Catherine O'Hara Honored at 78th Emmy Awards In Memoriam
Macaulay Culkin, Annie Murphy, and Dan Levy paid tribute to the late Catherine O'Hara during the In Memoriam segment of the 78th Emmy Awards.
Catherine O'Hara was honored by her former on-screen children during the In Memoriam segment at the 78th Emmy Awards on Monday night. The actress, who died in January at age 71, was remembered in emotional speeches by Macaulay Culkin, Annie Murphy, and Dan Levy.
Macaulay Culkin, who played her son in the "Home Alone" films, opened the tribute. He described O'Hara as encouraging, warm, and funny. "She wasn't just a wife and mother to Bo and Matthew and Luke. She was my mom. She was our mama," Culkin said. He urged the audience to call their mothers, noting that O'Hara always showed up when asked.
Annie Murphy, who portrayed O'Hara's daughter Alexis on "Schitt's Creek," spoke next. She recalled O'Hara's distinctive laugh as a "perpetual 'yes'" that invited others to share her delight. Murphy shared stories of strangers approaching her to share their grief after O'Hara's death. These included a note on an Air Canada flight, a hug from a gas station attendant, and a customer performing an impression at a liquor store.
A Lesson in Saying Yes
Dan Levy, O'Hara's on-screen son David on "Schitt's Creek, delivered the final remarks. He said the greatest lesson he learned from her was to always say yes, both professionally and personally. Say yes to her naming that wig," Levy advised. Say yes to giving her space to experiment and create. It will amaze you on a daily basis, and it will change your life. He encouraged saying yes to her dinner invites, stories, wisdom, and generosity.
A Five-Decade Career
Catherine O'Hara's career spanned five decades. It began on the Canadian sketch comedy series Second City Television, which she co-created with her future "Schitt's Creek" co-star Eugene Levy. That role earned her an Emmy Award in 1982.
Her film work included roles in "After Hours," "Beetlejuice," and the first two "Home Alone movies. She also starred in several of Christopher Guest's mockumentaries, such as Best in Show," For Your Consideration, Waiting for Guffman, and "A Mighty Wind." O'Hara's death was announced by her agency, CAA. She died in her Los Angeles home following a brief illness.
