Adored actress Catherine O’Hara, who sadly passed away on Friday, January 30, at the age of 71, was born in Toronto on March 4, 1954. That’s why former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has paid tribute to the star who was considered a national treasure.
Taking to Instagram, Trudeau shared a photo of himself speaking to O’Hara.
In the caption of the post, Trudeau wrote, “From SCTV to Home Alone to her unforgettable role as Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek, Catherine O’Hara was a beloved Canadian icon with a rare gift for comedy and heart. She made people laugh across generations and helped bring Canadian storytelling to the world in a way only she could.”
He added, “My thoughts are with her family, friends, and everyone who found joy in her work.”
Trudeau’s Followers Also Left Tributes
When Trudeau shared a message about O’Hara, his social media followers were quick to post their own tributes.
“A true legend. Absolutely heartbreaking news today. A true Canadian icon who did us proud ❤️💔,” one person wrote.
Another person added, “A sad day for Canadians. Beloved, beautiful, brilliant. Rest in peace dear Catherine. Condolences to the family.💔🙏🥰”
“She was truly a Canadian treasure, she is being mourned world wide. She was amazing ❤️❤️ I’m just so heartbroken,” came from a third follower.
Someone else commented, “I am truly devastated. As a Canadian, I loved her, and adored her work, since back in her Second City days 💔😢 A TRUE comedy legend; she brought so much joy and laughter into our lives, for decades. Thank you for the unforgettable characters and years of brilliance. Rest in peace great lady ♥️”
Catherine’s Career Started in Canada
While some fans may have discovered O’Hara thanks to her roles in 1988’s “Beetlejuice” and 1990’s “Home Alone,” she began her career before that by diving into the Canadian comedy scene.
“O’Hara’s sense of joy and infectious humour came naturally to her while she was growing up in Toronto in a big Irish Catholic family with six other siblings,” according to Elle Canada. “Her father, who worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway, was a real joker, while her mother loved to do impressions. Being funny and laughing were part of normal family life, with everyone playing off each other.”
Elle Canada explained that “[w]hen her older brother, Marcus, brought home a new girlfriend, Gilda Radner (an original Saturday Night Live cast member), a teenaged O’Hara was immediately smitten.”
“Radner introduced O’Hara to the world of improv through the Toronto branch of the improv troupe The Second City,” Elle Canada continued. “There, she met fellow actors Eugene Levy, Martin Short, John Candy, Dan Aykroyd and Andrea Martin, most of whom went on to star in Second City Television (or SCTV), an iconic Canadian sketch-comedy show that was eventually picked up by NBC in the U.S.”
