Jenny Ortega posted a touching tribute for her Beetlejuice co-star Catherine O’Hara, who sadly passed away last Friday.
The 23-year-old actress shared on Instagram, including a few photos of O’Hara, one being a black-and-white image with Winona Ryder.
“Catherine was one of the most wonderful people I’ve ever had the chance to work with and get to know,” Ortega expressed. “I will always treasure the moments we shared and all that she taught me.”
She continued, “She was a giant and served as an inspiration in so many ways. Truly, one of the greats. Thank you.”
Ortega stars in the sequel to Tim Burton’s classic Beetlejuice, which originally came out in 1988. O’Hara, Ryder, and Michael Keaton will reprise their roles, while new cast members include Ortega, Justin Theroux, and Willem Dafoe.
Other Beetlejuice cast members, including Keaton, have also shared their condolences for O’Hara.
“Back before the first Beetlejuice,” Keaton wrote on Instagram alongside a recent photo of the two. “She was my pretend wife, my pretend enemy, and my true friend in real life. This is hard. I’m going to miss her.”
Keaton mentioned he’s been reflecting on what comes next, thinking about O’Hara’s lengthy marriage to Beau Welch.
Tim Burton reflected on their connection, posting, “Catherine, I love you. You were a special part of my life.”
Alec Baldwin described O’Hara as “one of the film industry’s greatest comedic talents” in a statement.
O’Hara, who was 71, suffered a “brief illness” and was taken to a hospital in “serious” condition, though the exact cause of death has not been disclosed.
Her passing is indeed a significant loss, and thoughts are with her family during this time.
