Kathryn Hahn Pays Tribute to Late Catherine O'Hara: 'She Was Like a North Star'

Kathryn Hahn is reflecting on her experience working with Catherine O'Hara on the series The Studio.

The 52-year-old actress discussed her relationship with the late performer during an appearance on Big Bro with Kid Cudi, sharing how much O'Hara meant to her both as an artist she'd long admired and as a collaborator.

"Catherine O'Hara was like a North Star to me before I ever worked with her," Hahn explained. "I'd see those Christopher Guest films and growing up watching SCTV, I'd think, 'Who is that?' She's extraordinary."

Hahn went on to highlight what made O'Hara's performances so compelling. "In all of her comedy, there's always something really true underneath it—almost like a deep sadness," she noted. "Her characters always had this pathos to them. That's complicated and hard to pull off, and I've always loved that about her work."

While Hahn cherished the opportunity to work alongside O'Hara, she acknowledged that their time together was limited compared to O'Hara's legendary partnership with Eugene Levy, which spanned roughly five decades. "I can't imagine the losses for her family and her husband," Hahn said respectfully. "I hesitate to even speak about it because I can't fathom the pain they're experiencing right now."

She concluded by emphasizing O'Hara's significance to The Studio. "It's a tremendous loss," Hahn stated. "She leaves an enormous void in that show."

O'Hara passed away earlier in 2026. Production on The Studio's second season is currently in progress, with the show's co-creator and star Seth Rogen previously addressing how her passing will be handled in the series. The cast was spotted filming scenes in Italy back in March.