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Catherine O’Hara received the award for best female actor in a comedy series during the Actor Awards held in Los Angeles on Sunday night, just a month following her passing.
Award Recognition for O’Hara
The iconic Canadian comedic actress passed away on January 30 at the age of 71 due to a blood clot in her lung, although O’Hara was also battling rectal cancer — a diagnosis she had kept private.
Catherine O’Hara won the award for her portrayal of Patty Leigh, a veteran former studio executive in the Apple TV comedy series The Studio, which humorously critiques the film and television industry.
A multitude of “legendary” performers, as host Lisa Kudrow described them, were nominated alongside O’Hara for the accolade; Jenna Ortega for Wednesday, Jean Smart for Hacks, Kristen Wiig for Palm Royale, and Kathryn Hahn for her own performance in The Studio.
Legacy of a Comedic Icon
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The crowd at the Shine Auditorium erupted in applause and rose to their feet in a standing ovation when Catherine O’Hara was declared the winner, while co-creator of The Studio, Seth Rogen, stepped onto the stage to accept the award on her behalf.
"What I’ve been truly amazed by in recent weeks is her remarkable capacity to be generous, kind, and gracious, all while never downplaying her own skills and her significant contributions to our collaborative efforts," Rogen remarked.
Health Struggles and Privacy
Rogen recounted a story about collaborating with O’Hara, mentioning that she would send emails to him and co-creator Evan Goldberg the night before filming, politely requesting them to “consider the following” — which turned out to be a “thoroughly revised version of the scene she was part of.”
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"Absolutely every single time, it not only enhanced her character but also improved the scene and elevated the entire series overall," Rogen remarked.
Impact on Film Industry
"Catherine O’Hara truly exemplified that one can possess brilliance while also being compassionate, and that neither quality needs to diminish the other in any manner whatsoever."
The audience shifted their focus to several celebrities present, with some visibly emotional during moments of Rogen’s address.
In addition to Catherine O’Hara’s victory, the show dominated the comedy categories at the awards previously referred to as the SAG Awards, securing wins for best comedy series and best actor for Rogen’s outstanding performance.
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Catherine O’Hara enjoyed a remarkable career, showcasing her comedic talent through sketches on SCTV, memorable roles in iconic films such as Home Alone and Beetlejuice, and captivating audiences in Schitt’s Creek as the eccentric, wig-adoring Moira Rose.
Prior to her passing, O’Hara received two Actor Awards for her performances in Schitt’s Creek, winning for best actress in a comedy series and best ensemble in a comedy series with her fellow cast members.
