Michael Keaton Shares Memories of Catherine O'Hara 1 Week After Death

The Batman star recalls their Beetlejuice bond and O'Hara's comedic brilliance.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 3:55pm

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Michael Keaton is honoring his late Beetlejuice co-star Catherine O'Hara, who died at age 71 last week. Keaton, 74, shared fond memories of their friendship and working relationship, describing O'Hara as a "kind of goddess" in comedy who he had known for years before their first film together.

Why it matters

O'Hara was a beloved and acclaimed actress, known for her work on SCTV and in films like Beetlejuice. Her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from her co-stars and the entertainment community, highlighting her immense talent and impact.

The details

Keaton recalled meeting O'Hara through their large families, and remembered a night in Toronto where they were shooting pool with her siblings. He said he was a "giant fan" of O'Hara's work on SCTV, and that everyone in the industry knew "how brilliant she was and how great she was." Keaton also shared a story about casting O'Hara in the 2006 film Game 6, where she played his ex-wife.

  • On January 30, 2026, it was reported that Catherine O'Hara had died at the age of 71 following a brief illness.
  • On February 6, 2026, Michael Keaton spoke about his memories of O'Hara while attending Harvard University's Hasty Pudding Theatricals event.

The players

Michael Keaton

A 74-year-old actor known for his roles in films like Batman and Beetlejuice, who was a close friend and co-star of Catherine O'Hara.

Catherine O'Hara

A prolific and acclaimed actress, writer, and comedian who was known for her work on SCTV and in films like Beetlejuice. She passed away at the age of 71.

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What they’re saying

“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

“I guess that was after the first Beetlejuice. But I knew her before that. And to answer your question, I don't remember what the first time was when I met her, but we got to be friends in addition to just working together as well.”

— Michael Keaton, Actor

The takeaway

Keaton's fond recollections of his friendship and working relationship with Catherine O'Hara highlight the deep bonds and mutual admiration that can develop between talented actors and comedians over the course of their careers. O'Hara's passing is a significant loss for the entertainment industry, but her legacy as a comedic icon will endure.