Schitt’s Creek’s Dan Levy Details Longtime Bond With Catherine O’Hara

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Catherine O’Hara was simply the best.

Following the passing of the Schitt’s Creek actress at 71, her colleague Dan Levy shared details about their close relationship. She was known for portraying Moira Rose, the mother of his character, David.

The 42-year-old posted on Instagram January 30th, expressing how lucky they were to have worked with Catherine O’Hara. They said it was a joy to be around her talent and that they’ll always treasure the funny moments they shared.

Dan, one of the creators of Schitt’s Creek, also talked about his close relationship with the Levy family, explaining how much she meant to him and his father, Eugene Levy, both personally and professionally.

I worked with Catherine alongside my dad for more than fifty years, so she felt like family long before she ever acted alongside my family on screen. It’s difficult to picture life without her.

Catherine first met Eugene in 1972 through her brother’s girlfriend, Gilda Radner, who was one of the original cast members on Saturday Night Live. Gilda had gotten tickets to a Broadway show, and that’s where they were introduced.

She told Eugene on The Ellen Show in 2020 that she remembered when they both were in high school and he was performing in Godspell. After the show, they got to spend time with the cast at a restaurant, which she described as an incredibly exciting experience.

Beyond just meeting her as a fan, I learned Catherine and Eugene actually became friends while performing together at Second City. It was amazing to see their chemistry onstage, and it makes so much sense knowing they built that connection through working together!

After forty years, the two actors worked together again, this time alongside Dan in the TV series Schitt’s Creek, which aired from 2015 to 2020.

Though as Dan previously shared, Catherine was initially hesitant to play the eccentric mom of two.

He explained to Variety in 2020 that his sister had initially presented a trial version of the show. When the network decided to move forward, they needed her permission to use it. He said she was hesitant, and understandably so, as television requires a significant time commitment and the show’s success wasn’t guaranteed. His father even called him, predicting she would likely decline.

However, he didn’t give up that easy.

I explained this idea to my dad and asked him to call her one more time. I told him to suggest just one season of the show, because if she tried it and didn’t like it, that would prove we weren’t making something good anyway. I just wanted to hear what she thought. Forty-five minutes later, he called me back with good news – she was on board.

Once Catherine O’Hara—famous for her work in films like Home Alone, Beetlejuice, and Best in Show—joined the project, it completely transformed things.

In an April 2025 interview with Vanity Fair, she admitted she worried about being able to create another memorable character. She also expressed concern about losing the distinctive voice she used for Moira, saying, ‘I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to stop using that voice naturally.’ But she confirmed she’s no longer doing the voice, stating, ‘I’ve definitely lost it.’

Throughout the show’s six seasons, which earned it an Emmy, her character consistently provided memorable and delightful moments.

Catherine consistently worked on team projects throughout her career, and she especially valued that aspect of her work.

In a 2019 interview with The New Yorker, she explained her collaborative approach: “Why struggle through things on your own when you can benefit from working with others? It’s a two-way street – sharing ideas, listening to different perspectives, and contributing what you can.”

Keep reading for more celebrities who paid tribute to Catherine after her passing…

It was a true joy to work alongside Catherine O’Hara for so many years, and to experience her incredible talent. After working with my dad for over fifty years, Catherine felt like family long before she played one on screen. It’s hard to believe she’s gone, and I’ll always treasure the funny moments we shared. My thoughts are with Bo, Matthew, Luke, and the entire family during this difficult time.

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 still had so much I wanted to tell you, and I wish I’d had the chance to just sit with you for a while. 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 one of the funniest people 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 pushed me to make our show worthy of her talent. This is a devastating loss, 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 special and unique talent, 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 compassionate. She not only brought joy to the world but also helped people feel understood.

As an artist, she was a huge inspiration to me. She showed me how to represent your country with both skill and kindness, always remaining down-to-earth and humble.

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

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’ve done.

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 thought of her as the best of the best, and I’m sure many actors felt the same. What was amazing was that she never seemed tired of hearing it; she listened with grace, humor, and incredible kindness. I want to thank Jason Reitman for letting me participate in the Film Independent LACMA reading, where I got to work with and witness the genius of my hero. Being around her and watching her work was unforgettable. I’ll cherish every moment. Both that day and on the set of Away We Go, she was genuinely kind to everyone, from the director to the production assistants. She truly lit up a room – she was radiant, almost otherworldly. Her talent was unique, and there will never be anyone quite like her. She was a true genius and a beautiful person.

Catherine was an extraordinary person – kind, honest, intelligent, and had a wonderful sense of humor. She was strikingly beautiful, full of life, and deeply cared about people, which shone through in everything she did. Her wisdom, clarity, and integrity made her truly special. It’s easy to imagine her now with other great minds, sharing her incredible insights. We’re heartbroken here on earth, especially now when we needed her so much. Rest peacefully, dear friend.

Catherine O’Hara was a genuinely kind and honest person, both in her work and in her personal life. She will be deeply missed by her sons, Bo, Luke, and Matthew, and we extend our heartfelt condolences 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 eternally thankful. The world feels dimmer without you, but this fortunate world that knew you will always cherish your memory. Forever and always, you are one of a kind, Catherine O’Hara.

I honestly never imagined I’d have the chance to work with Catherine O’Hara, and even more unbelievably, become friends with her. I’m heartbroken that she’s gone, 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 incredibly painful to think about such a vibrant person being taken from us, especially when she had so much life left to live. Saying goodbye feels impossible. She brought so much joy and laughter into our lives, and that’s why we’re all feeling this immense pain now, knowing we’ll never experience that joy again. 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.

I’m absolutely heartbroken to hear this. She was such a genuinely wonderful person, and an incredibly talented artist – a dream to work with. I feel so fortunate to have had the chance to direct, produce, and even act alongside her. It was amazing to watch her grow and become even more brilliant with everything she did. My deepest sympathies go out to Bo and her entire family during this difficult time.

“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 disbelief.

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 lesson in how it should be done – a true masterclass.

Catherine O’Hara, a cherished Canadian comedian and actress known for roles in everything from SCTV and Home Alone to her iconic portrayal of Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek, brought laughter and warmth to audiences of all ages. She uniquely shared Canadian stories with 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 truly inspiring, bringing joy and warmth to everyone through her comedy. We’ll always remember her kind spirit and may she rest in peace.

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2026-01-31 04:48