Catherine O’Hara passes away at 71: Macaulay Culkin, Meryl Streep, Michael Keaton and others pay heartfelt tributes

The passing of Catherine O’Hara at 71 has left the film and television industry in mourning, with an outpouring of tributes from her friends and collaborators across decades. The legendary actor, celebrated for her unmatched comic brilliance in Home Alone, Schitt’s Creek, Beetlejuice and several other iconic projects, passed away on Friday in Los Angeles after a brief illness.As the news spread, colleagues took to social media and issued statements remembering not just her extraordinary talent, but also her warmth, kindness, and generosity as a collaborator.Macaulay Culkin, who played O’Hara’s on-screen son in the Home Alone films, shared an emotional note on Instagram.“Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you. But I had so much more to say. I love you. I’ll see you later.”Meryl Streep, who co-starred with O’Hara in Heartburn, paid tribute in a statement, highlighting the compassion behind her comedy.“Catherine O’Hara brought love and light to our world, through whipsmart compassion for the collection of eccentrics she portrayed... such a loss for her family and friends, and the audience she graced as friends.”Michael Keaton, who worked closely with O’Hara on Beetlejuice, reflected on their long personal and professional bond.“We go back before the first Beetlejuice. She’s been my pretend wife, my pretend nemesis and my real life, true friend. This one hurts. Man am I gonna miss her.”Pedro Pascal, who collaborated with O’Hara on The Last of Us season two, shared a deeply personal tribute.“Oh, genius to be near you. Eternally grateful. There is less light in my world, this lucky world that had you, will keep you, always. Always.”Comedian and actor Kevin Nealon highlighted how O’Hara reshaped the understanding of humor and humanity.“Catherine O’Hara changed how so many of us understand comedy and humanity. From the chaos and heart of Home Alone to the unforgettable precision of Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, she created characters we’ll rewatch again and again.”The Last of Us showrunner Craig Mazin shared a long, emotional message, focusing on both grief and gratitude.“I think she would prefer that we keep laughing somehow, or at the very least not cry. Not possible at the moment… Goodbye, you legend… you wonderful, brilliant, kind, beautiful human being. We were lucky to have had you at all.”Christopher Guest, who collaborated with O’Hara on four films, expressed his devastation in a statement.“I am devastated. We have lost one of the comic giants of our age. I send my love to her family.”Canadian filmmaker and actor Sarah Polley remembered O’Hara’s rare combination of kindness and genius.“She was the kindest and the classiest. How could she also have been the funniest person in the world? And she was at the very top of her game. There won’t be another like her.”Ron Howard, who directed and worked with O’Hara across projects, reflected on her evolving artistry.“This is shattering news. What a wonderful person, artist and collaborator. I was lucky enough to direct, produce and act in projects with her and she was simply growing more brilliant with each year. My heart goes out to Bo & family.” Actor Ike Barinholtz, who co-starred with her in The Studio, shared his disbelief and gratitude.“I never in a million years thought I would get to work with Catherine O’Hara let alone become friends with her. So profoundly sad she’s somewhere else now… Thank you Catherine I love you.”Rita Wilson offered condolences to O’Hara’s family, remembering her integrity both on and off screen.“Catherine O’Hara — a woman who was authentic and truthful in all she did… Bo, Luke and Matthew, our deepest sympathies. May Catherine rest in peace. May her memory be eternal.”