Catherine O’Hara Honored with Posthumous Award, Remembered by Seth Rogen
Seth Rogen accepted the Actor Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series on behalf of the late Catherine O’Hara at the 32nd Annual Actor Awards on March 1, 2026. O’Hara posthumously won the award for her role in Apple TV’s “The Studio.”
A Touching Tribute
Rogen shared heartfelt memories of working with O’Hara, who passed away on January 30, 2026, at the age of 71. According to her death certificate, the cause of death was a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer listed as a contributing factor. He described her as “generous and kind and gracious” even as also possessing an unwavering confidence in her talent.
O’Hara’s Creative Process
Rogen recounted O’Hara’s dedication to her craft, revealing that she routinely emailed him and co-creator Evan Goldberg the night before filming with completely rewritten versions of her scenes. “Literally 100% of the time, it made not just her character better, but it made the scene better and the entire demonstrate better as a whole,” he said. He emphasized her ability to elevate the work of everyone involved.
Industry Recognition and Legacy
“The Studio” received a total of three Actor Awards, including Best Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series and a Best Actor award for Rogen. O’Hara was also previously nominated for an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe for her performance in the series.
Rogen encouraged audiences to revisit O’Hara’s iconic roles, suggesting they share her work with those unfamiliar with her talent, citing her performances in “Beetlejuice” and “Best in Show” as prime examples of her comedic brilliance.
Colleagues Reflect on O’Hara
Following the announcement of O’Hara’s passing in January, several of her colleagues shared tributes. Chase Sui Wonders described O’Hara as radiating “goodness and light,” while Kathryn Hahn said she was inspired by O’Hara as both an artist and a person. Ike Barinholtz expressed profound sadness but gratitude for the time spent working with her.