Seth Rogen Honors Catherine O’Hara with Moving Actor Awards Speech | Best Actress Win

The 2026 Actor Awards delivered a poignant moment Sunday night as Seth Rogen accepted the Best Actress in a Comedy Series award on behalf of the late Catherine O’Hara, honoring her performance in the Apple TV+ series, The Studio. The win, announced March 1, came just over a month after O’Hara’s passing on January 30, a loss that clearly resonated with those in attendance.

A Generous Spirit, A Relentless Talent

Rogen, a co-creator and frequent collaborator with O’Hara on The Studio, spoke with visible emotion as he accepted the award. He shared that O’Hara would have been “honored” to receive the recognition from her peers, whom he knew she deeply respected. His tribute quickly moved beyond simple acknowledgement to a celebration of O’Hara’s unique artistic approach. He described her as remarkably “generous and kind and gracious,” while simultaneously possessing an unwavering confidence in her own abilities. “She knew she could destroy, and she wanted to destroy every day on set,” Rogen remarked, a testament to her commitment to pushing creative boundaries.

The sentiment struck a chord with many in the audience, including Sarah Paulson, Jenna Ortega, and Rose Byrne, who were shown visibly moved by Rogen’s words. A clip of Rogen’s tribute quickly circulated online, shared by Netflix on X (formerly Twitter) here, sparking an outpouring of appreciation for the beloved actress.

Beyond Schitt’s Creek: A Career Defined by Versatility

While many contemporary audiences recognize O’Hara for her iconic role as Moira Rose in the critically acclaimed Canadian sitcom Schitt’s Creek (2015-2020), her career spans decades and showcases an extraordinary range. Beginning in the 1970s with appearances on Canadian sketch comedy series like Second City Television (SCTV), O’Hara quickly established herself as a comedic force. Her ability to inhabit wildly different characters, often with a distinctive vocal delivery and physical presence, became her trademark.

Her filmography is equally impressive, featuring memorable roles in classics like Beetlejuice (1988), where she delivered a delightfully eccentric performance, and Home Alone (1990) as the panicked mother of Kevin McCallister. She continued to operate steadily in both film and television, lending her talents to projects like Best in Show (2000), A Mighty Wind (2003), and numerous animated series, including voicing characters in Chicken Little (2005) and Over the Hedge (2006). As Seth Rogen noted, she brought that same dedication and playful energy to The Studio.

The Studio and a Final, Acclaimed Role

The Studio, which premiered in 2024, marked a significant late-career role for O’Hara. The Apple TV+ series satirizes the inner workings of a Hollywood studio, with O’Hara portraying Patty Leigh, a seasoned movie executive who mentors Rogen’s character. The show garnered critical praise for its sharp writing and ensemble cast, and O’Hara’s performance was singled out as a particular highlight. Her portrayal of Leigh was described as both commanding and subtly vulnerable, showcasing her ability to find depth and nuance in even the most cynical characters.

Rogen shared a revealing anecdote about O’Hara’s dedication to her craft, explaining that she routinely emailed him and fellow showrunner Evan Goldberg with rewritten scenes the night before filming. “Literally one hundred percent of the time, it made not just her character better but the scene better and the entire show better,” he said. This commitment to elevating the work, even at this stage in her career, speaks volumes about her passion, and professionalism.

A Legacy of Kindness and Artistic Integrity

The outpouring of grief following O’Hara’s death, attributed to a pulmonary embolism with rectal cancer listed as a contributing factor according to her death certificate as reported by USA Today, underscored the profound impact she had on her colleagues and fans. Rogen’s tribute at the Actor Awards wasn’t just about celebrating her talent; it was about honoring her character – her generosity, her kindness, and her unwavering commitment to her art.

Social media platforms were flooded with tributes, with fans sharing clips of her most memorable performances and expressing their gratitude for the joy she brought to their lives. One X user wrote, “She came, she saw, she destroyed. Legendary,” while others highlighted the visible emotion in the room during Rogen’s speech.

What’s Next for The Studio?

With O’Hara’s passing, the future of The Studio remains somewhat uncertain. Apple TV+ has not yet announced plans for a third season, and it’s unclear whether the show will continue without its central figure. Although, the critical acclaim and dedicated fanbase suggest that there is a strong desire to see the series continue, perhaps as a tribute to O’Hara’s legacy. The show’s producers will likely weigh the creative and logistical challenges of moving forward without her, while also considering the potential impact on the show’s overall quality and audience engagement. A decision is expected in the coming months, following a period of mourning and reflection.

Rogen concluded his acceptance speech with a simple but powerful suggestion: share O’Hara’s work with a new generation. Whether it’s her iconic dance in Beetlejuice or her hilarious hobble in Best in Show, her performances continue to resonate with audiences of all ages, ensuring that her legacy will endure for years to come.