As Hollywood continues to grieve Catherine O’Hara, tributes from longtime collaborators are painting a picture of an incredible woman whose generosity matched her acting brilliance.
A day after O’Hara’s passing, Reese Witherspoon took to Instagram to share her memories of working with O’Hara on the 2006 fantasy film “Penelope.”
Witherspoon Reflects on Working With Catherine O’Hara
GettyWitherspoon shared her tribute in an Instagram Stories post on Saturday, January 31, expressing her sadness over O’Hara’s death.
“Feeling so sad about the passing of Catherine O’Hara,” Witherspoon, 49, wrote.
“Catherine was such an inspiration to me. I worked with her on a movie called Penelope back in 2006, and her creativity was boundless.”
GettyShe continued, “She never ceased to amaze me with her generosity toward her fellow actors and filmmakers. In real life, she was just as warm and delightful as she seems on film — a pure delight.”
Witherspoon went on to say that O’Hara’s “legacy will live on” through her extensive body of work and her family.
“I know she’s making all the angels laugh 🕊,” she concluded.
‘Penelope’ Actor Richard E. Grant Honors a 20-Year Friendship
O’Hara appeared in “Penelope” as the title character’s mother, starring opposite James McAvoy, Peter Dinklage, Simon Woods, and Richard E. Grant.
Witherspoon portrayed Annie, a new friend who helps Penelope navigate her journey of self-acceptance. The film marked one of several collaborations that highlighted O’Hara’s ability to balance emotional depth with humor.
Grant, who portrayed O’Hara’s on-screen husband in “Penelope,” also shared a deeply personal tribute that spoke to the closeness of their relationship.
“We played a couple in PENELOPE (2006) & instantly bonded,” Grant wrote.
That connection lasted long after filming wrapped. Grant recalled how O’Hara and her husband, Bo Welch, became an integral part of his life, sharing time and laughter across continents.
“She & her husband Bo were the first people we called when we were in LA, stayed with us in the Cotswolds shared dinners in London & never stopped yakking & laughing,” he shared.
Grant openly expressed the depth of his loss, describing O’Hara’s death as profoundly painful.
“The death of my great friend Catherine O’Hara is an incalculable loss,” he wrote.
He ended his message with love for those closest to her. “My heart goes out to Bo, Matthew & Luke.”
O’Hara’s Death at 71 Sparks Outpouring of Tributes
Variety confirmed on Friday, January 30, that O’Hara died at age 71. In a statement, her agency, Creative Artists Agency, said, “Prolific multi-award-winning actress, writer and comedian Catherine O’Hara died today at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness. The family will hold a private celebration of life.”
GettyAs tributes continue to surface, colleagues and fans alike are remembering her not only for iconic roles in films and series such as “Home Alone,” “Beetlejuice,” “Schitt’s Creek,” and “The Studio,” but for the warmth, kindness, and boundless creativity she shared with everyone around her.
Tributes of her co-stars, fans, and loved ones not only reflected admiration for her talent but also deep affection for the person she was off-screen.
O’Hara is survived by her husband of 33 years, Bo Welch, and their two sons.
