Eugene and Dan Levy mourn Schitt’s Creek costar Catherine O’Hara: ‘Words seem inadequate’

Eugene Levy and Dan Levy are remembering their beloved Schitt’s Creek costar and longtime friend Catherine O’Hara, who died at the age of 71 in Los Angeles on Friday, Jan. 30.

O’Hara’s manager confirmed her death to PEOPLE, prompting an outpouring of tributes from friends, collaborators and fans. The legendary actress was best known in recent years for her Emmy-winning role as Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek, where she starred opposite Eugene Levy as husband Johnny Rose and Dan Levy as son David Rose for all six seasons.

In a statement shared with PEOPLE, Eugene, 79, reflected on his decades-long friendship with O’Hara.

“Words seem inadequate to express the loss I feel today,” he said. “I had the honor of knowing and working with the great Catherine O’Hara for over fifty years.”

“From our beginnings on the Second City stage, to SCTV, to the movies we did with Chris Guest, to our six glorious years on Schitt’s Creek, I cherished our working relationship, but most of all our friendship,” he continued. “My heart goes out to Bo, Matthew, Luke, and the entire O’Hara family.”

Dan Levy shared his own tribute on Instagram, calling O’Hara “extended family” long before she played his on-screen mother.

“What a gift to have gotten to dance in the warm glow of Catherine O’Hara’s brilliance for all those years,” he wrote. “It’s hard to imagine a world without her in it. I will cherish every funny memory I was fortunate enough to make with her.”

Other cast members also honored O’Hara’s legacy, including Sarah Levy, who wrote on Instagram, “This one cuts deep. What an honour it has been to know and work with and love Catherine O’Hara. You will be so, so missed.”

O’Hara’s career spanned more than five decades, with iconic roles in Home Alone, Beetlejuice, Best in Show and SCTV Network. Her portrayal of Moira Rose earned her a second Emmy Award in 2020, following her first win in 1982.

Schitt’s Creek aired from 2015 to 2020 and became a cultural phenomenon, with the cast last publicly reuniting at the 2024 Emmy Awards. O’Hara leaves behind a legacy defined by fearless comedy, deep collaboration and characters that remain unforgettable.