The world just feels a little emptier today. Catherine O’Hara, the brilliant actress who brought so much laughter, heart, and unforgettable performances into our lives, has passed away at 71, reportedly following a brief illness. For those who are big fans of The Last of Us, you'll remember O'Hara from her dramatic turn as Gail, Joel’s tough‑talking therapist in season 2 of the critically acclaimed HBO series.
While she didn't appear in all seven episodes of the hit post-apocalyptic drama's second season, her three-episode stint was enough to leave a lasting impression on fans who are now mourning her loss all across social media.
On X alone, fans are making individual tribute posts. Since the reporting of her passing, they've been flooding the platform with messages of love, admiration, and grief as they remember the impact O’Hara had on The Last of Us and the countless other roles that made her a beloved icon.
One fan shared a post stating, "Suddenly, my childhood just flashed before my eyes. Not THE #CatherineOHara! An Icon. She will be missed. RIP, Queen!" Another post from a fan on X reads, "Catherine O’Hara appreciation post. The world just lost a national treasure."
Even some of O'Hara's co-stars have begun to share their own heartfelt memories and personal tributes. Pedro Pascal, who starred alongside her in The Last of Us season 2 as Joel, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, writing, “Oh, genius to be near you. Eternally grateful. There is less light in my world, this lucky world that had you, will keep you, always. Always [heart emoji]."
Like Pascal, O'Hara's death personally hits hard for me. Before watching her in The Last of Us season 2, I knew her from her other projects like Schitt’s Creek, where her portrayal of Moira Rose was a masterclass in comedy. I’d also seen her in classics like Home Alone, where her comedic genius was also on full display. And we can't forget her other iconic role as Delia Deetz in the movies Beetlejuice and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
Besides The Last of Us season 2, O'Hara was last seen in Apple TV+'s The Studio and the documentary film John Candy: I Like Me. Knowing that going forward, we won’t get to see her light up our screens in new projects makes her loss feel almost unbearable.
It’s hard to put into words what Catherine O’Hara meant to so many of us. For decades, she brought joy and laughter into our lives, and now that she’s gone, it’s hard not to feel the emptiness of that absence. Yet, in remembering her, in revisiting her incredible work, and in seeing the love and admiration pouring out from fans and co-stars alike, it’s impossible not to feel grateful that we got to witness such a luminous talent in our lifetime.
She'll forever be missed, and while the world feels a little dimmer without her, the joy, warmth, and magic she shared will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come.
Rest in peace, Catherine O'Hara.