio,” died at her home in Los Angeles after a brief illness on Friday. She was 71. The exact cause of death is not yet known. As news of the “Schitt’s Creek” star’s death spread quickly, tributes flooded social media. From fellow Canadians to O’Hara’s peers in the film and television industry, here’s how stars are paying tribute to the two-time Emmy winner.
Catherine O’Hara, Emmy-winning comedian of ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and ‘Home Alone’ fame, dies at 71
Macaulay Culkin, who played O’Hara’s son in the “Home Alone” films, posted a heartbreaking tribute to his on-screen mom. “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.”
Seth Rogen, who worked with O’Hara on the megahit “The Studio,” posted on Instagram, sharing, “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,” Rogen wrote. “Home Alone was the movie that made me want to make movies. Getting to work with her was a true honor. 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.”
Michael Keaton, who played the title role in “Beetlejuice,” alongside O’Hara, shared a tribute on Instagram, writing, “We go back before the first Beetlejuice. She’s been my pretend wife, my pretend nemesis and my real life, true friend. This one hurts. Man am I gonna miss her. Thinking about Beau as well.”
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While O’Hara is known for her comedic prowess, she also starred in projects with a serious bent, including HBO’s “The Last of Us.” Co-star Pedro Pascal shared a photo of the two on set via Instagram alongside a tribute. “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.”
The longtime Angeleno was originally from Toronto, and her fellow Canadians also grieved the star on social media.
Canadian crooner Michael Bublé shared a tribute online, posting, “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.
“As an artist, she inspired me more than she’ll ever know. She set the bar for what it means to represent your country with excellence and grace and all without ever losing warmth or humility. My heart is broken for her family, her loved ones, and everyone who adored her, both here in Canada and around the world.
If you’re grieving this loss, you’re not alone. We’re all holding a piece of this sadness together. Rest easy, Catherine. Thank you for everything. 🇨🇦❤”
Former Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau posted on X, “From SCTV to Home Alone to her unforgettable role as Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek, Catherine O’Hara was a beloved Canadian icon with a rare gift for comedy and heart. She made people laugh across generations and helped bring Canadian storytelling to the world in a way only she could. My thoughts are with her family, friends, and everyone who found joy in her work.”
O’Hara impersonated Brooke Shields on the Canadian comedy series SCTV multiple times and Shields shared a video of the comedian in action alongside a tribute, writing, “What an honor it was to be spoofed by Catherine O’Hara. What an unfathomable loss. We love you, Catherine. Comedy won’t be the same without her. Sending love to Catherine’s family, friends, castmates, and fans today. Truly beloved.”