Catherine O’Hara was posthumously honoured at the 2026 Actor Awards, where she was awarded Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series for her role in the Apple TV show, The Studio. The ceremony took place on 1 March 2026, shortly after her passing on 30 January at the age of 71.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/seth-rogen-catherine-ohara-actor-awards-030126-350a7d7208194d38aa913d49bbb9d312.jpg)
Seth Rogen, who co-stars alongside O’Hara and was also one of the creators of The Studio, accepted the award on her behalf. In a heartfelt tribute, Rogen reflected on the immense talent and kindness O’Hara displayed during their time together. His emotional speech resonated deeply with the star-studded audience, many of whom were visibly moved.
Starting his tribute, Rogen stated, “I was asked to assume the very sad honour of accepting this award on O’Hara’s behalf.” He remarked on how O’Hara would have cherished the recognition from her fellow actors, expressing admiration for their talents. The warmth of her character and her generous spirit left a lasting impact on those around her.
Rogen elaborated on what made O’Hara a unique presence in the industry. “She was able to be generous and kind and gracious, while never, ever minimising her own talents,” he said. He vividly recalled her work ethic, noting that she would often rewrite her scenes to enhance not only her own character but also the overall quality of the show.
He praised her ability to balance genius with kindness, stating, “You can be a genius and be kind, and one of those things does not have to come at the expense of the other.” Rogen’s words encapsulated the duality of O’Hara’s brilliance and her sincere generosity, sparking emotional responses from attendees.
As the speech progressed, Rogen encouraged the audience to introduce O’Hara’s celebrated performances to younger generations. “If you have people in your lives that don’t know her work…just show them O’Hara dancing to Harry Belafonte in Beetlejuice,” he suggested, underscoring the timeless appeal of her performances.
O’Hara’s passing was attributed to a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer cited as the underlying cause on the death certificate. Her representative confirmed that she had succumbed after a brief illness, bringing to a close an illustrious career that encompassed multiple acclaimed roles.
Throughout her career, O’Hara received five nominations at the Actor Awards, her first in 2011 for the film Temple Grandin, with a series of nominations for her role in Schitt’s Creek between 2020 and 2021. Her remarkable performance in the latter series earned her and her castmates the Best Ensemble Award in 2021, solidifying her place as a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
In a touching remembrance, a Catholic Mass was held in honour of O’Hara shortly after her death, on Valentine’s Day at St. Martin of Tours Church in Los Angeles. The service celebrated her life and contributions to the world of entertainment, offering a moment for family, friends, and fans to say goodbye.
As the industry mourns O’Hara’s loss, Rogen left the audience with a poignant sentiment, concluding his tribute by saying, “We were lucky that we got to live in a world where she so generously shared her talents with us.” The legacy of Catherine O’Hara is one that will continue to resonate, cherished by fans and fellow actors alike for many years to come.