How Seth Rogen Will Address Catherine O’Hara’s Death in The Studio

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Seth Rogen is working to fill an immeasurable void.

The Emmy-winning show will acknowledge the loss of Catherine O’Hara, who sadly passed away in January at age 71, in its second season. The show’s creator admitted it will be impossible to move forward without addressing her death.

He explained to The Times of London that they’re recognizing a sense of feeling lost or ungrounded. However, he added that this is a normal part of life, and while the show doesn’t focus heavily on serious topics, those themes will still be present in the second season. They aren’t avoiding difficult subjects altogether.

Even though it will be difficult, Seth and his collaborator Evan Goldberg will continue the show without Catherine O’Hara, who played Hollywood executive Patty Leigh in the first season. They’ve admitted that rewriting the new season after her passing was incredibly hard.

Evan shared that losing the actress was deeply upsetting, both personally and for the show. The season had been written with her involvement, and her unexpected absence has had a significant impact on everything. It’s been a really challenging time for everyone involved.

“She was the anchor,” he continued, “and now the anchor is gone.”

Catherine didn’t only deliver a memorable performance in the Apple TV comedy; she truly made the show better. Seth, 43, recently revealed this when he accepted the award honoring her work on the show last month, noting how much she improved the production.

He explained that almost every night before filming, she would send him and Evan an email. It usually said the same thing: ‘Hello, I hope you’ll consider the following,’ followed by a completely revised version of her scene.

And by Seth’s account, his late costar’s edits were always more than welcome.

He enthusiastically explained that it consistently improved not only her character, but also the scene itself and the show as a whole.

The film The Studio really showcased Catherine’s unique acting ability. Read on to discover more of her most memorable performances.

Catherine O’Hara’s career really took off in 1976 when she joined the cast of NBC Canada’s comedy variety show. Over six seasons, she quickly gained recognition alongside stars like Eugene Levy, Joe Flaherty, and Andrea Martin, showcasing her comedic talent. One of her most memorable characters from the show was Lola Heatherton, a hilariously over-the-top showgirl.

I always loved how everyone on the show had such a distinct Vegas persona, but I felt like I needed one too! That’s how ‘Lola Heatherton’ came about. I was completely captivated by Lola Falana, the singer who used to perform on The Tonight Show and Merv Griffin. I shamelessly copied her little lip quiver, and then I thought of Joey Heatherton and decided to add that playful ‘kitten with a whip’ vibe to the character. It felt like the perfect combination!

Catherine’s career took off with her role in Tim Burton’s 1988 film, Beetlejuice. She played Delia Deetz, a somewhat selfish interior designer who is married to Charles Deetz (Jeffery Jones) and stepmother to Lydia Deetz (Wynonna Ryder). Delia and Charles attempt to deal with Lydia and the ghosts, including Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton), who are haunting their new home and want them to leave.

Catherine went on to reprise her role in 2024’s Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice.

Catherine O’Hara played Kate McCallister, the determined mother who frantically tried to return to her son, Kevin (Macaulay Culkin), not just once, but twice, after a chaotic mix-up left him home alone during Christmas. Fans will always remember her passionate vow to do absolutely anything to get back to Kevin!

Catherine once again lent her voice to a Tim Burton film, playing Sally, the ragdoll who captures the heart of Jack Skellington (with music by Danny Elfman). She accompanies him on a journey through the worlds of Halloween and Christmas.

Catherine O’Hara was a key player in Christopher Guest’s popular mockumentaries throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, appearing with stars like Eugene Levy, Jennifer Coolidge, Fred Willard, and Parker Posey. She delivered memorable performances in films such as Waiting for Guffman (1996), Best in Show (2000), A Mighty Wind (2003), and the critically acclaimed For Your Consideration (2006).

In the animated comedy series, Catherine voiced Jackie Robinson Martin, the wife of Glen (Kevin Nealon). After Glen accidentally burns down the house, he takes his family, including his teenage daughters, on a road trip. Jackie, always supportive, joins them for the adventure throughout the show’s two seasons.

It’s hard to imagine a more memorable role. Catherine O’Hara played Moira Rose, a former Hollywood star who moved to Schitt’s Creek with her husband, Johnny (played by Eugene Levy), and their adult children, David (Dan Levy) and Alexis (Annie Murphy), bringing as many of her signature wigs, clothes, and dramatic lines as she could. Throughout the show’s six seasons, Catherine won an Emmy for her portrayal of Moira, particularly capturing the spirit of awards season.

Catherine made a guest appearance on the ABC comedy during its eleven seasons. She played Dr. Debra Radcliffe in the seventh season episode, “Clean Out Your Junk Drawer.” Her character was a quirky couples therapist who ironically needed help herself.

Catherine played the role of Gail in the second season of the HBO series. Gail was introduced to help Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) rebuild their connection as they tried to start fresh in a new town, leaving the trauma of the previous season behind.

 

In one of her last roles before her passing, Catherine portrayed Patty Leigh, a quirky studio executive inspired by producer Amy Pascal, in Seth Rogen’s Emmy-winning Apple TV+ comedy. For the part, she swapped her signature blonde hairstyle for a completely different look and was often seen out and about as her character navigated life after being fired from Continental Pictures.

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2026-04-05 02:17