Before Her Death, Katherine O’Hara FINALLY Revealed What We Suspected About John Candy & SCTV Cast

Katherine O’Hara, the legendary Canadian actress and comedian, pᴀssed away on January 30th, 2026, leaving behind a rich legacy of work and heartfelt stories about her time in the entertainment industry.

Known for her unforgettable roles, including the voice of Sally in The Nightmare Before Christmas and the iconic Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, O’Hara’s career spanned over five decades.

She was not only a talented performer but also a cherished friend to many, including the late John Candy, with whom she shared a profound connection.

In her final reflections, O’Hara opened up about her early days working with Candy, revealing that she had a crush on him when she auditioned for the Second City Touring Company in 1974.

Despite knowing that Candy was deeply in love with his wife, Rose, she cherished their friendship and often stayed out late in Chicago bars just to be near him.

This willingness to sacrifice sleep for the sake of companionship speaks volumes about the bond they shared.

O’Hara fondly remembered how Candy contributed to the creative spirit of SCTV, particularly suggesting the show’s memorable opening credits featuring TVs being thrown off a building.

This chaotic and humorous visual became synonymous with the show, showcasing Candy’s playful and generous nature.

Their final collaboration came in the beloved holiday classic Home Alone, where Candy played Gus Polinski, a role he filmed as a favor to director John Hughes, earning only $414 for his work.

Director Chris Columbus revealed that Candy’s scenes were largely improvised, highlighting his comedic genius and ability to elevate any project he was a part of.

Tragically, Candy pᴀssed away on O’Hara’s 40th birthday, a day she described as filled with mixed emotions as she received calls wishing her a happy birthday while also informing her of her friend’s untimely death.

At Candy’s funeral, O’Hara delivered a touching eulogy, expressing her graтιтude for the impact he had on her life and the lives of countless others.

Even decades later, O’Hara revealed that she continued to dream about Candy, often feeling a sense of loss and disappointment, as if she had let him down.

This deep emotional connection illustrates the profound impact Candy had on her life, both personally and professionally.

In addition to her memories of Candy, O’Hara reflected on her time working with Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone, where she played his on-screen mother.

Culkin, who was only nine years old at the time, formed a genuine bond with O’Hara, affectionately referring to her as “mama.”

O’Hara expressed her admiration for Culkin’s professionalism and talent, noting how difficult it was for him to navigate the challenges of child stardom.

During a ceremony honoring Culkin, O’Hara recalled a particularly emotional scene where she had to tell him to wish away his family, a moment that left a lasting impact on her.

She acknowledged the difficulties he faced and celebrated his resilience, recognizing that his sense of humor was a vital ᴀsset in overcoming adversity.

The bond they shared extended beyond the screen, as O’Hara’s nurturing nature and genuine care for Culkin reflected a motherly connection that lasted well beyond their time filming together.

O’Hara’s creative partnership with Eugene Levy also spanned over 50 years, beginning at Second City Toronto and continuing through SCTV, Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries, and Schitt’s Creek.

While they briefly dated in the mid-1970s, O’Hara emphasized that their romantic relationship was short-lived, allowing them to maintain a strong professional dynamic without the complications of unresolved feelings.

Their working relationship was marked by occasional creative tensions, which O’Hara described as healthy disagreements focused on making their projects the best they could be.

When O’Hara pᴀssed away, Levy released a heartfelt statement honoring their friendship and collaborative journey, underscoring the deep respect and admiration they held for one another.

A pivotal moment in O’Hara’s career can be traced back to her brother’s relationship with Gilda Radner, which inspired her to pursue comedy.

Following her brother’s connection to Radner, O’Hara found herself on the improv stage, eventually stepping into Radner’s role at Second City after she left for Saturday Night Live.

Her rapid rise from waitress to cast member within just two years showcased her talent and determination, leading to her becoming an original member of the SCTV cast in 1976.

Throughout her time on SCTV, O’Hara created memorable characters, including Lola Heatherton, a washed-up lounge singer, and even openly admitted to borrowing elements from real performers to craft her comedic personas.

Interestingly, O’Hara revealed that while all cast members were under favored nations agreements for equal pay, John Candy’s contract had a notable exception that allowed him to earn more than the others.

This detail highlights the recognition of Candy’s star power within the ensemble, illustrating the dynamics of the show.

O’Hara’s tenure on SCTV lasted until 1984, with brief interruptions, including a stint at Saturday Night Live that she left after just one week, citing her dislike for living in New York City.

Despite rumors of conflicts with the show’s head writer, O’Hara clarified that her departure was simply due to her personal preference for a different environment.

The tributes that poured in following her death revealed the immense impact she had on her colleagues and the comedy world.

Chris Columbus, who directed her in Home Alone, praised her extraordinary performance, stating that the film would not have worked without her.

Tim Burton, who worked with her on Beetlejuice and The Nightmare Before Christmas, expressed his love for her and acknowledged the light she brought to those around her.

Michael Keaton, her co-star in Beetlejuice, shared his deep sense of loss, while Martin Short and Andrea Martin celebrated her kindness and brilliance throughout their long friendship.

Dan Levy, co-creator of Schitt’s Creek, emphasized that O’Hara was the heart of the show, while Annie Murphy noted that she taught her everything about comedy and life.

Katherine O’Hara’s career was marked by numerous accolades, including two Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and a place in the Order of Canada, but her true legacy lies in the personal connections she forged along the way.

Through her candid revelations about her relationships with John Candy, Macaulay Culkin, Eugene Levy, and others, O’Hara allowed the public to glimpse the depth of her friendships and the impact of her experiences.

Katherine O’Hara’s pᴀssing leaves a void in the comedy world, but her stories, her laughter, and her kindness will endure, reminding us of the incredible joy she brought to our lives.

As Chris Columbus poignantly noted, there is comfort in knowing that Katherine O’Hara and John Candy are together again, sharing laughter and improvising in the afterlife.