Schitt’s Creek Stars Pay Emotional Tribute After Catherine O’Hara’s Death at 71
The cast of Schitt’s Creek is sharing heartfelt messages following the death of legendary actress Catherine O’Hara, who passed away on January 30 after a brief illness. She was 71 years old.
O’Hara became a cultural icon for her unforgettable portrayal of Moira Rose, the dramatic and eccentric matriarch of the Rose family, on the Emmy-winning Canadian comedy series that aired from 2015 to 2020. She starred opposite Eugene Levy, Dan Levy, Annie Murphy, and a beloved ensemble cast. The series was co-created by Eugene Levy and Dan Levy.
Dan Levy: “It’s Hard to Imagine a World Without Her”
Dan Levy took to Instagram to honor O’Hara, describing her as family long before they played one on screen.
“What a gift it was to exist in the warm glow of Catherine O’Hara’s brilliance for so many years,” Levy wrote. “After more than fifty years of working with my father, Catherine was already family before she ever became my TV mom. It’s difficult to imagine a world without her. I’ll treasure every laugh and memory we shared.”
Levy also extended his condolences to O’Hara’s husband, Bo Welch, and their sons, Matthew and Luke.
Eugene Levy Reflects on a 50-Year Friendship
Eugene Levy later released a statement expressing deep grief over the loss of his longtime collaborator and friend.
“There are no words that truly capture how much Catherine meant to me,” Levy said. “We worked together for more than five decades — from Second City and SCTV to our films with Christopher Guest and our incredible years on Schitt’s Creek. I cherished our creative partnership, but even more, our friendship.”
Cast and Industry Tributes Pour In
Jennifer Robertson, who played Jocelyn Schitt, shared her memories in a statement, calling O’Hara a rare and magical presence.
“Being anywhere near Catherine O’Hara was a gift,” Robertson said. “She was a true star who never understood her own greatness. Her loss is felt deeply by everyone who loved her.”
Chris Elliott, who portrayed Roland Schitt, echoed those sentiments, describing working with O’Hara as a dream come true.
“Catherine was kind, humble, generous, and endlessly funny,” Elliott said. “I’ll always remember the laughter we shared, both on and off set.”
CBC Television, the network behind Schitt’s Creek, also released a statement honoring the Canadian comedy legend, calling her a national icon whose work touched audiences around the world.
“With Catherine O’Hara’s passing, a light has gone out,” the statement read. “Her talent, warmth, and spirit were unmatched. She will never be forgotten.”
Annie Murphy Remembers Her On-Screen Mom
Annie Murphy paid tribute to the woman who played her mother on the series, remembering O’Hara’s infectious joy and generosity.
“Her laugh was an open invitation — a constant ‘yes, and,’” Murphy wrote. “We were unbelievably lucky to have her.”
A Career Defined by Comedy Excellence
For the final season of Schitt’s Creek, O’Hara earned major awards including a Primetime Emmy, Golden Globe, SAG Award, Critics Choice Award, and TCA Award. Critics praised her portrayal of Moira Rose for elevating the series into a modern comedy classic.
Before Schitt’s Creek, O’Hara built an extraordinary career alongside Eugene Levy and director Christopher Guest in acclaimed mockumentaries such as Best in Show, Waiting for Guffman, A Mighty Wind, and For Your Consideration.
Guest released a statement following her death, saying:
“We have lost one of the greatest comedic talents of our time. My heart goes out to her family.”
Remembering an Icon
Beyond television, Catherine O’Hara was widely loved for her roles as Kate McCallister in Home Alone and Home Alone 2, Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice, and as the voice of Sally and Shock in The Nightmare Before Christmas. Her performances spanned generations and left a permanent mark on film and television.
Catherine O’Hara’s legacy lives on through her work, her collaborators, and the countless fans who continue to celebrate her brilliance.