Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, the creative force behind the Apple TV series “The Studio,” recently used an awards platform to honor their late co-star, Catherine O’Hara. The duo, accepting accolades for their acclaimed series at Saturday’s Directors Guild Awards held at the Beverly Hilton, took a moment to reflect on O’Hara’s significant contribution and profound impact, following her passing on January 30th at the age of 71.

On “The Studio,” O’Hara portrayed Patty Leigh, a high-powered executive within a narrative that expertly skewers the intricate inner-workings of Hollywood. Her exceptional performance in the show’s inaugural season earned her a well-deserved Emmy nomination for supporting comedy actress, a testament to her enduring talent and comedic prowess. Rogen and Goldberg had previously seen their audacious series crowned best comedy at the Emmy Awards last September.

During their acceptance speech for Best Comedy Series, Rogen and Goldberg articulated their deep admiration for O’Hara, labeling her “our idol since we were children.” They fondly recalled being immense fans of her iconic work, particularly her role in the 1990 smash hit “Home Alone.” This shared history led to some amusing and memorable moments during the filming of “The Studio’s” first season.

Rogen recounted a specific anecdote to the star-studded audience: “‘Home Alone’ honestly is like the movie that made me wanna make movies in a lot of ways,” he explained. He then detailed how O’Hara would frequently yell, “‘Evan, Evan,’ and every time she did it we were like, It’s like ‘Home Alone.’” This personal touch highlighted the special connection and shared history between the creators and their esteemed co-star.

Catherine O’Hara was not only a beloved figure in the realm of comedy but also highly regarded for her reputation as an exceptional and kind colleague on any movie or TV set. Her sheer presence and professionalism inspired Rogen and Goldberg to elevate their own efforts, striving to make “The Studio” a project worthy of her immense talent and dedication. Rogen eloquently summarized her character, stating, “The best part of her is she showed that you can be an utter genius and also the nicest person in the entire world.” He further added, “Every day we work very hard to make the show good enough to warrant her time and her presence. So ultimately we would like to thank the DGA for this, but we would mostly like to thank Catherine O’Hara.” This heartfelt tribute underscored the profound respect and admiration Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg held for their extraordinary colleague.