Steve Martin and Martin Short Pay Emotional Tribute to Catherine O’Hara During Live Comedy Show

Steve Martin and Martin Short honored the late Catherine O’Hara in a deeply moving moment during their live comedy performance in Texas—just hours after news broke of her death.

O’Hara passed away on Friday, Jan. 30, at the age of 71 in Los Angeles following a brief illness, according to her representative. The legendary actress and comedian left behind an extraordinary legacy that continues to resonate throughout Hollywood.

A Heartfelt Moment on Stage

While performing their The Best of Steve Martin and Martin Short show in Austin, Texas, the longtime friends and Only Murders in the Building costars paused the evening to raise a glass in O’Hara’s memory.

Martin Short, visibly emotional, addressed the audience while holding up his drink.

“I met Catherine when she was just 18,” Short said. “Over all these years, she became the most brilliant, kind, generous, and sweetest angel any of us were lucky enough to work with.”

Steve Martin joined him as the two clinked glasses, prompting loud applause and cheers from the audience in tribute to the beloved actress.

An Icon Remembered Across Hollywood

Catherine O’Hara was widely celebrated for her unforgettable roles in Home Alone, Beetlejuice, Best in Show, and Schitt’s Creek, where she portrayed the iconic Moira Rose. Her performances earned her multiple awards and cemented her status as one of comedy’s greatest talents.

Tributes poured in from colleagues and friends across generations of film and television.

Macaulay Culkin, who played her son in Home Alone and its sequel, shared an emotional message on social media.

“Mama. I thought we had time,” he wrote. “I wanted more. I love you. I’ll see you later.”

Eugene and Dan Levy Share Their Grief

O’Hara’s Schitt’s Creek family also paid tribute, led by Eugene Levy, who shared more than five decades of friendship and collaboration with the actress.

“Words seem inadequate to express the loss I feel,” Levy said in a statement. “From our early days on the Second City stage to our years on Schitt’s Creek, I cherished our friendship above all else.”

Dan Levy echoed those sentiments, describing O’Hara as extended family long before they played one onscreen.

“It’s hard to imagine a world without her,” he wrote. “I will treasure every memory we shared.”

A Lasting Legacy

Beyond her award-winning performances, Catherine O’Hara was remembered as a warm, generous, and deeply respected presence in the entertainment industry. She is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, and their sons, Matthew and Luke.

As fans and colleagues continue to mourn her loss, moments like the one shared by Steve Martin and Martin Short serve as a reminder of the profound impact O’Hara had—not just as a performer, but as a person.

Her light, as many have said, will never fade.