The entertainment world is mourning the loss of one of its comedy greats. Catherine O’Hara died Friday at the age of 71. She leaves behind a body of work that ranges from cult classics, to blockbuster films, and some small-screen gems. Geoff Bennett reports.
Catherine O’Hara, Actress:
Hello. I’m Moira Rose.
Geoff Bennett:
She was the wacky, wealthy matriarch in “Schitt’s Creek.”
Catherine O’Hara:
You will remember the experience and you will remember the name, Herb Irvlinger. Burt Herngeif. Irv Hermlinger.
Geoff Bennett:
A role which earned Catherine O’Hara an Emmy and a Golden Globe.
Catherine O’Hara:
Next step is to fold in the cheese.
Dan Levy, Actor:
What does that mean? What does fold in the cheese mean?
Catherine O’Hara:
You fold it in.
Geoff Bennett:
And captivated an entire generation of fans.
Dan Levy:
You fold it in.
Catherine O’Hara:
David!
Geoff Bennett:
But O’Hara got her start decades earlier. Born in Toronto, she launched her sketch comedy career with the legendary “Second City” troop and starred in its TV offshoot alongside her later “Schitt’s Creek” co-star Eugene Levy.
Eugene Levy, Actor:
Our next topic is music.
Margaret Mehan, Central.
Catherine O’Hara:
ABBA?
Eugene Levy:
No, it is not ABBA, Margaret. It is not ABBA.
Geoff Bennett:
Her writing on the series secured her first prime-time Emmy Award back in 1982. She’d go on to play characters in some of the most beloved films of all time, like the avant-garde artist Delia Deetz in “Beetlejuice.”
Catherine O’Hara:
Kevin!
Geoff Bennett:
The devoted mother whose frantic journey home gives the holiday classic “Home Alone” its heart.
Catherine O’Hara:
If I have to sell my soul to the devil himself, I am going to get home to my son.
Geoff Bennett:
And she was a staple in Christopher Guest’s mockumentary-style films, including “Best in Show.”
O’Hara’s colleagues today paying tribute. “Home Alone” star Macaulay Culkin writing: “I thought we had time. I had so much more to say. I love you.”
Meryl Streep said O’Hara “brought love and light through whip-smart compassion for the collection of eccentrics she portrayed.”
Actress:
Are those wigs real hair? I just want to reach out and touch it.
Catherine O’Hara:
Please don’t. No, Maureen does not like to be manhandled.
Geoff Bennett:
In 2017, the height of “Schitt’s Creek”‘s popularity, O’Hara was recognized with the Order of Canada. It’s one of the country’s highest honors. And just last year, she received an Emmy nomination for her role in Seth Rogen’s TV series “The Studio.”
Her talent agency did not cite a cause of death, but said she suffered from a brief illness. Catherine O’Hara was 71 years old.
