Legendary actress Catherine O’Hara passed away at the age of 71 in her Los Angeles home following a brief illness. Her death, confirmed by her agency CAA and later by her manager, prompted an immediate outpouring of tributes from the Hollywood community, highlighting her profound impact on comedy and her collaborators.

Steve Martin and Martin Short paid a heartfelt tribute to O’Hara during their “The Best of Steve Martin and Martin Short” comedy show in Austin, Texas. Short, a longtime friend and collaborator, met O’Hara when she was 18 on the Canadian sketch comedy series “Second City Television” (which ran from 1976 to 1984). He remembered her as “the greatest, most brilliant, kindest, sweetest angel that any of us worked with,” raising a glass to her as a large image of the actress was displayed on stage behind them. Martin had previously worked with O'Hara on the 1994 film “A Simple Twist of Fate.”

The impact of O'Hara’s passing extended to her ongoing projects. “The Studio,” an Apple TV+ series she starred in, canceled its scheduled panel at Apple TV’s upcoming press day in Los Angeles. Apple and Lionsgate released a joint statement expressing their heartbreak, describing O’Hara as “an undeniable legend, icon, and incomparable talent” who “elevated every project she was a part of.” They specifically noted the “singular genius she brought to her role on ‘The Studio’” and extended sympathies to her husband, Bo, and children, Matthew and Luke.

Fellow stars also shared poignant messages. Macaulay Culkin, O’Hara’s co-star in “Home Alone,” expressed his grief on Instagram, writing, “Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you but I had so much more to say. I love you. I’ll see you later.” Seth Rogen, co-creator and star of “The Studio,” also shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. Rogen credited O’Hara with inspiring his filmmaking career through “Home Alone” and described her as “the funniest person I’d ever had the pleasure of watching on screen.” He added that working with her was a true honor, praising her as “hysterical, kind, intuitive, generous,” and inspiring him to make their show worthy of her presence. He concluded, “This is just devastating. We’re all lucky we got to live in a world with her in it.”

Catherine O’Hara’s prolific comedy career began with “Second City Television” and spanned decades, including iconic roles in films like “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” “Home Alone,” and “Best in Show,” as well as a celebrated late-career renaissance with “Schitt’s Creek” and “The Studio.” Her artistic accomplishments and generous spirit will continue to bring humor, light, and love for generations.