Martin Short and Steve Martin Salute Catherine O'Hara at Comedy Show

The comedic duo honored the late actress just hours after her passing.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 1:47pm

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In a touching tribute, comedians Martin Short and Steve Martin saluted their longtime friend and collaborator Catherine O'Hara during their Friday night comedy show in Austin, Texas. The two encouraged the audience to raise a glass to the beloved actress, who had passed away earlier that day following a brief illness.

Why it matters

Catherine O'Hara was a legendary comedic actress known for her roles in iconic films like Home Alone and her work on the sketch comedy series SCTV. Her death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow entertainers who cherished her talent and friendship.

The details

Short and Martin, who had worked with O'Hara extensively over the years, took time during their show to honor their late friend. They displayed a photo of O'Hara on the stage and asked the audience to join them in a toast, with Short describing her as "the greatest, most brilliant, kindest, sweetest angel any of us worked with." The two comedians had a long history with O'Hara, first performing together in the Toronto-based comedy troupe The Second City and later reuniting on various projects.

  • Catherine O'Hara passed away on Friday, January 31, 2026.
  • Martin Short and Steve Martin held their comedy show in Austin, Texas on the same Friday evening, just hours after O'Hara's death.

The players

Martin Short

A Canadian comedian, actor, writer, and producer who frequently collaborated with Catherine O'Hara over the years.

Steve Martin

An acclaimed American comedian, actor, writer, and musician who also worked with Catherine O'Hara on various projects.

Catherine O'Hara

A legendary Canadian actress and comedian known for her roles in films like Home Alone and her work on the sketch comedy series SCTV.

Macaulay Culkin

The actor who played Catherine O'Hara's son, Kevin McCallister, in the Home Alone films.

Eugene Levy

A Canadian actor and comedian who worked with Catherine O'Hara on SCTV and the sitcom Schitt's Creek.

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What they’re saying

“Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you. But I had so much more to say.”

— Macaulay Culkin (Social media)

“Words seem inadequate to express the loss I feel today. I had the honor of knowing and working with the great Catherine O'Hara for over fifty years. From our beginnings on the Second City stage, to SCTV, to the movies we did with Chris Guest, to our six glorious years on Schitt's Creek, I cherished our working relationship, but most of all our friendship. And I will miss her. My heart goes out to Bo, Matthew, Luke, and the entire O'Hara family.”

— Eugene Levy, Schitt's Creek co-star (Statement)

“the greatest, most brilliant, kindest, sweetest angel any of us worked with.”

— Martin Short (Comedy show)

The takeaway

Catherine O'Hara's passing has left a profound impact on the comedy community, with her longtime friends and collaborators honoring her legacy and cherished friendship. Her remarkable talent and kind spirit will be deeply missed.