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During the recent Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards, a significant moment unfolded as Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, the creators of the acclaimed series The Studio, accepted the award for Best Comedy Series. This occasion became particularly emotional as the duo paid tribute to their beloved co-star, the late Catherine O’Hara, who passed away at the age of 71 on January 30.
O’Hara’s portrayal of Patty Leigh, a formidable executive in the entertainment industry, earned her an Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actress during the show’s inaugural season. Rogen and Goldberg, who have admired O’Hara since childhood, shared their fond experiences working with the comedy icon.
A heartfelt reminiscence
As the audience erupted in applause, Rogen expressed the deep void left by O’Hara’s absence. “There’s no one we wish we could thank in person at this moment more than we would love to thank Catherine O’Hara,” he stated. Goldberg added, recalling their shared Canadian roots and how O’Hara had been their idol for as long as they could remember. Her contributions to The Studio and her broader career left an indelible mark on both their lives and the comedy landscape.
Influence of a comedic genius
Rogen shared an enlightening anecdote from the production of their show that illustrated O’Hara’s lasting impact. He recalled how the classic film Home Alone sparked his desire to create movies. “In that movie, she’s always yelling ‘Kevin, Kevin,’ and on set, she would always be yelling, ‘Evan, Evan!’ Every time she did it, we were like, ‘It’s like Home Alone,’” he reminisced, drawing laughter from the crowd. This playful reference highlighted the joy O’Hara brought to their working environment.
Goldberg emphasized O’Hara’s 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.” The duo’s commitment to crafting a quality show was fueled by their desire to honor her legacy, aiming to create a production that reflected the respect and admiration they held for O’Hara.
Legacy and remembrance
Following O’Hara’s passing, both the cast and crew of The Studio expressed their grief. In a joint statement from Apple TV and Lionsgate Television, the impact of O’Hara’s loss was acknowledged: “We are all heartbroken by the loss of Catherine O’Hara.” Her talent and warmth resonated throughout her career, and the outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans alike highlighted her status as an iconic figure in comedy.
Impact on the industry
O’Hara’s contributions to the entertainment world extended beyond her role in The Studio. The two-time Emmy winner left an impressive legacy with performances in numerous beloved productions, including Schitt’s Creek and Beetlejuice. Her ability to blend humor with genuine emotion set her apart in the industry, earning her the admiration of many, including Rogen, who described her as “hysterical, kind, intuitive, generous.” He reflected on how working alongside her inspired him to elevate the quality of their show, making it worthy of her involvement.
As the DGA Awards concluded, the night served as a reminder of both the joy and sorrow intertwined in the entertainment industry. The heartfelt tributes to O’Hara underscored the profound impact she had on those who knew her and the audiences that adored her. Rogen and Goldberg’s emotional acceptance speech not only honored O’Hara’s legacy but also encapsulated the essence of collaboration and respect that defines the best of Hollywood.