Dan Levy Reflects on the Legacy of Catherine O’Hara
Dan Levy, the Canadian actor and showrunner, recently shared emotional reflections on his late on-screen mother, Catherine O’Hara, who passed away at the age of 71 on January 30 due to a pulmonary embolism. The news of her passing has left a deep impact on those who knew her, including Levy, who broke down in tears while reminiscing about their time working together on the beloved sitcom Schitt’s Creek.
During an interview with CBS News’ Sunday Morning, Levy was asked about the possibility of a Schitt’s Creek follow-up. He responded, “No, not now. You can’t.” This statement came as no surprise, as Levy had been considering a sequel before O’Hara’s death. The actor was visiting the same boutique in the Goodwood area that had served as the set for David’s Rose Apothecary, the fictional pharmacy featured in the show.
“It’s tough. It’s tough being back,” Levy said, his voice breaking. “I didn’t think that I’d have quite an emotional reaction. Just a lot of memories… [A] lot of memories with Catherine. It’s what you have to hold onto is the memories of it all.”
The conversation was punctuated by a clip reel that highlighted O’Hara’s incredible career. “Listen, for someone who was not on the internet, she knew how to meme,” Levy added, showing his admiration for her unique personality and influence.
A Career Marked by Excellence
O’Hara was a four-time Emmy winner who co-created and starred in Schitt’s Creek alongside Levy. The show, which aired for six seasons on Pop TV from 2015 to 2020, was critically acclaimed and remains a standout in television history. Her character, Moira Rose, was a fan favorite, and her performance earned her widespread praise.
Before her passing, O’Hara had been suffering from rectal cancer and made her final public appearance looking frail at the Angel Awards in Santa Monica on October 16. She is survived by her husband, Bo Welch, a four-time Oscar-nominated art director, whom she met in 1987 on the set of Beetlejuice. They have two sons, Matthew, 31, and Luke, 28.
Throughout her career, O’Hara was known for her work in the sketch comedy series SCTV, the Home Alone films, and Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries. Her final roles were in Apple TV’s The Studio and HBO’s The Last of Us, but she will always be remembered for her iconic performances.
Dan Levy’s New Project: Big Mistakes
Levy has since moved forward with new projects, including his latest TV show, Big Mistakes, which premieres this Thursday on Netflix. The eight-episode crime comedy follows the story of Nicky, a closeted pastor played by Levy, who is blackmailed into working for dangerous people alongside his sister, portrayed by Taylor Ortega.
“I wouldn’t let it in,” Levy said when asked about comparisons between Big Mistakes and Schitt’s Creek. “I don’t think you can. And you really have to lock the door on that and almost accept the fact that if that is the big crown jewel, fabulous. How wonderful. Everything else has to be something that makes me feel good.”
The show also stars Laurie Metcalf, Jack Innanen, Boran Kuzum, Abby Quinn, Elizabeth Perkins, and Josh Fadem. With its mix of humor and drama, Big Mistakes promises to be a fresh take on the dysfunctional family genre.
