Everything to Know About Catherine O’Hara’s Final Role in The Studio

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Catherine O’Hara thought she wouldn’t be able to top her portrayal of Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek.

Before her passing on January 30th at age 71, the actress demonstrated her continued talent in The Studio. She received an Emmy and Golden Globe nomination, and was also nominated for an Actor Award in 2026, all for her role as Patty Leigh, the former studio head, in the Apple TV comedy—which turned out to be her last performance.

In an April 2025 interview with Vanity Fair, Catherine O’Hara admitted she worried about moving on from her role in Schitt’s Creek. She was concerned she wouldn’t be able to create a new character and might unintentionally fall back into the voice of her beloved character. However, she confirmed she’s successfully moved past that concern. ‘I’ve definitely lost it,’ she said, meaning she’s been able to separate herself from the role.

This was also due to Seth Rogen, who specifically thought of Catherine O’Hara while he and his writing partner, Evan Goldberg, were developing The Studio.

Last year, Catherine O’Hara told Parade that she feels incredibly lucky to still be working, especially with such wonderful and funny colleagues. She considers herself very fortunate.

The former Home Alone star added that many people, particularly women her age, might have faced the end of their careers by now. She feels lucky to still be working and involved in the industry.

Though the character of Patty was based on Amy Pascal, the former head of Sony Pictures Entertainment who lost her job in 2015, the actress wasn’t trying to mock or imitate her.

She told Vanity Fair that she didn’t want to simply copy someone else’s performance, and she felt liberated by not doing any research beforehand, instead focusing solely on the script. She also added that, fortunately, she’s never been in a situation where she lost a job and had to quickly come up with something new.

The Emmy-winning actress drew inspiration from people she knows in real life to develop her character, even consulting with actor and director Ron Howard, who previously appeared on the show The Studio.

She remembered asking him if it felt strange to encounter people right after learning they’d lost their jobs. He replied that he didn’t think so, explaining he always made a point of congratulating them, knowing they likely had other aspirations they were eager to pursue.

And for Rogen, it was his absolute dream to work with O’Hara.

He shared that when he first met O’Hara, he immediately thought she was the funniest person he’d ever seen perform. He explained that Home Alone inspired him to become a filmmaker, and working with her was a genuine privilege, in an Instagram post written after her passing on January 30th.

Rogen described his co-star as funny, kind, perceptive, and giving, saying she inspired him to make the show the best it could be to match her talent.

For more celebrity tributes to O’Hara, read on.

It was a true joy to work with Catherine O’Hara for so many years – she was a radiant presence. After spending over fifty years working with my father, Catherine felt like family long before she ever played one on screen. It’s hard to believe she’s gone, and I’ll always treasure the hilarious moments we shared. My deepest sympathy goes out to Bo, Matthew, Luke, and all of her wonderful family.

This goes way back, even before the first Beetlejuice movie. She’s been like a wife in my imagination, a playful rival, and a genuinely wonderful friend in real life. I’m really heartbroken. I’m going to miss her terribly, and I’m also thinking of Beau.

Mom, I didn’t realize time was so short. I wished I could have spent more time with you, just sitting and talking. I had so much left to tell you, even though I said I love you. I’ll see you again someday.

I’m truly at a loss for words. I told O’Hara from the moment I met her that she was the funniest person I’d ever seen perform. Home Alone inspired me to become a filmmaker, so working with her was a real honor. She was hilarious, incredibly kind, insightful, and generous – she pushed me to make our show worthy of her talent. This is just heartbreaking, and we were all so fortunate to have her in our lives.

“Catherine, I love you… You were a special part of my life and after life.”

I’m absolutely devastated by the loss of Catherine O’Hara. She was a truly unique and brilliant person, and her death feels incredibly heavy – it’s hard to express just how much she’ll be missed.

She was more than just a famous artist, actor, and comedian. She truly represented the best of Canada – incredibly talented, brave, uniquely herself, and deeply caring. She brought joy to people around the world, and also had a gift for making them feel understood.

As an artist, she was a huge inspiration to me. She showed me what it means to represent your country with skill, elegance, and a genuine, humble spirit.

I’m deeply saddened for her family, friends, and all who loved her, here in Canada and internationally.

