Eugene Levy, the beloved actor and comedian best known for his iconic roles in timeless sitcoms and films, recently opened his heart in a deeply personal way following the heartbreaking loss of his lifelong friend and collaborator, Catherine O’Hara. At 79 years old, Eugene shared a poignant statement with Us Weekly on January 30, just hours after news broke of Catherine’s passing at 71. In his words, he poured out the kind of raw emotion that only comes from decades of shared laughter, inside jokes, and mutual admiration. “Words seem inadequate to express the loss I feel today,” he began, his voice echoing through the void left by her absence. He spoke of the honor he felt in knowing her, not just as a costar, but as a soulmate in the world of comedy. From their first electric meetings on the Second City stage to the countless scenes they stole together on “Schitt’s Creek,” Eugene cherished every moment. But it was their friendship that truly anchored him—the late-night chats after rehearsals, the shared cups of coffee plotting their next big sketch, the way she’d tease him about his mannerisms off-camera. “I will miss her,” he concluded, extending his deepest sympathies to her husband Bo Welch and sons Luke and Matthew. Reading between the lines, you could feel Eugene’s vulnerability, the way his usual humor gave way to genuine sorrow, reminding us all that even comedy legends grieve profoundly.
Their collaboration spanned over 50 years, a tapestry woven with threads of creativity, trust, and unwavering support that many dream of but few achieve in Hollywood. Eugene and Catherine didn’t just work together; they breathed the same comedic air, building each other up through a career that blossomed from improv stages to blockbuster screens. They starred alongside each other in the Christopher Guest mockumentary classics like “Waiting for Guffman” in 1996, where Catherine’s eccentric shock therapist and Eugene’s deadpan Corky St. Clair created magic that felt effortless. In “Best in Show” (2000), their on-screen dog show announcer dynamics hilariously highlighted class tensions, drawing from their own easy rapport. “A Mighty Wind” (2003) saw them reunite as folk musicians, improvising lines that felt like extensions of their real-life banter, full of playful jabs and tender nods. Even in “For Your Consideration” (2006), they navigated the absurd world of awards season with the grace of two old friends who knew each other’s quirks inside out. Behind the scenes, they’d reminisce about childhood dreams they shared over dinners, bonding over their Canadian roots and the grind of breaking into comedy. Eugene often said it was their “fortunate circumstance” to be paired so often, a reminder that true partnerships aren’t forced but fostered through shared histories and mutual respect.
It all started in 1972, back when both were young and hungry for success, diving headfirst into the chaos of Second City Television (SCTV). Eugene, with his sharp wit, and Catherine, with her unparalleled ability to shift from goofy to heartfelt in a heartbeat, formed an instant connection. They even took their chemistry beyond the stage for a brief romantic fling—a “one or two dates,” as Catherine playfully admitted on “Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen” in 2020. Laughing about it years later, you could sense the fondness, the what-ifs that never turned bitter. Those early days were full of energy: long rehearsals where they’d improvise until dawn, perfecting characters that felt like extensions of themselves. Catherine’s infectious laughter, her way of turning a flop into a masterpiece, became Eugene’s anchor. In a 2015 Hollywood Reporter interview, she reflected on their teamwork as serendipitous, noting how they just “happened to end up teamed together” again and again. Eugene echoed this, explaining that playing on-screen couples came naturally because they’d known each other forever. “It’s just a comfortable relationship,” he said, emphasizing how crucial skilled partners are in comedy. Imagine the long drives between gigs, windows down, belts slipcovers blasting, dreaming aloud about the fame they could chase. Their bond wasn’t just professional; it was familial, built on trust that weathered the industry’s storms.
