Schitt’s Creek Cast Reacts to Catherine O’Hara’s Death
The cast of “schitt’s Creek” are mourning the loss of Catherine O’hara, who died Jan. 30 following a brief illness. She was 71.
O’Hara portrayed exuberant matriach Moira Rose on the canadian sitcom from 2015 to 2020, starring alongside Eugene Levy as Johnny Rose, Dan Levy as David rose and Annie Murphy as Alexis Rose.
Dan Levy wrote on Instagram, ”What a gift to have gotten to dance in the warm glow of Catherine O’Hara‘s brilliance for all those years. Having spent over fifty years collaborating with my Dad, Catherine was extended family before she ever played my family. It’s hard to imagine a world without her in it. I will cherish every funny memory I was lucky enough to make with her. My heart goes out to Bo, Matthew, Luke and every member of her big, lovely family.”
In “Schitt’s Creek,” the once-affluent Rose family falls into financial ruin and must move to the eponymous small town. The series also starred Emily Hampshire, Jennifer Robertson, noah Reid, Sarah Levy and Chris Elliott.
Robertson told USA Today, “I am deeply saddened to hear we have lost Catherine. Being in catherine O’Hara’s orbit was a beautiful, magical gift. She was absolute star who never understood why people made such a fuss about her. her passing is a loss for everyone who knew and loved her. My deepest condolences to Bo, her sons, and the O’Hara family.”
Elliott, who played Roland Schitt, said in a statement to USA Today, “Working with her and Eugene was a dream come true for me – made all the more special as Catherine was such a warm hearted, generous and humble human being.I will always remember the laughs we shared on screen and off, and I’ll never forget our fun shopping spree at Joe Fresh.”
Catherine O’Hara Dies at 63
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Catherine O’hara, the celebrated Canadian actress known for her roles in “Schitt’s Creek,” “Home Alone,” and “Beetlejuice,” died on January 27, 2026, at the age of 63. No cause of death was immediately announced.
Tributes to O’Hara from CBC and Christopher Guest
CBC Television,the network that produced “Schitt’s Creek,” released a statement expressing devastation at O’Hara’s passing. “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Catherine O’Hara, a beloved Canadian icon whose brilliance lit up screens and stages around the world,” the statement read. “With her passing, a light has gone out. We send our heartfelt condolences to Catherine’s family and friends. She will be forever missed.”
christopher Guest, who collaborated with O’Hara on several mockumentary films, also shared his grief. “I am devastated. We have lost one of the comic giants of our age,” Guest said in a statement.
O’hara’s Role as Moira Rose in “Schitt’s Creek”
Catherine O’Hara gained widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Moira Rose in the television series “Schitt’s Creek.” She won a Primetime Emmy, Golden Globe, SAG-AFTRA Actor Award, TCA Award, and Critics Choice award for her performance.
Variety TV critic Alison herman described Moira as “a proudly out-of-touch lady of leisure forced to rub elbows with the hoi polloi,” noting that “Moira’s impractical outfits and fish-out-of-water frenzy helped crystallize the comedic contrast that was the series’ creative engine.” Read Herman’s full tribute here.
Early Collaborations with Eugene Levy and Christopher Guest
Prior to “Schitt’s Creek,” O’Hara frequently collaborated with Eugene levy and Christopher Guest. Their joint projects included the mockumentary films “For your Consideration” (2006), “Best in Show” (2000), “Waiting for Guffman” (1996), and “A Mighty Wind” (2003).
Other Notable Roles
O’Hara’s extensive filmography includes memorable roles as Kate McCallister in “home Alone” (1990) and “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” (1992), Sally and Shock in Tim Burton’s animated film “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993), and Delia Deetz in Burton’s “Beetlejuice” (1988) and its upcoming sequel, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”, scheduled for release in September 2024.
Further tributes to Catherine O’Hara can be found here.