Tributes to Catherine O’Hara are pouring in from Hollywood stars — who remember the actress and comedian for her kindness, brilliant performances and enduring impact on comedy.
O’Hara, who was known for her performances in “Home Alone,” “Schitt’s Creek” and “Beetlejuice,” died in her Los Angeles home on Friday morning following a brief illness.
“Mama. I thought we had time,” wrote Macaulay Culkin, who played O’Hara’s on-screen son in “Home Alone.”
His tribute continued, “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.”
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Catherine O’Hara. A beloved actor and comedian, Catherine was a two-time SAG-AFTRA Actor Award winner for her unforgettable work on ‘Schitt’s Creek.’ She’s currently a nominee for ‘The Studio,’” the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists wrote.
“From comedy to drama, her brilliance, generosity and originality has left an indelible mark on film and television. We honor her extraordinary legacy and extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and legions of fans.”
Here is how friends and Hollywood stars have paid tribute to O’Hara.
Chris Columbus
Chris Columbus, who directed O’Hara in “Home Alone,” said he felt “stunned and heartbroken” over the news of O’Hara’s death, per a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter.
“I was an obsessive fan of Catherine’s brilliant comedic work on SCTV and was thrilled when she agreed to play Kevin’s mom in ‘Home Alone’” he wrote. “What most people don’t realize is that Catherine carries the weight of 50 percent of that film. The movie simply would not work without her extraordinary performance.”
“Catherine grounds the picture with a profound emotional depth. I will miss her greatly. Yet there is a small sense of comfort, realizing that two of the finest human beings I’ve ever known, Catherine and John Candy, are together again, brilliantly improvising, making each other laugh.”
Christopher Guest
“I am devastated. We have lost one of the comic giants of our age,” said Christopher Guest, who frequently collaborated with O’Hara, per Variety.
The pair worked together on “Schitt’s Creek,” “Waiting for Guffman,” “Best in Show,” “A Mighty Wind” and “For Your Consideration.”
“I send my love to her family,” he added.
Michael Keaton
“Only one Catherine O’Hara, and now none. Heartbreaking‚” Michael Keaton, who co-starred with O’Hara in “Beetlejuice,” wrote in a brief tribute.
In a second post, Keaton continued, “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.”
Meryl Streep
“Catherine O’Hara brought love and light to our world, through whipsmart compassion for the collection of eccentrics she portrayed,” Meryl Streep, who starred alongside O’Hara in “Heatburn,” shared in a statement.
“Such a loss for her family and friends, and the audience she graced as friends.”
Mike Myers
Canadian actor and comedian Mike Myers wrote, “It is a very sad day for comedy and for Canada. She was one of the greatest comedy artists in history, an inspiration for millions and above all a very elegant lady. Sending much love and condolences to her family,” he shared in a statement with The Hollywood Reporter.
Ron Howard
“This is shattering news. What a wonderful person, artist and collaborator,” director and actor Ron Howard wrote in a tribute on X.
He continued, “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.”
Ellen DeGeneres
Comedian and television host Ellen DeGeneres wrote, “Catherine O’Hara was a brilliant comedian. Sending love to all who adored her, which might just be everyone.”
Michael Bublé
“Heartbroken doesn’t even begin to cover it,” singer-songwriter Michael Bublé shared in a lengthy message.
“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,” Bublé continued. “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.”
Seth Rogen
“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,” wrote Seth Rogen, who worked with O’Hara on “The Studio.”
He added, “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.”
Pedro Pascal
“Oh, genius to be near you. Eternally grateful,” wrote Pedro Pascal, who worked alongside O’Hara on the television series “The Last of Us.”
He added, “There is less light in my world, this lucky world that had you, will keep you, always.”
Lea Thompson
Lea Thompson, the actress known for her role in the “Back to the Future” franchise, remembered O’Hara as “the most glorious person.”
“You could feel her love of humanity in her brilliant work. And she had integrity, clarity and wisdom that made her a unique treasure,” Thompson added. “I know the greats are with her now trying to pick her wonderful brain as to how she could do it all.”
Andy Cohen
“Fell in love at first sight on ‘SCTV’ and it only got stronger. Rest In Peace, Angel Catherine O’Hara,” television host Andy Cohen wrote.
Tom Green
Canadian American comedian Tom Green praised O’Hara for her “brilliant work” in a tribute.
“She’s kept me and millions of others entertained throughout my lifetime,” the comedian wrote. “Her characters brought so much joy and laughter to the world. It’s with a heavy heart that I share this today. Rest in peace, Catherine O’Hara — one of the greatest Canadian comedy icons of all time.”
Justin Trudeau
Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described O’Hara as a “beloved Canadian icon with a rare gift for comedy and heart.”
He added, “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.”
Rita Wilson
Actress and singer Rita Wilson praised O’Hara for being “authentic and truthful in all she did.”
“You saw it in her work, if you knew her you saw it in her life, and you saw it in her family,” Wilson added. “May Catherine rest in peace. May her memory be eternal.”
Kevin Nealon
Actor and comedian Kevin Nealon remembered O’Hara for her ability to change “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,” he wrote.
Josh Gad
“I don’t understand what I’m seeing. I can’t bring myself to believe she is gone,” actor-comedian Josh Gad wrote in a tribute post. “I truly cannot process how to say goodbye to someone so full of life who seemed to just be hitting her prime.
“Goodbye legend,” he added. “Thank you for making us laugh until we hurt.”