Dan Levy Honours Late ‘Schitt’s Creek’ Co-Star Catherine O’Hara, Says ‘She Is Irreplaceable’

In a poignant tribute to his late on-screen mother, actor Dan Levy has opened up about the passing of Hollywood icon Catherine O’Hara. Appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Levy discussed the void left by the Schitt’s Creek star and the global impact of her career following her death earlier this year. O’Hara, a foundational figure in modern comedy, passed away on January 30 at the age of 71 following a brief illness. Her death has sparked a widespread wave of tributes from colleagues and fans worldwide. ‘Home Alone’ Star Catherine O'Hara Dies at 71; Emmy Award-Winning Actress-Comedian Seen in 'Schitt's Creek,' 'SCTV' and More.

Dan Levy Opens Up About the Loss of Catherine O’Hara

During the interview, Levy described the grieving process as a shared experience between those who knew her personally and the audiences who grew up with her work. "Listen, it’s like a collective loss, I think. She was the greatest. She’s irreplaceable," Levy told host Jimmy Fallon. Levy, who co-created Schitt’s Creek and starred alongside O’Hara as David Rose, emphasized that her talent was matched by her character. He specifically highlighted her legendary skills in improvisational comedy, labelling her "one of the great, great, great, great queens."

Dan Levy Calls Catherine O’Hara ‘Irreplaceable’

When asked how he has been navigating the months following her passing, Levy revealed that the public's affection for O’Hara has provided a sense of solace. "The great comfort for me has just been to see how loved she was, you know what I mean? The outpouring. Everyone felt like they kind of knew her," Levy shared. Jimmy Fallon joined in the tribute, recalling O’Hara’s timing and versatility, calling her "one of the greatest comedians of all time."

Catherine O’Hara’s Iconic Roles

Catherine O’Hara’s career spanned decades, redefining comedic archetypes across television and film. While younger audiences knew her as the eccentric Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, she had long been a household name for her role as Kate McCallister in the Home Alone franchise. Her extensive filmography also includes beloved cultural touchstones such as Beetlejuice, where she played the unforgettable Delia Deetz, The Nightmare Before Christmas, in which she voiced Sally, Best in Show, showcasing her improvisational brilliance in Christopher Guest’s mockumentary and The Studio, one of her more recent acclaimed projects. Catherine O’Hara Cause of Death: ‘Home Alone’ Actress Died From Pulmonary Embolism; Rectal Cancer Underlying Cause.

Catherine O’Hara’s Legacy Lives On

Details regarding the specific nature of O’Hara’s illness have remained private, as her family has requested and maintained a degree of confidentiality during this time. At the time of her passing in January, she was 71 years old. The late actress's influence continues to be felt in the industry, particularly through the Schitt's Creek legacy, which swept the Emmy Awards in 2020, earning O'Hara a Lead Actress win and cementing her status as a comedic powerhouse for a new generation.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 02, 2026 08:18 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).