Martin Scorsese’s raw reaction to Catherine O’Hara’s passing captured by daughter Francesca

Francesca Scorsese, daughter of legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese, has shared a poignant glimpse into her father’s reaction after learning about the death of beloved actress Catherine O’Hara. In clips posted to her Instagram Stories, Francesca captured Scorsese’s raw, emotional response as he received news of O’Hara’s passing, a moment that has since resonated widely on social media.

O’Hara, the Emmy-winning Canadian actor known for iconic roles in Schitt’s Creek, Home Alone and Beetlejuice, died at age 71 following a brief illness, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the entertainment world. Numerous colleagues and admirers, including Seth Rogen, Pedro Pascal, Ron Howard and Macaulay Culkin, shared heartfelt condolences highlighting her brilliance and impact.

In the post shared by Francesca, she included a photo of her father on a video call, his face reflecting shock and sorrow. “I have no words,” she wrote, adding that Scorsese was “f--king devastated. Literally in shock.” The caption underscored the deep admiration and personal loss felt by the Oscar-winning director, who worked with O’Hara early in her career on the 1985 dark comedy After Hours and had long spoken about her talent with respect and affection.

Scorsese’s career has spanned decades and influenced generations of filmmakers, but the moment captured by his daughter offered a rare, unguarded look at his vulnerability in response to the death of a peer he clearly admired. His tribute in other posts described O’Hara’s death as feeling “impossible,” and highlighted her lasting influence on comedy and film, whether through early work on SCTV or her later powerhouse performances that endeared her to audiences worldwide.

Fans and fellow artists responded to Francesca’s story with sympathy and support, noting that the clip humanised one of cinema’s most revered figures at a moment of real emotion. Tributes continue to pour in.