Among the countless tributes pouring in from celebrities after actress Catherine O’Hara’s death on January 30, 2026, Lea Thompson shared one of the most heartwrenching and heartwarming. The “Back to the Future” alum and star of Hallmark Channel’s “The Chicken Sisters” called O’Hara “the most glorious person” in her heartfelt social media post.
“Kind, honest, smart, funny, and beautiful beyond words,” she wrote of O’Hara, known for dozens of roles in her award-winning career, from playing the mom in the “Home Alone” movies to portraying Moira Rose on “Schitt’s Creek.”
Thompson, 64, wrote of O’Hara, 71, “She carried the spirit. You could feel her love of humanity in her brilliant work. And she had integrity, clarity and wisdom that made her a unique treasure. I know the greats are with her now trying to pick her wonderful brain as to how she could do it all. Here on earth or hearts are a bit broken. We needed you now more than ever. Rest in peace dear friend.”
Fans Respond to Lea Thompson’s Tribute to Catherine O’Hara
Fans and peers flooded Thompson’s post to express their sadness over O’Hara’s passing. She liked an Instagram comment that said, “So very sorry Lea! I loved and admired her work and her personal! A real human. 😢”
Another fan commented, “The word icon is used a lot. But she was truly iconic in her performances. We were lucky to be gifted with her talent. 💜💜”
Someone on Facebook chimed in, “We were blessed to have her in our lives. Bringing so much fun and laughter. Catherine will be greatly missed.”
Many Other Stars Have Shared Their Grief Over Losing Catherine O’Hara
GettyThompson was one of many Hallmark stars who paid tribute to O’Hara, including her co-star on “The Chicken Sisters,” Genevieve Angelson, who shared a photo of O’Hara in her Instagram Stories and wrote, “I can’t think of a single actress alive or dead who means more to me.”
Mary McDonnell, who appeared in the December Hallmark series “Twelve Dates Till Christmas,” also shared a photo of O’Hara in her Stories and wrote, “My heart is breaking. In waves. Catherine was a beacon. Her potential limitless. An inspiration always…And the warmest eyes in that smile. RIP Beautiful Catherine. thank you dearly forever. ✨✨✨✨”
Macauley Culkin, who played her son in the iconic “Home Alone” movies, shared a heartbreaking tribute in which he wrote, “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.”
O’Hara’s “Schitt’s Creek” co-star Dan Levy paid tribute, but his dad Eugene Levy, O’Hara’s close friend of five decades, had not yet addressed her passing at the time of publication.
