Catherine O’Hara, the celebrated actress best known for her role as Moira Rose in the hit series “Schitt’s Creek,” has died following a brief illness. She was 71 years old.
A Career Spanning Decades
O’Hara’s portrayal of the flamboyant Moira Rose, matriarch of the Rose family, captivated audiences from 2015 to 2020. The series followed the family’s unexpected relocation to the small town of Schitt’s Creek after a financial downfall, alongside co-stars Eugene Levy, Dan Levy, and Annie Murphy.
News of O’Hara’s passing prompted an outpouring of grief from her “Schitt’s Creek” family. Dan Levy shared on Instagram that O’Hara was “extended family” after collaborating with his father, Eugene Levy, for over fifty years. He expressed his heartbreak, stating, “It’s hard to imagine a world without her in it.”
Jennifer Robertson, who played Jocelyn Schitt, described being in O’Hara’s “orbit” as a “beautiful, magical gift,” adding that the actress “never understood why people made such a fuss about her.” Chris Elliott, known for his role as Roland Schitt, fondly remembered working with O’Hara and Eugene Levy as a “dream come true.”
Beyond Schitt’s Creek
O’Hara’s career extended far beyond “Schitt’s Creek.” She frequently collaborated with Eugene Levy and Christopher Guest on mockumentary films such as “For Your Consideration,” “Best in Show,” “Waiting for Guffman,” and “A Mighty Wind.” Guest described O’Hara as “one of the comic giants of our age.”
She also left an indelible mark on iconic films like “Home Alone” as Kate McCallister, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” as the voices of Sally and Shock, and Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice” as Delia Deetz.
CBC Television, the producer of “Schitt’s Creek,” hailed O’Hara as a “beloved Canadian icon” whose talent and spirit illuminated screens worldwide. They stated that with her passing, “a light has gone out.”
Looking Ahead
The entertainment industry and fans worldwide are mourning the loss of a true talent. It is likely that O’Hara’s work will continue to be celebrated through re-runs and streaming platforms, introducing her comedic genius to new audiences. Further tributes and reflections on her career are expected in the coming days and weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role was Catherine O’Hara best known for?
Catherine O’Hara was best known for her role as Moira Rose in the Canadian sitcom “Schitt’s Creek,” which aired from 2015 to 2020.
Who did Catherine O’Hara frequently collaborate with?
Catherine O’Hara frequently collaborated with Eugene Levy and Christopher Guest on several mockumentary films, including “For Your Consideration,” “Best in Show,” “Waiting for Guffman,” and “A Mighty Wind.”
What other notable films did Catherine O’Hara appear in?
Catherine O’Hara also appeared in notable films such as “Home Alone,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and “Beetlejuice.”
What is your fondest memory of Catherine O’Hara’s work, and how did her performances impact you?
