Why Catherine O’Hara’s Passing Is A Gut Punch For Millennials

For many people, celebrity deaths do not usually impact them. Yet, once in a while, certain ones hit close to home. The first celebrity to impact me like that was Robin Williams. I grew up watching his movies and the emotional ties and nostalgia associated with them was hard to ignore. 

I can say the same for Catherine O’Hara. 

We watched her in iconic roles and she made us laugh, made us cry and made us feel loved. In a sense, it almost feels like we grew up with her by our side. As millennials aroundsame age as Kevin (her son in “Home Alone, played by Macaulay Culkin), ” we identified with him and saw her in a maternal sense. 

Additionally, O’Hara’s performance in “Beetlejuice” allowed us all to feel fun and a little quirky – and more importantly, for that to be okay. As we were older and “Schitt’s Creek” came out, she provided comedy relief and a sense of protection for those in the LGBTQ community.

Catherine O’Hara was one of those actresses. When you watched her on screen, you could sense her authentic nature. 

In light of her passing on January 30th, many people posted tributes. I came across an interview where someone asked her what role she wanted people to remember her for. She responded, “The Mother of my children”.

This simple yet touching sentence truly helped all to see who she was. 

When celebrities pass, often other celebrities post tributes. Catherine’s tributes feel more intimate, more emotional. On Instagram, Macaulay Culkin’s stated:

“Mama. 

I thought we had time. 

I wanted more. 

I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. 

I heard you.

But I had so much more to say. 

I love you. 

I’ll see you later.”

Talk about heartwrenching. 

Something that also stood out to me is how expansive of a span in people’s lives she had a part in. For instance, she and Eugene Levy worked together for many years and in many different capacities. When she starred in “Schitt’s Creek,” she got to work alongside with his son and daughter, growingclose to them all years prior. This mimics to me the impact and vibration she carried for all the  lives she touched. 

Thank you, Catherine, for the space you held for us. 

Thank you for the laughter, love, and light. We hope you are pain-free and smiling down on all of us. Sending thoughts and prayers to your family and children who knew you the best. 

Featured image via:

Harald Krichel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons