Eugene Levy and Dan Levy Honor Schitt’s Creek Costar Catherine O’Hara With Emotional Tributes: “Words Seem Inadequate”
Eugene Levy and Dan Levy are remembering their longtime friend and Schitt’s Creek costar Catherine O’Hara following her death at the age of 71, sharing deeply personal tributes to the legendary actress who helped define the beloved comedy series.
O’Hara’s manager confirmed on Friday, Jan. 30, that the Canadian icon had passed away. The news sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, where O’Hara was celebrated for an extraordinary career that spanned decades and included unforgettable roles in Home Alone, Beetlejuice, Best in Show, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and more.
For many fans, however, O’Hara will forever be remembered as Moira Rose — the flamboyant, dramatic matriarch she portrayed across all six seasons of Schitt’s Creek from 2015 to 2020.
Eugene Levy Reflects on a 50-Year Friendship
Eugene Levy, who played Moira’s devoted husband Johnny Rose, shared a heartfelt statement honoring his longtime collaborator and friend.
“Words seem inadequate to express the loss I feel today,” Levy said. “I had the honor of knowing and working with the great Catherine O’Hara for over fifty years.”
He reflected on their shared journey, from their early days at Second City and SCTV, through their collaborations on Christopher Guest films, and ultimately to their six-season run on Schitt’s Creek.
“I cherished our working relationship, but most of all our friendship,” Levy added. “I will miss her deeply. My heart goes out to Bo, Matthew, Luke, and the entire O’Hara family.”
Dan Levy: “It’s Hard to Imagine a World Without Her”
Dan Levy, who co-created Schitt’s Creek and starred as David Rose, echoed his father’s sentiments in an emotional Instagram tribute.
“What a gift it was to spend so many years in the warm glow of Catherine O’Hara’s brilliance,” he wrote. “After over fifty years of collaboration with my dad, Catherine felt like extended family long before she ever played my family.”
Levy described her loss as difficult to comprehend, writing, “It’s hard to imagine a world without her in it. I will treasure every laugh and every memory we shared.”
He concluded by sending love to O’Hara’s husband, Bo Welch, her sons Matthew and Luke, and her entire family.
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A Legacy That Defined Schitt’s Creek
Schitt’s Creek followed the once-wealthy Rose family as they rebuilt their lives after losing their fortune, relocating to a small town they once purchased as a joke. Alongside Eugene and Dan Levy, the show starred Annie Murphy, Emily Hampshire, Chris Elliott, and Jennifer Robertson.
O’Hara’s portrayal of Moira Rose earned widespread acclaim and numerous awards, including an Emmy win in 2020 — her second career Emmy following her 1982 win for SCTV Network.
The cast last reunited publicly at the 2024 Emmy Awards, where Eugene and Dan Levy served as co-hosts, marking one of their final appearances together as a group.
Remembering a Comedy Icon
Beyond awards and accolades, O’Hara’s influence extended through generations of comedy fans and performers. Her unique timing, fearless creativity, and unmistakable presence made her one of the most respected figures in entertainment.
As tributes continue to pour in, one thing is clear: Catherine O’Hara leaves behind not just an extraordinary body of work, but a legacy of warmth, humor, and collaboration that will be felt for years to come.