In the wake of Catherine O’Hara’s untimely death, the creators of the Apple TV+ comedy series The Studio are preparing to weave her absence into the fabric of the show’s second season, describing the production as feeling “anchorless” without the beloved actress. Seth Rogen, co-creator and star of the series, shared these insights in a profile published by The Times of London on Friday, April 3, offering a glimpse into how the team plans to navigate the profound loss while maintaining the show’s signature humor.
O’Hara, who portrayed the character Patty Leigh in The Studio, passed away in January at the age of 71. According to reports, her death was caused by a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lungs, with rectal cancer listed as the underlying condition. The series had premiered in 2025, just under a year before her passing, earning critical acclaim and awards recognition for its sharp take on the Hollywood machine.
“If anything, we’re acknowledging the idea that we are a little anchorless,” Rogen told The Times. He emphasized that while the show avoids dwelling on heavy themes, elements of grief will inevitably surface in the new season. “But, honestly, that is a part of life and what we all experience. And so, while we try to not dwell too much on heavy themes in this show, they will be there in this second season. We are not ignoring it.”
Rogen’s creative partner, Evan Goldberg, echoed the sentiment, describing the challenge of proceeding without O’Hara as an “unbelievable” one. In the same Times profile, Goldberg noted the emotional and logistical hurdles: “Obviously emotionally, dealing with the loss, but also when it comes to the show itself. We wrote it for her to be there.” He added that the “shock waves permeate throughout the entire new season,” highlighting how O’Hara’s role was central to the project. “It’s been difficult. You worded it better than we could — she was the anchor and now the anchor is gone.”
The impact of O’Hara’s death extends beyond the script; it has reshaped the production dynamics for a series that was already in development. The Studio, which follows the chaotic inner workings of a film studio, benefited immensely from O’Hara’s comedic timing and depth, qualities that Rogen has long admired. The actress, known for iconic roles in films like Home Alone and the television series Schitt’s Creek, brought a unique presence to the ensemble cast.
Following O’Hara’s death, Rogen was quick to pay tribute on social media. In an Instagram post at the time, the 43-year-old comedian wrote, “Really don’t know what to say. I told O’Hara when I first met her I thought she was the funniest person I’d ever had the pleasure of watching on screen.” He reflected on her influence, stating, “Home Alone was the movie that made me want to make movies. Getting to work with her was a true honor. She was hysterical, kind, intuitive [and] generous.”
Rogen continued in the post, “She made me want to make our show good enough to be worthy of her presence in it. This is just devastating. We’re all lucky we got to live in a world with her in it.” The message resonated widely, underscoring the personal and professional bond between the collaborators.
Less than a month later, at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards in February, Rogen honored O’Hara during his acceptance speech for Best Comedy Series Director. “Honestly, there’s no one we wish we could thank in person at this moment more than we would love to thank Catherine O’Hara,” he said. “It was an honor to get to direct her every day and we worked very hard to make the show good enough to warrant her time and her presence. So, ultimately, we would like to thank the DGA for this, but we would mostly like to thank Catherine O’Hara for being such a wonderful person and for blessing us with your presence.”
I was asked to assume the very sad honor of accepting this award on [Catherine] O’Hara’s behalf,” the comedian shared at the March ceremony. “I know she would have been honored to receive this award from her fellow performers, who I know she respected so much. She was such a big fan of all of yours.
This moment came after O’Hara’s posthumous win for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series at the 2026 Actor Awards, held last month. Rogen stepped up to accept the trophy on her behalf during the March ceremony in Los Angeles, delivering an emotional address that captured her admiration for the industry.
O’Hara is survived by her husband, Bo Welch, a production designer, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke. The family has largely remained private since her passing, but tributes from colleagues and fans have poured in, celebrating her decades-long career that spanned stage, screen, and television.
Before her death, O’Hara had shared reflections on her legacy in interviews, expressing a desire to be remembered for her joy in performance. According to a related report from Us Weekly, she once said she wanted to be recalled for the laughter she brought to audiences, a sentiment that aligns with the heartfelt remembrances from her The Studio team.
The decision to address O’Hara’s absence head-on in season 2 marks a delicate balance for the creators, who must honor her memory while delivering the escapist comedy viewers expect. Rogen and Goldberg, longtime collaborators known for projects like Superbad and Pineapple Express, have a track record of blending humor with heartfelt moments, which may serve them well here.
Production on season 2 is underway, though no premiere date has been announced for the Apple TV+ series. The first season’s success, including award nominations and strong viewership, sets high expectations, but the team’s candor about the challenges ahead suggests a season that could resonate on a deeper level.
As Hollywood continues to grapple with the loss of one of its treasures, The Studio’s evolution without O’Hara serves as a poignant reminder of the industry’s fragility. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how the show transforms grief into narrative gold, ensuring O’Hara’s spirit endures on screen.
In broader context, O’Hara’s death comes amid a wave of losses in the entertainment world, prompting discussions about health awareness, particularly regarding cancer and its complications. While the specifics of her condition were confirmed in official reports, the outpouring of support has highlighted her enduring impact.