Dan Levy has taken a moment to honour his late co-star and friend, Catherine O’Hara, during a heartfelt appearance on *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon*. The tribute came in the wake of O’Hara’s passing on January 30, 2024, which was officially attributed to a brief illness, as confirmed by her representative. Levy’s words expressed both profound admiration and a sense of collective grief shared among those who loved her.
During the broadcast, host Jimmy Fallon expressed his condolences to Levy, which prompted him to reflect on O’Hara’s extraordinary influence on the people around her. “It’s like a collective loss, I think. She was the greatest. She’s irreplaceable,” he stated, highlighting the impact she had not just as a performer, but as a person.
Levy shared that what provided him with solace in this difficult time was the widespread love and admiration for O’Hara. He noted, “The great comfort for me has just been to see how loved she was. Everyone felt like they kind of knew her.” This sentiment underscores the connection O’Hara established with her audience through her work.
Fallon, who described O’Hara as “one of the funniest comedians” he had ever encountered, echoed Levy’s sentiments about her remarkable talent. “Can do characters … Gorgeous,” he added, to which Levy responded, reinforcing the collective admiration by saying, “Unbelievably talented at improvising. One of the great, great queens.”
Known for her roles in iconic films such as *Home Alone*, *Beetlejuice*, and *The Nightmare Before Christmas*, O’Hara gained immense popularity for her portrayal of Moira Rose in the acclaimed sitcom *Schitt’s Creek*. There, she starred alongside Levy, who played her son David, alongside his father Eugene Levy as Johnny Rose and Annie Murphy as their daughter Alexis.
Following the news of O’Hara’s death, Levy also posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. Accompanied by photographs of them together, he expressed, “What a gift to have gotten to dance in the warm glow of Catherine O’Hara’s brilliance for all those years.” This statement encapsulates the personal connection between the two, which extended beyond their professional collaboration.
Reflecting on their relationship, Levy recalled that O’Hara had been part of his life for over five decades, having worked closely with him and his father. He reflected, “It’s hard to imagine a world without her in it. I will cherish every funny memory I was fortunate enough to make with her.” His words reveal the deep bond formed over many years of collaboration.
Eugene Levy also took the opportunity to remember his long-standing friendship with O’Hara, sharing his sentiments in a statement. “Words seem inadequate to express the loss I feel today,” he remarked, noting the greatness of O’Hara and the depth of their friendship. Their extensive journey together began on the Second City stage and spanned various projects, including film collaborations and their memorable six years on *Schitt’s Creek*.
He further shared, “From our beginnings on the Second City stage, to SCTV, to the movies we did with Chris Guest, to our six glorious years on *Schitt’s Creek*, I cherished our working relationship, but most of all our friendship.” The outpouring of affection from multiple generations of fans and colleagues is a testament to O’Hara’s enduring legacy in the entertainment industry.
As the world remembers Catherine O’Hara, her contributions to comedy and film resonate through the stories shared by friends, family, and fans alike. Both Dan and Eugene Levy have been vocal about the profound void her departure has left, as they extend their thoughts and condolences to O’Hara’s loved ones, hoping to carry forward her remarkable legacy.
O’Hara’s passing is indeed a significant loss to the world of performing arts, yet her unforgettable characters and the joy she brought to audiences will ensure she is fondly remembered for many years to come.