Catherine O’Hara is being remembered by her Schitt’s Creek family.
As we previously reported, the beloved actress passed away on Friday following “a brief illness.” She was 71. Hollywood has been reeling from the shocking news of her death. And, as you can imagine, those who worked with her in the past are especially devastated, including her co-stars on Schitt’s Creek. They are now reacting and saying goodbye to Catherine, the woman behind the iconic and eccentric Moira Rose. Brace yourselves for a ton of emotional tributes from her castmates…
Related: Catherine O’Hara Joked About Her Own Mortality Nearly A Year Before Her Sudden Death
Eugene Levy not only played her husband, Johnny Rose, on the sitcom but also starred on other projects, including Second City, SCTV, Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, and For Your Consideration, with Catherine. They have been friends for over five decades, and he will treasure their memories together forever. He expressed in a statement to Page Six following her death on Friday:
“Words seem inadequate to express the loss I feel today. I had the honor of knowing and working with the great Catherine O’Hara for over fifty years. From our beginnings on the Second City stage, to SCTV, to the movies we did with Chris Guest, to our six glorious years on Schitt’s Creek, I cherished our working relationship, but most of all our friendship. And I will miss her. My heart goes out to Bo, Matthew, Luke, and the entire O’Hara family.”
We cannot imagine the weight of this loss on him or his other family members…
Eugene’s son, Dan Levy, who played Catherine’s TV son David Rose, also paid tribute to the legend. He took to Instagram to say:
“What a gift to have gotten to dance in the warm glow of Catherine O’Hara’s brilliance for all those years. Having spent over fifty years collaborating with my Dad, Catherine was extended family before she ever played my family. It’s hard to imagine a world without her in it. I will cherish every funny memory I was fortunate enough to make with her. My heart goes out to Bo, Matthew, Luke and every member of her big, beautiful family.”
Eugene’s daughter, Sarah Levy, who portrayed Twyla Sands on the hit series, shared on Instagram that “this one cuts deep,” adding:
“What an honour it has been to know and work with and love Catherine O’Hara. Cheers to all that you brought to this world – you will be so, so missed.”
And they weren’t the only Schitt’s Creek stars to honor Catherine…
Jennifer Robertson, who played Jocelyn Schitt, called working with her co-star “a beautiful, magical gift” to Page Six:
“I am deeply saddened to hear we have lost Catherine. Being in Catherine O’Hara’s orbit was a beautiful, magical gift. She was an absolute star who never understood why people made such a fuss about her. Her passing is a loss for everyone who knew and loved her. My deepest condolences to Bo, her sons and the O’Hara family.”
You can also see her tribute on Instagram (below):
Chris Elliot, who played Roland Schitt, told USA Today he’ll always fondly remember the laughs they shared:
“Working with her and Eugene was a dream come true for me – made all the more special because Catherine was such a warm hearted, generous and humble human being. I will always remember the laughs we shared on screen and off, and I’ll never forget our fun shopping spree at Joe Fresh.”
Tim Roxon, who played Annie Murphy’s love interest Mutt in the first two seasons, first shared a post from CBC announcing Catherine’s death. He then added in a follow-up slide alongside another pic of the Beetlejuice alum:
“The kindest eyes, the warmest smile, and the best laugh that would filled the room
“
On Instagram, Rizwan Manji, who played town realtor and city council member Ray, said how, like all of us, he is shocked by her death. And he reflected on how Catherine was a “true comedic genius”:
“This is truly shocking. I was a big fan of Catherine O’Hara long before I ever had the chance to work with her. I was so nervous the first time I met her, and she was even nicer and funnier than one could imagine. The second photo is of her and me standing in line to buy popcorn at the Emmys. She had just come off stage after presenting an award and was nominated herself that year, yet she stood in line like a regular person. But she wasn’t a regular person. She was a true comedic genius who brought so much laughter to so many people. She will be terribly missed. RIP, Catherine.”
Well said. Karen Robinson, who played Ronnie Lee on Schitt’s Creek, expressed “what a loss” this is to USA Today:
“The unmitigated good fortune of sharing space and work and laughter with the brilliance that was Catherine O’Hara is something that I will treasure forever. I am heartbroken for her family and all circles of her friends and loved ones. Oh Canada – what a loss. Thank you, Catherine, for everything you gave us before you left us. So much and so timeless that a part of you will always stay with us.”
Catherine really was such a bright light in this world and was clearly so loved by her co-stars! Reactions to the tributes, Perezcious readers? Let us know in the comments.
[Image via Schitt’s Creek/Not a Real Company Productions]
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