The 2026 Emmy Awards featured an emotional tribute to the late Catherine O’Hara, featuring remarks from her former on-screen children Macaulay Culkin, Annie Murphy, and Dan Levy.
Macaulay Culkin and Schitt’s Creek Cast Honor Catherine O’Hara
The awards ceremony kicked off its In Memoriam segment by celebrating O’Hara. Macaulay Culkin, who played the son of O’Hara’s character in the Home Alone franchise, described their connection on stage. Culkin told the audience that O’Hara was encouraging, warm, and funny, adding that she felt like a mother figure. “She may have forgotten me, twice, but we will always remember her,” Culkin said, referencing the plot of the movies. Annie Murphy and Dan Levy, who played the adult children of O’Hara’s character Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, also spoke during the tribute. Murphy noted that O’Hara’s laugh challenged anyone who heard it to join in. Levy shared lessons he learned from working with the actor, encouraging people to say yes to new challenges and creative spaces.
Noah Kahan Performs During Emmy In Memoriam Segment
Following the opening tribute to O’Hara, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Noah Kahan performed Simon & Garfunkel’s 1970 ballad “Bridge Over Troubled Water” as images of other entertainment figures who died over the past year were displayed. Kahan explained on the red carpet that he chose the song because it represents hope, peace, and kindness—qualities he believes were personified by Dolly Parton throughout her career. The segment honored numerous television legends, creators, and performers, including Dolly Parton, James Van Der Beek, Hayden Panettiere, Eric Dane, and Shelley Fabares.
Jamie Lee Curtis Tributes Rob Reiner and James Burrows
The In Memoriam segment concluded with Jamie Lee Curtis honoring late creator and director James Burrows and Hollywood director Rob Reiner, whom she called a cherished legend. Reiner began his television career as an actor on All in the Family in the 1970s. Curtis revealed during the ceremony that Reiner won a posthumous Emmy last week for a guest role on The Bear, breaking a record previously held by his father, Carl Reiner, for the longest time between Emmy wins. Reiner’s prior acting Emmy was awarded 48 years ago for All in the Family.
