Seth Rogen and Apple TV Cast Mourn the Sudden Loss of Catherine O’Hara
The entertainment world is in mourning following the unexpected passing of Catherine O’Hara at the age of 71. Renowned for her versatile performances in Home Alone, Schitt’s Creek, and most recently, Apple TV’s The Studio, O’Hara’s death has left a profound void among her colleagues and fans.
In The Studio, O’Hara portrayed Patty Leigh, a seasoned studio executive navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry. Her performance was lauded for its depth and humor, contributing significantly to the show’s success. Season 1, which premiered in March 2025, received widespread acclaim, with O’Hara’s role being a standout.
Production for Season 2 commenced in mid-January 2026. O’Hara was slated to film early scenes; however, the schedule was adjusted to accommodate her personal matters, and she did not participate in any Season 2 filming. This absence, coupled with her sudden passing, has deeply impacted the cast and crew.
Seth Rogen, the show’s co-creator and star, shared a heartfelt tribute, stating, 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. 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. ([arcamax.com](https://www.arcamax.com/entertainment/entertainmenttoday/s-3997314?utm_source=openai))
Other cast members echoed Rogen’s sentiments. Ike Barinholtz, who portrays Sal Saperstein, expressed his grief, saying, I never in a million years thought I would get to work with Catherine O’Hara, let alone become friends with her. So profoundly sad she’s somewhere else now. So incredibly grateful I got to spend the time I did with her. Thank you, Catherine. I love you. ([aol.com](https://www.aol.com/lifestyle/catherine-oharas-final-role-studio-231724653.html?utm_source=openai))
The loss extends beyond The Studio. Macaulay Culkin, who played O’Hara’s son in Home Alone, shared his sorrow, writing, Mama. I thought we had time. ([forbes.com](https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikestunson/2026/01/30/catherine-ohara-dead-at-71-macaulay-culkin-pens-moving-message-to-home-alone-mom/?utm_source=openai)) Michael Keaton, her co-star in Beetlejuice, reminisced, She’s been my pretend wife, my pretend nemesis, and my real-life, true friend. This one hurts. Man, am I gonna miss her. ([latimes.com](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2026-01-30/catherine-ohara-dies-macaulay-culkin-home-alone-mom-tribute?utm_source=openai))
O’Hara’s illustrious career spanned over five decades, beginning with Toronto’s Second City comedy group and the sketch show SCTV. She gained international fame with roles in Beetlejuice, Home Alone, and Schitt’s Creek, the latter earning her an Emmy in 2020. Her recent work in The Studio and The Last of Us showcased her enduring talent and versatility.
Her passing has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. As tributes continue to pour in, one message remains consistent: Catherine O’Hara was a remarkable talent whose presence enriched every project she touched. Her absence will be deeply felt, but her legacy will continue to inspire.
