Catherine O’Hara is one of those rare performers whose presence feels woven into pop culture itself. For decades, her sharp wit, emotional intelligence, and fearless commitment to character have shaped some of the most beloved films and television shows of all time. From Beetlejuice and Home Alone to her Emmy-winning turn as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, O’Hara’s influence spans generations.
In recent years, fellow actors, directors, and collaborators have spoken openly about the mark she has left—not just on comedy, but on them personally. Their words read less like industry praise and more like gratitude.
Meryl Streep: “She Brings Love and Light”
Meryl Streep, who worked with O’Hara early in her career, once described her as an actor who brings “love and light” to everything she touches. Streep has praised O’Hara’s rare ability to balance absurdity with deep compassion, noting that even her most eccentric characters feel fully human.
That emotional precision is what has made O’Hara’s performances resonate far beyond laughs
Pedro Pascal: “A Gift to Work Alongside”
Pedro Pascal, who recently collaborated with O’Hara on The Studio, has spoken about the experience with clear admiration. He described working with her as a privilege, calling her generosity on set and commitment to craft “something every actor hopes to witness.”
Pascal’s comments echo a common theme: O’Hara elevates everyone around her.
Ben Stiller and the Gold Standard of Comedy
Ben Stiller has called O’Hara one of the hardest influences to explain because her brilliance feels effortless. He has credited her with setting a standard in comedy that blends intelligence, timing, and emotional truth—something few actors ever fully maste
Michael Keaton: A Long Creative Bond
Michael Keaton, who famously played opposite O’Hara in Beetlejuice, has reflected on their long creative relationship with warmth and humor. Over the years, he has described her as both a fearless performer and a deeply loyal friend—someone who made every scene richer.
Director Tim Burton has repeatedly acknowledged O’Hara as a key part of the Beetlejuice universe. In past reflections, he has said her energy brought a unique brightness to his darker worlds, helping define the film’s enduring tone and charm.
Alec Baldwin on Her Singular Talent
Alec Baldwin has referred to O’Hara as one of the great comic talents of her time, noting that her work never relied on repetition or shortcuts.
Macaulay Culkin’s Lasting Gratitude
For Macaulay Culkin, O’Hara will always be “movie mom.” The actor has spoken fondly about how her warmth off-screen matched the emotional core she brought to Home Alone, grounding the film’s comedy with real heart.
The Schitt’s Creek Family Effect
O’Hara’s portrayal of Moira Rose introduced her to an entirely new generation. Dan Levy has credited her with shaping the soul of Schitt’s Creek, while Eugene Levy has described their decades-long collaboration as one of the great joys of his career.
A Legacy Still Growing
With awards, nominations, and critically acclaimed performances continuing well into recent years, Catherine O’Hara’s career shows no sign of slowing down. More importantly, her impact is already secure.
She didn’t just make people laugh—she gave them permission to be strange, emotional, and unapologetically themselves