Catherine O’Hara posthumously claimed the top female actor award in a comedy series at the recent Actor Awards ceremony in Los Angeles. The renowned Canadian comedic talent passed away at the age of 71 on January 30 due to a pulmonary embolism, following a private battle with rectal cancer. O’Hara’s award-winning portrayal of Patty Leigh, a seasoned former studio executive in the satirical Apple TV comedy series “The Studio,” earned her the accolade.
Presenter Lisa Kudrow described the lineup of nominees, including Jenna Ortega for “Wednesday,” Jean Smart for “Hacks,” Kristen Wiig for “Palm Royale,” and Kathryn Hahn for her role in “The Studio,” as “iconic.” The audience at the Shine Auditorium erupted in cheers and a standing ovation as O’Hara was announced as the winner, with co-creator Seth Rogen accepting the award on her behalf.
During his acceptance speech, Rogen praised O’Hara’s generosity, kindness, and exceptional talent. He recounted an anecdote where O’Hara would send him and co-creator Evan Goldberg revised scene suggestions the night before filming, always enhancing the character and overall quality of the show. Rogen emphasized O’Hara’s ability to combine genius with kindness, leading to improved performances and a better show overall.
Apart from O’Hara’s win, “The Studio” dominated the comedy categories at the event, securing victories for best comedy series and best actor for Rogen’s performance. O’Hara’s illustrious career spanned various comedic roles, from her early days on SCTV to memorable performances in films like “Home Alone” and “Beetlejuice,” culminating in her acclaimed portrayal of Moira Rose in “Schitt’s Creek.” Prior to her passing, O’Hara had previously won two Actor Awards for her work on “Schitt’s Creek,” including best actress in a comedy series and best ensemble in a comedy series with the rest of the cast.