Schitt’s Creek Star Dan Levy Pays Emotional Tribute To ‘Mother’ Catherine O’Hara

Tributes continue to pour in after the passing of Catherine O’Hara, one of the most loved faces in comedy and television. The actor, best known for playing Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, died at 71 after being taken to a hospital in Los Angeles, due to illness, leaving fans and co-stars deeply saddened. Among those remembering her is Schitt’s Creek co-star Dan Levy, who shared an emotional message about their bond on and off screen.

He spoke about how O’Hara was more than a co-actor and described her as family even before they worked together on the show. Levy also remembered the years they worked together, sharing scenes, laughs and special moments that he said he will always remember. He also extended his support for O’Hara’s husband, Bo Welch,

their sons Matthew and Luke, and the rest of her family during this hard time.

Dan Levy Remembers His Schitt’s Creek Co Star Catherine O’Hara

Taking to Instagram, Dan Levy wrote, “What a gift to have gotten to dance in the warm glow of Catherine O’Hara’s brilliance for all those years. Having spent over fifty years collaborating with my Dad, Catherine was extended family before she ever played with my family. 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. My heart goes out to Bo, Matthew, Luke and every member of her big, beautiful family.”

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Moira Rose Was Written With Catherine O’Hara In Mind

Dan Levy revealed in a March 2018 interview with Page Six that he wrote the role of Moira Rose specifically for Catherine O’Hara. He said, “We wrote the character with the intention of Catherine playing the part. We were crossing our fingers, crossing our toes. She came with references in terms of how she wanted the character to look, and pitched the accent. Catherine has really shaped that character herself. All we’ve really done is serviced what she’s laid out for us. That is the brilliance of Catherine O’Hara.”

“Once she sort of laid the blueprints of what this character was, the challenge for us was just living up to what she created. Writing for Moira is one of the most hysterically rewarding experiences we can have in the writers room,” he added.

Catherine O’Hara played Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek from 2015 to 2020. She starred alongside Eugene Levy as Johnny Rose, Dan Levy as David Rose and Annie Murphy as Alexis Rose. The show, which won several Emmy Awards, was created by Eugene and Dan Levy.

The 2024 Emmys marked O’Hara’s final public appearance with the Schitt’s Creek family, including Dan Levy, Eugene Levy and Annie Murphy.