Dan Levy Remembers Catherine O’Hara Following Her Passing

Before his passing, Dan Levy shared that collaborating with family friend Catherine O’Hara was a “dream come true.” In a March 2018 interview, during Season 4 of “Schitt’s Creek,” he revealed that he had written the character of Moira Rose with O’Hara specifically in mind.

“We really hoped she would agree to it,” he mentioned, highlighting the anticipation they felt while waiting for her official agreement.

Dunn, who portrayed Moira’s son David, described his excitement as he sat down for breakfast upon learning she had accepted the role.

Levy praised O’Hara’s exceptional talent, saying she influenced not only Moira’s distinctive accent but also her fashion choices. “Catherine has really shaped the character,” he reflected. “We just worked to support what she envisioned.” It’s clear that O’Hara’s input was invaluable to the character’s development.

Dunn echoed these sentiments, expressing admiration for her comedic instincts. “Once she established the character, our job was to keep up with her brilliance,” he said. Working on Moira’s dialogue was one of the most fulfilling experiences for him.

Dan’s father, Eugene Levy, co-created and produced the show, which ultimately earned O’Hara a Golden Globe Award in 2021. O’Hara confessed in a 2019 interview that she almost declined the role due to feeling anxious about it.

Dunn opened up about O’Hara being a significant part of his life from a young age. “My father has known Kathryn since the ’70s when she was at Second City in Toronto,” he said, reflecting on their long friendship. “Growing up around such funny individuals has spoiled my sense of humor, but I think that’s a good thing.” He added, “Now I get to see her every day and she gets to play my mother. It’s a pretty amazing experience.”

After O’Hara’s passing, Dan paid tribute to her on Instagram, saying, “What a gift it has been to experience Catherine O’Hara’s brilliance.” He mentioned that she was part of his family long before playing a role in it, making her loss hard to comprehend.

In his heartfelt statement, he described her as an “extended family” member and mentioned how he would treasure the funny memories they created together. He also extended condolences to her husband Beau Welch and their sons, Matthew and Luke.

O’Hara died at the age of 71. Her agency confirmed that she passed away at her Los Angeles home after a brief illness, as emergency responders transported her to a hospital in serious condition.

Reports indicate that she experienced “difficulty breathing” prior to her death, but the exact cause is currently unknown. She had reportedly been dealing with a rare condition known as dextrocardia with inversion, a congenital defect in which organs are arranged in a mirror image of their typical positions. The Emmy Award-winning actress leaves behind a legacy that includes a loving family and an unforgettable career.