Oscars Honors Diane Keaton, Catherine O’Hara in Heartbreaking Tribute

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There was not a dry eye at the Oscars 2026 during the in memoriam segment.

As a lifestyle expert, I was deeply touched by the recent tribute event. Beyond the heartfelt remembrance of director Rob Reiner, who tragically passed away with his wife Michele in December, it was beautiful to see Rachel McAdams take a moment to celebrate the incredible women in her field. She gave a really moving speech honoring actresses like Catherine O’Hara, Diane Keaton, Claudia Cardinale, and Diane Ladd – a lovely gesture of support and admiration.

Remembering O’Hara, who passed away in January at 71, her former colleague from The Notebook described her as a “comedic genius and scene stealer, a force of nature, and a fellow Canadian.” They added that she had a remarkable ability to make people laugh until they cried.

Rachel McAdams, who appeared with Diane Keaton in the films The Family Stone (2005) and Morning Glory (2010), shared a story about Keaton’s habit of singing an “old Girl Scout song” while on set as a tribute to the late actress.

She remembered a sweet rhyme: “Keep your old friends, and make new ones too – old friends are like silver, new friends like gold.” Then she added, “Our friendship will last forever, just like a circle has no end.”

Visibly emotional while celebrating Keaton, McAdams called her “a timeless legend,” and shared that Keaton’s unique talent has inspired every actress of her generation.

Buster Keaton passed away in October at the age of 79 due to pneumonia. Peter O’Hara died from a pulmonary embolism, which was brought on by his battle with rectal cancer, according to his death certificate obtained by TopMob News.

I’m still reeling! Earlier this month, they finally gave the incredible Renee O’Hara the recognition she deserved – a posthumous award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series at the Actors Awards! It was so bittersweet. And honestly, seeing Seth Rogen up there accepting it for her… I lost it. His speech about her legacy was just… perfect. It really captured everything she meant to all of us fans. I’ll never forget it.

He told the audience at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall that she proved you can be both incredibly intelligent and genuinely kind, and that these qualities don’t have to conflict with each other at all.

After O’Hara’s death, Rogen—also a co-creator of The Studio—shared that she inspired him to make their show as good as it deserved to be, given her involvement.

He shared in an Instagram post on January 30th that he immediately thought O’Hara was the funniest person he’d ever seen perform. He also said that watching Home Alone inspired him to become a filmmaker.

Rogen described O’Hara as emotional, thoughtful, and incredibly giving, and said he felt privileged to have worked with her.

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

It was a true joy to work with Catherine O’Hara for so many years and witness her incredible talent. After spending over fifty years working with my father, Catherine felt like family even before she played one on screen. It’s hard to imagine life without her. I’ll always treasure the funny moments we shared, and my thoughts are with Bo, Matthew, Luke, and her entire wonderful family.

This goes all the way back to 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 wish I’d had more time with you, just to sit and talk. I heard what you said, but I still had so much left to tell you. I love you, and I’ll see you again someday.

I’m truly at a loss for words. From the moment I met O’Hara, I thought she was the funniest person I’d ever seen. Home Alone actually inspired me to become a filmmaker, so working with her was a real honor. She was hilarious, incredibly kind, insightful, and generous – she motivated me to make our show worthy of her talent. This is 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 radiant person, and it’s hard to express how deeply her passing affects me.

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 the world and, just as importantly, made people feel understood.

As an artist, she had a profound impact on me. She showed me how to represent your country with both skill and kindness, always remaining down-to-earth and genuine.

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

It’s okay to feel sad right now, and please know that 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 truly inspired me, influenced my sense of humor, and helped me understand our work. I always thought of her as the very best. I’m sure many actors said similar things, but she always listened with grace, kindness, and a wonderful sense of humor, as if she was hearing it for the first time. I want to thank Jason Reitman for letting me participate in the Film Independent LACMA reading where I got to work with her and see her genius up close. Being around her and watching her work was incredible, and I’ll cherish those moments forever. Both during that reading and on the set of Away We Go, she was consistently kind and wonderful to everyone, from the director to the production assistants. She truly lit up a room – she was radiant and almost otherworldly. Her talent was one of a kind. There will never be another 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 beautiful inside and out, and her work shone with her love for people. She possessed a rare combination of integrity, clear thinking, and wisdom, making her truly special. It feels like all those who inspired her are now eager to learn from her incredible mind. We’re heartbroken here, and will miss her dearly, especially now. May she rest in peace, dear friend.

Catherine O’Hara was a genuinely honest and true person, both in her work and in her personal life. She will be deeply missed by her sons, Bo, Luke, and Matthew, and our hearts go out to them. We hope she finds peace, and that her memory lives on forever.

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

Being near you was a gift, and I’m endlessly thankful. The world feels dimmer without you, but this fortunate world will always remember and cherish you. Truly, you are one of a kind. #CatherineOHara

I honestly never imagined I’d have the chance to work with Catherine O’Hara, and I definitely never expected to 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 love you.

“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 devastating to think about how much pain there is right now. It’s so hard to say goodbye to someone who was so vibrant and had so much life ahead of her. Farewell to a true icon. Thank you for all the joy and laughter you brought into our lives – that’s why we’re all feeling this loss so deeply. Rest in peace. My heart goes out to her family during this incredibly difficult time.

Catherine O’Hara was a remarkably talented comedian, and she was loved by so many – perhaps by everyone!

This news is devastating. She was a truly wonderful person, a gifted artist, and a joy to work with. I feel so fortunate to have directed, produced, and acted alongside her – 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.”

Francesca was speechless after seeing her dad’s reaction on FaceTime, sharing a photo and saying she was completely heartbroken and in shock.

It’s just heartbreaking. She was truly one of a kind – so graceful, intelligent, and genuinely humble. She just had this incredible natural talent that brought so much happiness to everyone. I’m going to miss her terribly. As someone who loves comedy, she was a huge inspiration. Every time she performed, it was a masterclass in the art of making people laugh.

Catherine O’Hara, a cherished Canadian comedian and actress known for her roles in everything from SCTV and Home Alone to the iconic Moira Rose on 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.”

I was so incredibly inspired by her. She had this amazing way of bringing light and joy into everything she did, and you could feel it whenever you watched her perform. I’ll always remember her beautiful spirit, and I hope she finds eternal peace.

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2026-03-16 04:49