Catherine O’Hara // From “Kevin!” to “Bébé!” Goodnight, to theMother of Comedy

It’s not Christmas without that familiar telling-off blasting from the TV: “There are fifteen people in this house and you’re the only one who has to make trouble.” We’ve seen Home Alone a thousand times, yet it never loses its magic. As Kevin’s mom, we’re with her every step of the way - feeling each anxious thought, each wave of guilt - right through to that perfectly timed hug, lifted by John Williams’ score. Yes, she left her son home alone, but we cheer her on regardless, laughing and crying in equal measure. That was the wonder of Catherine O’Hara, who died on Friday at her home in Los Angeles at age 71 after a brief illness.

The comedy world has become quieter. A hole has appeared, unable to ever be filled. Catherine O’Hara turned characters into gold with every part she played. Of course, Kate McCallister is immortal, the real Mother Christmas, but what about Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice? My little sister and I were forever performing ‘Day O’ in our living room, bouncing around and reenacting all the hilariously odd moves. Who can hear that song without thinking of Catherine O’Hara’s shocked face, unable to comprehend how the words escape her lips? And there was only one thing that got us all through lockdown…Schitt’s Creek.

Born in Toronto, Catherine O’Hara rose through The Second City improv troupe and the legendary SCTV sketch show, long before she became a household name. She started out as a waitress at the theatre in the 1970s, before auditioning for a role with the acting troupe. She had said, “…I think Canadians have not only a sense of humour about others but also about themselves.” The actress also believed that humour could have a dark side. “There's an edge to it, but with compassion and love.”

Catherine O’Hara had a longtime working partnership with fellow Canadian comedian Eugene Levy that stretched decades. They first met in 1972 while O'Hara was in high school and went onto star alongside each other on several screen projects, including SCTV, Waiting for Guffman (1996), Best in Show (2000), and the 2003 musical, A Mighty Wind - all directed by Christopher Guest.

A late career surge catapulted Catherine O’Hara into stardom once again when she joined forces with Eugene Levy again in Schitt’s Creek, playing wealthy husband and wife, Johnny and Moira Rose, who suddenly lose their fortune and are forced to move into a shabby motel with their adult children. The show enjoyed a small but dedicated following, and then blossomed into a cultural phenomenon, exploding in popularity during the pandemic. The part of Moira Rose won O’Hara the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and Golden Globe for Best Actress. Moira Rose will be remembered for her wildly fluctuating accent, outlandish fashion sense, and brilliant one-liners.

Since the sad news was announced last week, words of love and adoration have flooded the internet. Macaulay Culkin, her on-screen son, posted a moving tribute on Instagram, “Mama. I thought we had time,” Culkin wrote. “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.”

Canadian comedian Tom Green described O’Hara as a “comedy legend,” and Pedro Pascal, her co-star in The Last of Us, wrote on social media, “Eternally grateful. There is less light in my world, this lucky world that had you, will keep you, always. Always.”

The Levys have since paid tribute to their on-screen family member, with her on-screen son Dan Levy writing, “Having spent over 50 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 fortunate enough to make with her.” He added, “My heart goes out to Bo, Matthew, Luke and every member of her big, beautiful family.”

What will forever stand out about this remarkable actress, is the choices she made. Fearless and generous, Catherine O’Hara was always full of surprises. You never knew what she would do next, and when she did, you couldn’t help but fall over laughing. She had a way of expressing words, communicating with her eyes, making you second guess her or gasp with shock. And she did everything with such heart, that even her most unlikeable characters became somebody you couldn’t help falling in love with.

Be sure to watch The Studio now streaming on Apple TV and witness Catherine O’Hara on fire in her final role. She embodies the character of Patty Leigh, a studio boss replaced by Seth Rogen's leading character, who pursues creative roles as a film producer and makes her way to the Golden Globes, a stage that O'Hara was no stranger to.

So in tribute to the actress who gave a troubled world so much joy, here are the best – and most bittersweet – Moira Rose quotes to brighten your day and remember how wonderful Catherine O’Hara was, and always will be.

“Who knows what will befall us tomorrow? You could be hit by a Mack truck or bopped on the head by a tiny piece of space debris.”

“Gossip is the devil’s telephone. Best to just hang up.”

“Our lives are like little bébé crows, carried upon a curious wind.”

“You are blind to reality, and for that, I am most proud.”

“Worry is but undernourished enthusiasm.”

“If airplane safety videos have taught me anything, David, it’s that a mother puts her own mask on first.”

“Social media is an amusement park for clinical narcissists.”

“Alexis! Turtles Do Not Pets Make!”

“The Last Time I Felt This Emotionally Encumbered, I Was Playing Lady Macbeth…”

“Oh, I'd Kill For A Good Coma Right Now.”

Rest in peace, dear Catherine. Thank you for the laughs. And the wigs.

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