Throughout her career, Catherine O’Hara embraced audacious performances with a fearless spirit. Iconic characters like Moira Rose in "Schitt’s Creek" stood out with their unique accents and eccentric mannerisms. From the wildly memorable dance of Delia Deetz to “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” in "Beetlejuice" to the piercing cry of "KEVIN!" in the "Home Alone" series, her performances drew attention for their exuberance.
Yet it was not mere audacity that cemented O’Hara as a distinguished figure in comedy but the heart she infused into each role. No matter how outlandish, clichéd, or exaggerated the part, there remained a palpable humanity underlying her portrayals—compassion and realism that cut through the humor. This was true even for roles such as Cookie Fleck in "Best in Show," marked by her complex relationships, showing depth beyond the comedy.
As fellow comedian Kevin Nealon remarked, O’Hara revolutionized the way comedy intertwines with human experience, influencing countless audiences and performers. Her unwillingness to rely on nostalgia, paired with a remarkable ability to reinvent herself, allowed her characters to resonate deeply over time. Up until her final years, including her role as estranged studio executive Patty Leigh in "The Studio," she continued to break new ground with professionalism and humility, embodying a diva only when circumstance demanded.
Actress Sarah Polley, O’Hara’s co-star in "The Studio," praised her kindness and elegance, juxtaposed with her unparalleled comedic prowess. Coming from a non-entertainment, Catholic family as the second youngest of seven, O’Hara’s early path to stardom was unconventional. Her passion for comedy ignited through a fascination with "Monty Python" during high school, which led to efforts such as attempting to meet the troupe in person, signaling early dedication.
Her connection to the comedic world strengthened through family ties, as her brother’s relationship with Gilda Radner led her to the improv stage. Beginning her career not by acting but working as a server, she seized every opportunity to learn and improve. Though initially rejected at auditions, O’Hara persisted and joined "The Second City" troupe in 1974, advancing to television by 1976 on "SCTV." There, she created original characters and performed impressions of prominent figures, including Meryl Streep, future co-star.
Reflecting on improvisational comedy, O’Hara candidly described her approach as embracing the irrational, stating that during improv, playing "insane" was a reliable tactic where logical consistency was unnecessary. This technique fueled her early successes and shaped her comedic identity.
By 1984, with "SCTV" concluding, she sought deeper roles and transitioned toward film. Misconceptions arose about her perceived selectivity, such as withdrawing from "Saturday Night Live," which was driven by a desire for quality roles rather than a lack of ambition. Despite a modest film debut in "Double Negative," she quickly established herself in notable projects like Scorsese’s "After Hours" and Nichols’ "Heartburn," where she portrayed complex supporting roles.
O’Hara emphasized the importance of humanizing her characters, recounting how initial perceptions of a gossiping role evolved into a nuanced understanding of the character's humanity, influencing her portrayal method.
Her ascent in Hollywood during the late 1980s and 1990s showcased this blend of humor with emotional grounding. The widely popular "Home Alone" films featured O’Hara as a mother balancing comedic and heartfelt moments. Similarly, even eccentric characters like Delia Deetz were afforded relatable dimensions through her performance, as seen in the subtle responses to domestic challenges.
Throughout her repertoire, O’Hara portrayed a diverse range of characters: spirited historical figures such as Wyatt Earp’s sister-in-law, a distressed mother in "Orange County," and a comically erratic family member in "Curb Your Enthusiasm." Her versatility was apparent across genres and character types.
Perhaps her greatest cultural imprint came through "Schitt’s Creek," a television series where she crafted the distinctive character of Moira Rose. This role featured a unique vocal cadence and accent, described by O’Hara as a protective form of creativity influenced by women who reinvent themselves in response to insecurity and pride. Fashion inspirations for the role traced back to socialite Daphne Guinness.
O’Hara reflected on Canadian humor as inherently self-aware and edged with compassion - qualities she believed fostered the best kind of comedic perspective. The humor she brought to productions such as Christopher Guest’s "A Mighty Wind," with its satirical folk music, encapsulated this blend of absurdity and emotional resonance, capable of evoking both laughter and gentle tears.