Michael Keaton Reflects on Friendship with Late Beetlejuice Costar Catherine O'Hara

The actors bonded over both having large families and worked together on several projects over the years.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Michael Keaton reflected on his longtime friendship with his Beetlejuice co-star Catherine O'Hara, who passed away on January 30 at the age of 71. Keaton shared memories of their early days getting to know each other and working together, including on the 2005 film Game 6. He described O'Hara as a "brilliantly funny" friend and paid tribute to her talent and impact.

Why it matters

Catherine O'Hara was a beloved and acclaimed comedic actress who left a lasting mark on the entertainment industry. Her death at a relatively young age has been mourned by many of her co-stars and collaborators, including Michael Keaton, with whom she shared a close friendship over the years.

The details

Keaton and O'Hara first met and became friends in Toronto, where they would sometimes shoot pool together with their large families. They went on to work together on several projects, including the 1988 film Beetlejuice and the 2005 movie Game 6, where Keaton helped cast O'Hara in the role of his ex-wife. Keaton described O'Hara as a "giant" in the comedy world who was beloved and respected by many in the industry.

  • On January 30, 2026, Catherine O'Hara passed away at the age of 71.
  • On February 6, 2026, Michael Keaton reflected on his friendship with O'Hara during an event at Harvard University.

The players

Michael Keaton

A veteran actor known for roles in films like Beetlejuice, Batman, and Spider-Man: Homecoming. He was a close friend and frequent collaborator of Catherine O'Hara.

Catherine O'Hara

A beloved and acclaimed comedic actress who starred in films like Beetlejuice, Home Alone, and Schitt's Creek, for which she won an Emmy Award in 2020. She passed away on January 30, 2026 at the age of 71.

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What they’re saying

“I was a big SCTV fan. I am the biggest SCTV fan. And I'm trying to think, when was it? I think I was doing a movie in Toronto. ... I remember we must have met or known each other a little bit, because, like myself, she has a big family. She's one of seven, and I'm one of seven. And so somehow we got to be friends.”

— Michael Keaton, Actor (People)

“To have a woman as your friend is a great thing. To have a brilliantly funny woman as your friend is special. To have Catherine O'Hara as your friend is a blessing.”

— Michael Keaton, Actor (Time)

The takeaway

Michael Keaton's reflections on his friendship with Catherine O'Hara highlight the deep bonds that can form between co-stars and collaborators in the entertainment industry. Their shared experiences and mutual admiration for each other's talents are a testament to the lasting impact O'Hara had on those she worked with over her acclaimed career.