Catherine O’Hara Posthumously Honored with Actor Award for ‘The Studio’

Catherine O’Hara, the celebrated Canadian actress known for her iconic roles in Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, was posthumously awarded the Actor Award for best female actor in a comedy series for her performance in The Studio. The award was presented at the Actor Awards in Los Angeles on March 1, 2026.

A Legacy of Comedy

O’Hara passed away on January 30, 2026, at the age of 71, following a battle with rectal cancer and a pulmonary embolism, as stated in her death certificate according to USA Today. Her role in The Studio, an Apple TV+ comedy satirizing Hollywood, saw her portray Patty Leigh, a former studio head turned producer.

Seth Rogen’s Touching Tribute

Seth Rogen, co-creator and star of The Studio, accepted the award on O’Hara’s behalf, delivering an emotional speech that highlighted her exceptional talent and kindness. As reported by Vanity Fair, Rogen spoke of O’Hara’s ability to be “generous and kind and gracious whereas never ever minimizing her own talents.”

A Collaborative Spirit

Rogen shared anecdotes about O’Hara’s dedication to her craft, revealing that she frequently emailed him and co-creator Evan Goldberg with notes and even complete rewrites of scenes before filming. The Hollywood Reporter noted that Rogen emphasized how these contributions consistently improved the scenes and the series as a whole. He stated she “knew she could destroy, and she wanted to destroy every day on set,” referring to her commitment to pushing creative boundaries.

Industry Recognition and Emotional Response

The announcement of O’Hara’s win was met with a standing ovation, with many in the audience visibly moved. USA Today reported that Jenna Ortega, who worked with O’Hara on the 2024 film Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, was seen wiping away tears.

Previous Accolades

This posthumous win marks O’Hara’s fourth Actor Award, adding to her previous win in 2021 for her perform on Schitt’s Creek and three other nominations throughout her career. Vanity Fair highlighted her consistent recognition within the industry.