Remembering Catherine O’Hara: A Tribute from Her Colleagues

Catherine O’Hara, the beloved actress known for her iconic roles in film and television, has passed away at the age of 71. Us Weekly confirmed her death on January 30, reporting that she died in her Los Angeles home following a brief illness. O’Hara’s agency, Creative Artists Agency, released a heartfelt statement announcing her passing and indicating that a private celebration of her life will be held by her family.

O’Hara was particularly renowned for her portrayal of Delia Deetz in Tim Burton’s classic 1988 film Beetlejuice. The film follows Charles (Jeffrey Jones) and Delia Deetz as they navigate life in a haunted house with their daughter Lydia (Winona Ryder) and the mischievous spirit Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton). O’Hara’s performance left an indelible mark on audiences, solidifying her status as a comedic powerhouse.

Reflecting on her journey in landing the role of Delia, O’Hara recounted her experience during a September 2024 interview with Parade. “I was living in Toronto when I first heard about the role. David Geffen kept calling me about it,” she shared. “I eventually met Tim Burton, but I arrived late and found a note outside his door saying, ‘I’m so sorry. I couldn’t wait any longer. Tim Burton.’ Despite the rocky start, I landed the job, which I guess means it was meant to be!”

O’Hara reprised her role in the upcoming sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, set to release in 2024, where Lydia is now an adult and mother to teenager Astrid Deetz (played by Jenna Ortega). “Tim was so excited about making the sequel, and that enthusiasm was infectious,” O’Hara said. “Seeing Michael return as Beetlejuice was surreal. His character’s timelessness is part of what makes it so special.”

While O’Hara was excited to revisit Delia after 35 years, she also acknowledged the challenges of reprising the role. “It’s a bit scary to come back to a character after so long, especially as I let myself age naturally. However, it was lovely to explore where these characters are now in their lives,” she remarked.

Remembered for her unparalleled talent, O’Hara leaves behind her husband, Bo Welch, a production designer she met during the filming of the original Beetlejuice. The couple shared two sons and often emphasized the importance of humor in their relationship. “We love to laugh, even during tough moments. It’s important to find the humor in life and each other,” she said in a past interview.

The news of O’Hara’s passing has elicited an outpouring of tributes from her colleagues and friends. Michael Keaton, who played Beetlejuice, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, expressing, “We go back before the first Beetlejuice. She was my pretend wife, my pretend nemesis, and my real-life, true friend. This one hurts. Man, am I gonna miss her. Thinking about Bo as well.”

Alec Baldwin, who starred alongside her in the first film, described O’Hara as “one of the greatest comic talents in the movie business,” extending his sympathy to Bo and their family. Justin Theroux, who joined the franchise in the sequel, offered his heartfelt condolences on Instagram, stating, “Oh Catherine. You will be so so missed,” alongside a touching photo of her director’s chair from the set.

Tim Burton, the director of the Beetlejuice films, also paid tribute to O’Hara via social media, writing, “Catherine, I love you. You were a special part of my life and afterlife.” O’Hara’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate within the entertainment industry and with her vast array of fans.