A Heartfelt Tribute to a Comedy Legend
Eugene Levy, a veteran actor known for his remarkable contributions to comedy, shared a deeply emotional tribute to his long-time friend and on-screen wife, Catherine O’Hara. This heartfelt moment occurred at the 14th Canadian Screen Awards, where Levy, 79, spoke about O’Hara’s life and career four months after her passing.
O’Hara passed away on January 30 following a private battle with cancer. Her final public appearance was in October 2025, marking the end of a journey that had touched many lives.
A Friendship Spanning Five Decades
Levy reflected on their 50-year friendship, emphasizing the depth of their bond. He expressed how much he cherished this relationship, stating, “My friendship with Catherine O’Hara spanned 50 years and then some, and it was a friendship I will cherish for the rest of my days.”
Their professional journey began in 1974 at the Second City Theater in Toronto, where Levy first encountered O’Hara’s extraordinary comedic talent. He described her as a gifted young woman who made comedy seem effortless.
The pair later collaborated on the iconic Canadian sketch comedy series SCTV, starting in 1976. Levy praised her ability to bring laughter effortlessly, highlighting her unique gift that shone through during their time on the show.
Iconic Roles and Lasting Impact
O’Hara’s portrayal of Moira Rose in the critically acclaimed sitcom Schitt’s Creek was particularly memorable. The show, which aired from 2015 to 2020, showcased her brilliance as a character that would be remembered in the annals of television comedy.
Levy noted, “It gave all of us on the show the unique opportunity to witness up close the sheer brilliance of her Moira Rose, a creation that will go down as one of the most iconic characters in the history of television comedy.”
Her work in films like Beetlejuice and Home Alone further solidified her status as a Canadian export, earning her recognition and admiration across the globe.
A Legacy of Excellence
O’Hara was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2017, a testament to her contributions to the arts. Levy highlighted her deep connection to Canada, saying, “You couldn’t pry her away from her cottage in Muskoka with a crowbar.”
Her body of work has earned her legendary status in the entertainment industry. However, it was her personality that endeared her to millions. Levy emphasized that she was the person he spent the most time working with over their 50-year careers, something he took great pride in.
Collaborations and Final Appearances
Beyond Schitt’s Creek, O’Hara and Levy worked together in several Christopher Guest mockumentaries, including Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, and For Your Consideration.
O’Hara’s final public appearance was at the Angel Awards in Santa Monica, where she looked frail. She passed away three months later due to a pulmonary embolism after battling rectal cancer privately.
A Private Celebration and Lasting Influence
A private celebration of life was held on Valentine’s Day at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Los Angeles, California. O’Hara is survived by her husband, Bo Welch, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke.
Her legacy continues through her filmography, which has grossed over $4.3 billion worldwide. O’Hara made a posthumous appearance in Lawrence Kasdan’s documentary Marty, Life Is Short, which started streaming on Netflix.
Seth Rogen, the creator-star of his Apple TV+ series, had planned to include O’Hara’s character in the second season. However, her passing posed challenges for the production team.
“We wrote it for her to be there. We had it all set, and the shock waves permeate throughout the entire new season. It’s been difficult,” Rogen shared. While they aim to avoid heavy themes, they acknowledge the impact of her absence on the show.
