Dan Levy has paid an emotional tribute to his ‘Schitt’s Creek’ co-star Catherine O’Hara, saying it is difficult to imagine a world without her.
O’Hara, who played the unforgettable Moira Rose over six seasons of the acclaimed Canadian comedy, earned widespread acclaim for her performance, including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2020. The show itself was a major success at awards seasons around the world.
Moira Rose was characterised by her eccentric flair and glamorous persona. In Schitt’s Creek she was a former soap opera star who, along with her family, was forced to move into a motel in a remote town after losing their fortune. The series was co-created by Dan Levy and his father, Eugene Levy, with Annie Murphy completing the central family cast.
Reflecting on O’Hara’s life and work, Dan Levy said that collaborating with her felt like a gift. “What a gift to have gotten to dance in the warm glow of Catherine O’Hara’s brilliance for all those years,” he said.
“Having spent over fifty years collaborating with my dad, Catherine was extended family before she ever played with my family. It is hard to imagine a world without her in it. I will cherish every funny memory I was fortunate enough to make with her. My heart goes out to Bo, Matthew, Luke and every member of her big, beautiful family.”
Eugene Levy, who was a close friend and long-time collaborator of O’Hara’s, also shared heartfelt remarks. The pair’s professional relationship stretched back to the 1970s, beginning with Toronto-based improv troupe The Second City and continuing on the sketch comedy series SCTV. They later appeared together in several films directed by Christopher Guest, including Best in Show and A Mighty Wind, before reuniting for Schitt’s Creek.
“Words seem inadequate to express the loss I feel today,” Eugene Levy said. “I had the honour of knowing and working with the great Catherine O’Hara for over fifty years. From our beginnings on the ‘Second City’ stage, to SCTV, to the movies we did with Christopher Guest, to our six glorious years on Schitt’s Creek, I cherished our working relationship, but most of all our friendship. And I will miss her. My heart goes out to Bo, Matthew, Luke and the entire O’Hara family.”
O’Hara’s impact on television and comedy was celebrated by many in the entertainment community following her passing, with fans and fellow performers alike remembering her for her versatility, humour and warmth both on and off screen.
