Dan Levy, Annie Murphy, and Macaulay Culkin Present Catherine O’Hara Tribute at the 2026 Emmys
During the 2026 Emmy Awards, former collaborators Macaulay Culkin, Dan Levy and Annie Murphy gathered to honor Catherine O’Hara. The trio shared memories of her work on Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, emphasizing her warmth, humor and the lessons she taught them. Their tribute underscored O’Hara’s l…
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, held live from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, featured a touching moment when former colleagues Macaulay Culkin, Dan Levy and Annie Murphy took the stage to honor the late Catherine O’Hara. The three actors, who had worked with the Canadian‑born comedian in both the iconic Home Alone films and the award‑winning series Schitt’s Creek, presented the In Memoriam segment with heartfelt reflections on O’Hara’s legacy.
Who Was Catherine O’Hara?
Catherine O’Hara, who passed away at 71 in January, was a celebrated actress, writer and producer known for her distinctive comedic timing and sharp wit. She first gained widespread recognition as the forgetful mother Kate McCallister in the 1990 and 1992 Home Alone movies, a role that made her a household name. Years later, she became a central figure on the Canadian sitcom Schitt’s Creek, portraying the eccentric soap‑opera star Moira Rose. For her work on the show, O’Hara earned two Primetime Emmy Awards, cementing her status as a beloved figure in television history.
The Tribute on Stage
Before the In Memoriam segment began, the trio assembled on the Emmy stage. Macaulay Culkin, who played Kevin McCallister in the Home Alone films, opened the tribute by recalling O’Hara’s warmth and the way she felt like a mother to him and his siblings. He described her as “encouraging, warm, funny… the word that I think of is mama.” Culkin’s remarks highlighted how O’Hara’s influence extended beyond the screen, touching the personal lives of those she worked with.
Dan Levy, co‑creator and star of Schitt’s Creek, followed with a speech that focused on the lessons he learned from O’Hara. He urged the audience to “always say yes” to her instincts, rewrites and creative ideas, noting that her willingness to experiment—whether it was a wig ball or a quirky character trait—shaped the show’s success. Levy’s comments underscored the collaborative spirit that defined his relationship with O’Hara.
Annie Murphy, who played Alexis Rose on the same series, added her own memories of O’Hara’s infectious laugh and the joy she brought to fans. She referenced the famous “perpetual yes” laugh that became a signature of Moira Rose, and how it challenged listeners to join in the delight she spread. Murphy’s tribute was both personal and celebratory, reflecting on how O’Hara’s presence made the show brighter.
Behind the Scenes: The In Memoriam Segment
The In Memoriam portion of the Emmy broadcast, a tradition that honors industry figures who have passed away that year, was punctuated by the trio’s presentation. The segment featured a montage of O’Hara’s work, set to a rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” performed by Noah Kahan. The tribute served as a reminder of O’Hara’s impact on both audiences and colleagues, and it highlighted the collective grief and admiration felt across the entertainment community.
What Happens Next?
While the tribute was a moment of closure for many, O’Hara’s legacy continues to influence new projects. Her work on Schitt’s Creek remains a benchmark for character development in comedy, and her influence is evident in the many actors who cite her as an inspiration. The 2026 Emmys also marked a milestone for the show itself, which led the nominations with 25 nods, followed closely by Hacks and Widow’s Bay.
Fans and industry insiders are expected to keep celebrating O’Hara’s contributions through retrospectives, fan tributes on social media, and discussions about her role in shaping modern comedy. The Emmy ceremony’s tribute is likely to spark renewed interest in her filmography, especially the Home Alone series and the cult‑classic Schitt’s Creek.
Key Takeaways
- Catherine O’Hara’s death prompted a heartfelt tribute from her former collaborators at the 2026 Emmys.
- The tribute highlighted her roles in Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, and the personal impact she had on colleagues.
- Levy emphasized the importance of saying “yes” to creative ideas, reflecting O’Hara’s collaborative spirit.
- Macaulay Culkin described O’Hara as a mother figure who inspired him to call his own mother.
- The In Memoriam segment featured a performance of “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” underscoring the emotional tone of the tribute.
- O’Hara’s legacy continues to influence new projects and discussions about comedy and character development.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What roles did Catherine O’Hara play in Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek? She portrayed Kate McCallister, Kevin’s mother, in the first two Home Alone films, and Moira Rose, a soap‑opera star, in Schitt’s Creek.
- How did Dan Levy describe his experience working with O’Hara? He said the greatest lesson was to always say yes to her instincts, rewrites, and creative experiments.
- What was the emotional tone of the tribute at the Emmys? The tribute was heartfelt and celebratory, emphasizing O’Hara’s warmth, humor, and influence on her colleagues.
Why it matters
Catherine O’Hara’s passing marked the loss of a comedic icon whose work shaped generations of performers and audiences. The tribute at the Emmys highlighted her enduring influence and reminded viewers of the collaborative spirit that drives creative excellence.
Key points
- Catherine O’Hara honored by Culkin, Levy, Murphy at 2026 Emmys
- Tribute emphasized her roles in Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek
- Levy’s message: always say yes to creative ideas
- Macaulay Culkin called O’Hara his mother figure
- In Memoriam segment featured Noah Kahan’s rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Water
Frequently asked questions
What roles did Catherine O’Hara play in Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek?
She portrayed Kate McCallister, Kevin’s mother, in the first two Home Alone films, and Moira Rose, a soap‑opera star, in Schitt’s Creek.
How did Dan Levy describe his experience working with O’Hara?
He said the greatest lesson was to always say yes to her instincts, rewrites, and creative experiments.
What was the emotional tone of the tribute at the Emmys?
The tribute was heartfelt and celebratory, emphasizing O’Hara’s warmth, humor, and influence on her colleagues.
