Friday, January 30 brought the heartbreaking news that comedian and actress Catherine O’Hara had died at the age of 71. Having appeared in some iconic television shows and movies throughout her career, some of her most memorable roles saw her take on a parental role. She often played a mother figure and many of these on-screen children have paid tribute to the actor following her sad passing.
Macaulay Culkin
Out of all of the mother roles that O’Hara has played in her career, she will likely always be best remembered for her portrayal of Kate McCallister. This was a part that is closely associated with Macaulay Culkin, who played her son Kevin.
Posted alongside a picture of the pair when the film released and one of them together more recently, he paid tribute to O’Hara by writing, “Mama. I thought we had time.”
He continued, “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.”
Devin Ratray
Devin Ratray is possibly the most recognizable of the other McCallister children in “Home Alone.” While the family is rather quiet, his character Buzz has an antagonistic role with Kevin that makes him stand out more than the other children in the house.
Writing on Instagram, he said, “One of the greatest people I ever met. It just doesn’t register. Bewildered and numb.”
Dan Levy
Dany Levy created “Schitt’s Creek” alongside his father Eugene Levy. Given the close relationship between his father and O’Hara, it is almost certain that Dan was very familiar with the comedian and actress.
He wrote on Instagram, “What a gift to have gotten to dance in the warm glow of Catherine O’Hara’s brilliance for all those years. Having spent over fifty years collaborating with my Dad, Catherine was extended family before she ever played my family.”
He continued, “It’s hard to imagine a world without her in it. will cherish every funny memory was fortunate enough to make with her. My heart goes out to Bo, Matthew, Luke and every member of her big, beautiful family.”
Winona Ryder
In the 1988 comedy film “Beetlejuice” and its 2024 sequel “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” O’Hara portrayed Delia Deetz. This character was the mother of Winona Ryder’s character Lydia Deetz.
Ryder posted a simple tribute to her on-screen mom that included several photographs along with a caption made up of a rose and white heart emoji.