It’s okay to feel sad right now, and please know you’re not the only one who is hurting. We’re all sharing in this loss. Rest peacefully, Catherine, and thank you for all you did.

I’m so thankful I had the chance to tell her how much she meant to me – she inspired me, influenced my sense of humor, and helped me understand our work. I always felt she was a true master. I’m sure many actors have said similar things, but she always listened with grace, kindness, and a wonderful sense of humor, as if hearing it for the first time. I want to thank Jason Reitman for letting me participate in the Film Independent LACMA reading where I had the honor of working with her and witnessing her brilliance. It was amazing to watch her work and simply be around her – I’ll cherish those moments forever. Both during that reading and on the set of Away We Go, she was incredibly kind to everyone, from the director to the production assistants. She truly lit up a room – she was radiant and almost otherworldly. Her talent was unique; there was, and will never be, anyone quite like her. She was a genius and a beautiful soul.

Catherine was an extraordinary person – kind, honest, intelligent, and had a wonderful sense of humor. She was strikingly beautiful, both inside and out, and possessed a remarkable spirit. Her work radiated her love for people, and she was uniquely treasured for her integrity, clear thinking, and wisdom. It feels like all those who inspired her are now eager to learn from her incredible mind. We are heartbroken by her loss, especially now when we needed her so much. Rest peacefully, dear friend.

Catherine O’Hara was a truly genuine and honest person, in everything she did. This authenticity shone through her work, her personal life, and was evident in her love for her family – Bo, Luke, and Matthew. We send our heartfelt condolences to them all. May she rest peacefully, and may her memory live on forever.

“Catherine O’Hara. The absolute greatest. Only 71. An angel. The funniest. This is shocking.”

Being anywhere near her was just… breathtaking. I’m endlessly thankful this world got to experience her, and honestly, I can’t imagine a world without her brilliance. It feels like a dimmer place already, and I just keep replaying every moment. She’s truly the one and only Catherine O’Hara, and I’ll be a fan forever!

I honestly never imagined I’d have the chance to work with Catherine O’Hara, and even more surprisingly, become friends with her. I’m deeply saddened by her passing, but so thankful for the time we shared. Thank you, Catherine. I’ll always cherish our connection.

“Oh Catherine. You will be so so missed.”

“She was an all-timer. Her memory and work is a blessing. Rest peacefully.”

I’m still in shock and can’t accept that she’s gone. It’s incredibly painful to think about how a life so vibrant and full of promise could be cut short. Saying goodbye feels impossible. She brought so much joy and laughter to everyone, and the thought of not experiencing that again is devastating. Rest in peace. My heart goes out to her family during this difficult time.

Catherine O’Hara was a remarkably talented comedian, and she was loved by so many – possibly everyone! We’re sending our best to all her fans.

This news is devastating. She was a truly wonderful person, artist, and colleague. I feel so fortunate to have worked with her as a director, producer, and fellow actor – she just kept getting better and better. My deepest sympathies go to Bo and her family.

“Absolutely heartbreaking. She was the kindest person in our business.”

Honestly, I was speechless when I saw the photo Francesca shared of her dad on FaceTime. She was completely heartbroken and in total shock – and you could just feel it through the screen. It’s those raw, unfiltered moments that really hit home, you know? Sometimes, there just aren’t words to describe that kind of pain.

Oh, my heart! It’s just…devastating. She was truly one of a kind, so incredibly talented and genuine. She wasn’t just funny, she was subtle and sweet and just…effortless. Honestly, she brought so much happiness to everyone, to me, it feels like the world is a little dimmer now. I always looked up to her, especially as someone who loves comedy. Every single time she was on screen, it was a lesson in how it’s done. I’m going to miss her so, so much.

Catherine O’Hara, a treasured Canadian comedian and actress known for roles in everything from SCTV and Home Alone to her iconic portrayal of Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, brought laughter and warmth to audiences of all ages. She uniquely showcased Canadian stories to the world. Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and all who loved her work.

“BEST OF THE BEST IN SHOW!”

“Legend.”

“Ugggg legend. No one funnier.”

“Nooo my most profound condolences.”

She was a truly inspiring comedian who brought joy to everyone who watched her perform. We’ll always remember her kindness and warmth, and may she rest in peace.

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2026-03-01 14:18