Catherine O’Hara passed away on Friday, Jan. 30, at 71 years old. She was most known for her lead roles in “Schitt’s Creek,” “Home Alone,” “Beetlejuice” and many more. O’Hara left a lasting impact on the Hollywood community.
Starting her professional acting career at age 20 and up until her late sixties, O’Hara was known for her comedic timing, emotional depth and ability to bring authenticity into every role she portrayed.
She became a comedy powerhouse in sketch comedy troupe “Second City Toronto” as a main stage cast member which shaped her signature style and long-time collaborations, especially with Eugene Levy in “Schitt’s Creek.”
She contributed to shaping recognizable projects in modern entertainment between television sitcoms to major motion picture films. Her work earned widespread respect throughout the industry and left a long-lasting impression on other professionals, solidifying her legacy across the Hollywood community.
While O’Hara’s influence was widely felt throughout Hollywood, her passing also strongly resonated with younger audiences. Many college students grew up watching her work, which made her a meaningful part of their lives.
As the news of her death spread, students across campus reflected on how her roles have shaped their sense of humor and appreciation for entertainment.
Senior Nora Delehanty feels that watching O’Hara as she grew up helped shape her appreciation for performance and comedy and helped spark her interest in pursuing college theatre.
Delehanty had the opportunity to perform a musical parody of “Schitt’s Creek” with the Theatre Arts Program at the Fringe Festival in Scotland last summer with “Crapp’s River.” O’Hara played Moira Rose in the famous series.
“I played Alexis Rose, Moira Roses’ daughter,” said Delehanty. “It was an honor to represent not only the university, but the show.”
In 2020, O’Hara won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Moira Rose in “Schitt’s Creek.”
Source: Instagram, @catherine.ohara.appreciation
Aside from her Emmy wins and nominations, she has gained tremendous amounts of industry respect as a veteran actress who remained relevant for decades. She has gained her recognition not just for roles, but for her influence on the screen.
Sophomore Alana DeLude grew up watching O’Hara on television and feels that she influenced her childhood.
“Her role as Sally from ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ was my favorite character growing up,” said DeLude. “I dressed up as her multiple times for Halloween.”
Through decades of unforgettable works, O’Hara has proven herself to be more than a comedic icon. She was a storyteller whose work continues to shape television and is leaving a legacy with her authenticity.
For many fans, O’Hara acted as a familiar presence throughout their lives. Her performances created lasting connections that will continue to resonate with future audiences.
Amanda Mandaro contributed to this article.
