Grief followed Steve Martin and Martin Short onto the stage this weekend. The iconic comedy duo found a quiet, heartfelt way to honor Catherine O’Hara’s memory in real time. The moment came hours after word of O’Hara’s death at age 71 had spread on January 30.
An Onstage Toast in Austin, Texas
During their Austin, Texas, stop of “The Best of Steve Martin and Martin Short,” the comedians paused the show for a quiet tribute.
Standing beside Steve Martin, Martin Short lifted his glass. “Catherine O’Hara, I met when she was 18 years of age,” Short, 75, said, as seen in a video shared on TikTok.
“And all these years later, she had been the greatest, most brilliant, kindest, sweetest angel that any of us worked with.”
Martin, 80, lifted his glass in response, and the two shared a toast. The audience erupted in cheers and applause to honor the iconic actress.
Remembering Catherine O’Hara’s Life and Work
GettyCatherine O’Hara, known for iconic roles in “Beetlejuice,” “Schitt’s Creek,” “Best in Show,” and “Home Alone,” died on January 30 in Los Angeles after a brief illness, a representative confirmed to People.
Across decades, O’Hara built a reputation not only as a gifted comedian and actress but also as a generous collaborator and cherished friend.
Following news of her death, tributes poured in from colleagues across Hollywood. Among them was Macaulay Culkin, who portrayed O’Hara’s on-screen son in “Home Alone” and “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.”
Culkin shared a personal message reflecting on their bond, adding to a growing outpouring of love for the Emmy-winning performer.
Beyond Culkin, tributes also came from O’Hara’s extended on-screen families, including her “Schitt’s Creek” castmates, her “Beetlejuice” co-stars, the “Home Alone” family, her “Penelope” colleagues, and fellow collaborators from across her career.
O’Hara’s Family Plans Private Farewell
GettyAccording to E! News, her agency, Creative Artists Agency, confirmed the news in a statement, saying, “Prolific multi-award-winning actress, writer and comedian Catherine O’Hara died today at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness. A private celebration of life will be held by the family.”
GettyAn obituary released by her representative to People echoed that message, confirming that “a private celebration of life will be held by the family,” reflecting their wish to honor O’Hara in private.
O’Hara is survived by her husband, Bo Welch, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke.
As tributes continue to pour in, she is being remembered not only for iconic roles in films and series but for the warmth, generosity, and boundless creativity she shared with colleagues, friends, and audiences alike.
