Michael Keaton Remembers 'Goddess' Catherine O'Hara After Her Death

The actors starred together in several films over the decades and were close friends.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Michael Keaton sweetly reflected on his decades-long friendship with his 'Beetlejuice' co-star Catherine O'Hara, who passed away on January 30 at the age of 71. Keaton, 74, shared memories of first meeting O'Hara before they worked together on the 1988 film, and gushed about being a 'giant fan' of her work on the 1980s comedy show 'SCTV'. The two actors also co-starred in the 1994 movie 'The Paper' and the 2024 'Beetlejuice' sequel.

Why it matters

Keaton and O'Hara's long-running friendship and creative partnership spanned over 35 years, showcasing the enduring bonds that can form in Hollywood. Their collaborations also highlight O'Hara's lasting impact as a pioneering comedic actress who inspired many, including Keaton himself.

The details

Keaton explained that he first met O'Hara shortly before they worked together on 'Beetlejuice', saying he was a big fan of her work on 'SCTV'. The two discovered they both came from large families, which helped them bond. Keaton also shared a memory of the two shooting pool together in Toronto with O'Hara's siblings. Additionally, Keaton advocated for O'Hara to play his ex-wife in the 2005 film 'Game 6'.

  • Keaton and O'Hara first met before working on the 1988 film 'Beetlejuice'.
  • Keaton and O'Hara co-starred in the 1994 film 'The Paper'.
  • Keaton and O'Hara reunited for the 2024 'Beetlejuice' sequel.

The players

Michael Keaton

An American actor known for his roles in films such as 'Batman', 'Beetlejuice', and 'Spotlight'.

Catherine O'Hara

A Canadian actress and comedian who rose to fame on the sketch comedy show 'SCTV' and went on to star in films like 'Beetlejuice', 'Home Alone', and 'Schitt's Creek'.

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What they’re saying

“I was a big 'SCTV' fan. I am the biggest 'SCTV' fan.”

— Michael Keaton (People)

“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 (People)

“I remember a night in Toronto where she had a summer [with her] brothers and sisters, and we were all shooting pool in some bar somewhere.”

— Michael Keaton (People)

The takeaway

Keaton and O'Hara's long-standing friendship and creative partnership spanned over three decades, showcasing the enduring bonds that can form in Hollywood and the lasting impact O'Hara had as a pioneering comedic actress who inspired many, including Keaton himself.