Catherine O’Hara passed away on January 30 at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy forever intertwined with “Schitt’s Creek,” the series that introduced her brilliance to a new generation.
As Moira Rose, O’Hara delivered one of the most original performances modern comedy has seen.
With a voice unlike anything on television and a wardrobe as bold as her personality, O’Hara turned Moira into the unmistakable soul of “Schitt’s Creek.” Now, mourning this loss, Dan Levy shared a deeply personal tribute honoring O’Hara, his beloved on-Screen mom on the show.
More Than a Co-Star, Always Family
In his statement, he reflected on a relationship that long predated their on-screen work together. Levy noted that O’Hara had spent decades collaborating with his father, Eugene Levy, making her part of his extended family well before she portrayed his mother on television.
“What a gift to have gotten to dance in the warm glow of Catherine O’Hara’s brilliance for all those years,” Levy wrote.
Levy emphasized that O’Hara’s presence in his life held a close place in his heart as it was about familiarity, warmth, and shared history.
Having worked closely with his father for more than half a century, O’Hara was woven into the fabric of his upbringing.
“Having spent over fifty years collaborating with my Dad, Catherine was extended family before she ever played my family,” he shared. “It’s hard to imagine a world without her in it.”
Cherished Memories Built on Laughter
Known for her unmatched comedic instincts, O’Hara left behind memories that Levy said he will hold onto forever. Their time together, both personally and professionally, was defined by humor and mutual affection.
“I will cherish every funny memory I was fortunate enough to make with her,” Levy wrote, capturing the intimacy of their bond.
Remembering a Beloved Matriarch
Levy closed his tribute by turning his thoughts to O’Hara’s family, acknowledging the loss felt far beyond the entertainment world.
“My heart goes out to Bo, Matthew, Luke, and every member of her big, beautiful family.”
For Levy and countless others, O’Hara’s legacy lives on not only through her iconic performances, including her role on Schitt’s Creek, but through the deep personal connections she forged over a lifetime of creativity, kindness, and laughter.
O’Hara Hoped to Reunite With the ‘Schitt’s Creek’ Cast
The show concluded after six seasons, a decision led by Daniel Levy and Eugene Levy, who believed the story had reached its natural endpoint. Daniel later explained that extending the series risked diluting its meaning.
“I at no point wanted to compromise on quality or storytelling,” Daniel told Variety. “It just didn’t feel like it was worth the risk to take it any further.”
He added that the heart of the series was always about connection. “The goal was at the end of this show, this family will realize the value of love. Money can temporarily bandage a lot of things. But they would never be able to buy the kind of closeness that they have by the end of the series.”
Even after the finale, O’Hara remained closely tied to the cast and openly expressed hope for a reunion. In 2024, she shared her wish to step back into Moira’s world, if only briefly.
Getty“I would love to,” she told People at the time. “We did a bit of a tour after we finished the show, and it was so much fun. I’d love to just be with them all again. Doing a movie would be wonderful. Yeah, I hope it happens.”
Although the cast never reunited on screen, O’Hara’s Moira Rose forever remains unforgettable!