On “Schitt’s Creek,” their dynamic reached new heights as Johnny and Moira Rose, a fictional couple whose bickering and tenderness mirrored the real-life affection they held for each other. For six glorious years, they elevated the show to Emmy-awarding heights, with Catherine’s diva-like flair and Eugene’s mundane exasperation creating scenes that are now etched in pop culture. They’d often chat about how scenes were ad-libbed, drawing from their history—the way Moira’s dramatic outbursts felt like echoes of Catherine’s Second City improv roots. Eugene credited their chemistry to years of practice, saying it allowed them to take risks without fear. Off-set, they’d share funny stories from past projects, like the time a guest star got lost in their improv chaos. Viewers felt their connection too; it was palpable, humanizing the Roses’ marriage amid the show’s exploration of failure, redemption, and family. Catherine brought a warmth that made even absurdity feel real, while Eugene grounded her flights of fancy with his steady charm. Their joint memories included cast dinners where they’d roast each other lovingly, or quiet moments reflecting on children and careers. It was this blend of nostalgia and innovation that made their work timeless, a testament to how long-term friendships fuel creative brilliance.
Tragically, Catherine’s life ended too soon on Friday at her home in Los Angeles, following a brief illness that hit suddenly. Her manager confirmed the news, and a Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson detailed the sad sequence: paramedics responded to a medical aid call at her Brentwood residence at 4:48 a.m., rushing her to the hospital in serious condition. No official cause of death has been released, leaving a shroud of mystery over what was likely a sudden health crisis. For Eugene, this must have felt like the cruelest twist, having just shared the screen with someone so vibrant. He might have replayed their last conversations in his mind—the lighthearted banter about upcoming scripts, or perhaps a quiet goodbye on set that didn’t feel final. Family and friends are mourning deeply, grasping at fragments of her spirit through old photos and messages. Bo Welch, her partner of decades, and sons Luke and Matthew are likely surrounded by memories: Catherine’s legendary impersonations, her advocacy for charities, her joyful presence at family gatherings. It’s a reminder of how fragile these bonds are, yet how enduring the legacy of someone who lived so fully and laughed so freely.
The outpouring of grief extended to Eugene’s own family, highlighting the ripple effects of Catherine’s impact. His son Dan, 42, a co-star on “Schitt’s Creek,” posted an emotional tribute on Instagram, capturing the essence of her luminous personality. He wrote about the “warm glow of Catherine O’Hara’s brilliance,” describing her as extended family long before the show aired. Over 50 years of collaborating with his father, Dan cherished the funny memories, like impromptu dances during breaks or the way she’d make everyone burst into laughter with her improvised antics. One anecdote he might recall is her teaching them improv games that turned stressful shoots into fun adventures. “It’s hard to imagine a world without her in it,” he shared, his heart aching for her family. Eugene’s daughter Sarah, 39, also a “Schitt’s Creek” alum, echoed this sentiment in her own post, calling the loss “heartbreaking.” “This one cuts deep,” she penned, honoring Catherine’s contributions to the world—the joy she brought through roles that championed individuality. She reflected on working with her, the love they shared off-camera, perhaps sharing inside jokes about Moira’s wigs or Johnny’s awkward moments. Tributes poured in from fans and colleagues, each story underscoring how Catherine touched lives like a loving aunt who never met a stranger. For Eugene, these words from his children must have been comforting, a circle of grief binding them closer as they navigate a world without her infectious energy.
In reflecting on all this, Eugene Levy’s tribute feels like a loving capstone to a life well-lived together. Their story isn’t just about fame; it’s about how two people from humble beginnings built a fortress of friendship through laughter and perseverance. Fans might find solace in rewatching their work, seeing glimpses of Catherine’s spirit in every smirk and sigh. And for Eugene, the pain of loss is softened by gratitude—for the collaborations that launched careers, the joys they shared, and the family ties that endured. As the entertainment world mourns, Catherine’s legacy as a trailblazer remains, teaching us to cherish those quiet moments of connection. Eugene’s words resonate: she was more than a costar; she was the heartbeat of his comedic soul. In a sea of fame, their bond shone brightly, a reminder that true partnerships transcend scripts and stages.
