In a touching moment that resonated deeply with fans and colleagues alike, comedy icons Martin Short and Steve Martin recently dedicated a poignant tribute to their dear friend and long-standing creative partner, Catherine O'Hara. This heartfelt homage took place during their acclaimed comedy performance in Austin, shortly after O'Hara's passing at the age of 71. Short, reflecting on their extensive history, described her as an unparalleled talent and a truly kind spirit, a sentiment that brought a wave of applause from the appreciative audience. Their tribute highlighted not only O'Hara's immense professional contributions but also the profound personal bonds she fostered throughout her illustrious career.
Celebrated Comedians Honor Beloved Actress Catherine O'Hara in Austin
In a moving and memorable event, on a recent Friday evening at the Bass Concert Hall in Austin, legendary comedians Martin Short and Steve Martin took a moment to honor the extraordinary life and career of their cherished colleague, Catherine O'Hara. The tribute followed news of O'Hara's passing at 71 after a brief illness, leaving a profound void in the hearts of many in the entertainment world. As a poignant image of O'Hara graced the screen behind them, Short and Martin raised their champagne glasses, initiating a toast to the late actress. Short, visibly moved, shared his deep admiration: “I met Catherine O'Hara when she was just 18 years old. Through all these years, she remained the most magnificent, brilliant, kind, and sweet angel any of us had the privilege to work with.” The audience responded with a thunderous ovation, reflecting the collective appreciation for O'Hara’s enduring legacy. Short and O'Hara's collaborative journey began in the 1970s at Toronto's esteemed Second City improv theater. O'Hara initially joined Second City as a waitress before becoming a full-fledged member of the comedy troupe, stepping into the void left by Gilda Radner's departure for “Saturday Night Live” in 1975. Short joined the group in 1977. Their partnership flourished, leading them to star alongside fellow Second City alumni, including John Candy, Eugene Levy, and Rick Moranis, on the iconic sketch comedy show “SCTV,” which aired from 1976 to 1984. Beyond their television work, Short and O'Hara also lent their voices to animated films such as “The Addams Family” and “Frankenweenie,” the latter notably reuniting O'Hara with her “Beetlejuice” collaborators, director Tim Burton and actress Winona Ryder. Martin also collaborated with O'Hara on NBC's “The New Show” in 1984 and co-starred with her in the 1994 comedy-drama “A Simple Twist of Fate.” The outpouring of tributes for O'Hara has been widespread, with many former co-stars, including her lifelong friend and collaborator Eugene Levy, sharing heartfelt messages. Levy expressed his deep sorrow in a statement, emphasizing his cherished working relationship and profound friendship with O'Hara, which spanned over five decades from their early days at Second City to their acclaimed work on “Schitt's Creek.”
This tribute beautifully underscores the lasting impact of genuine talent and camaraderie in the often transient world of entertainment. Catherine O'Hara's legacy is not merely defined by her numerous iconic roles but also by the warmth, brilliance, and kindness she brought to every collaboration and personal interaction. Her ability to inspire such profound affection and respect from her peers, even years after their initial encounters, speaks volumes about her character. It reminds us that beyond the glittering facade of show business, true artistry is often rooted in deep human connections and mutual admiration, qualities that Catherine O'Hara exemplified throughout her remarkable life. Her memory will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of performers and comedians.
