Netflix Pays Tribute to Late Comedy Legend Catherine O’Hara With Beloved Classic Films

Published 02/04/2026, 8:17 PM EST

On January 30, the entertainment world paused to reflect on the towering legacy of Catherine O’Hara, a performer whose influence spanned more than five decades. The actress, comedian, and screenwriter reshaped comedy through fearless timing and profound emotional intelligence.

Her work continues to resonate, sending classic performances climbing streaming charts once again. In recognition of her lasting cultural impact, Netflix has honoured her legacy by bringing her classic films back to the platform.

Netflix shines a spotlight on Catherine O’Hara, honoring her unforgettable roles, razor-sharp humour, and decades of brilliance in a tribute that truly befits her legendary status.

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Waiting for Guffman

In Blaine, Missouri, a group of aspiring actors prepares for a community theatre production in what may be the quintessential Christopher Guest mockumentary, Waiting for Guffman. Catherine O’Hara shines as Sheila Albertson, the travel agent who, along with her husband Ron, brings chaotic, misguided confidence.

It is a masterclass in portraying a character blissfully unaware of her own lack of talent. Her performance delivers moments that are both hilarious and unforgettable, and a perfect showcase of O’Hara’s comedic brilliance and impeccable timing.

A Mighty Wind

Reuniting with Eugene Levy, her future Schitt’s Creek husband, Catherine O’Hara plays Mickey Crabbe, one half of the folk duo Mitch and Mickey. Unlike her broader comedic roles, this performance is unexpectedly tender and nuanced.

The film follows their awkward reunion for a memorial concert. O’Hara infuses Mickey with genuine sweetness and quiet heartbreak, proving that she can command drama with the same deft skill and emotional precision that has made her comedic performances legendary.

For Your Consideration

In this sharp satire of the Hollywood awards season, Catherine O’Hara delivers one of her most unhinged performances as Marilyn Hack, an ageing actress who hears a rumor that her performance in a terrible indie drama might receive an Oscar nomination.

Watching her frantic descent into botox-filled desperation is both hilarious and painfully cringeworthy. O’Hara perfectly balances absurdity and vulnerability, turning Marilyn into a character that is outrageous, unforgettable, and a brilliant showcase of her unmatched comedic genius.

Tributes Pour in for Catherine O’Hara, Renowned Actress and Comedian

The other two Catherine O’Hara films added on Netflix have also earned widespread admiration, showcasing her unmatched range.

After Hours

Going back to the 1980s, this Martin Scorsese black comedy features Catherine O’Hara in a memorable supporting role. She plays Gail, an ice cream truck driver who becomes one of the many bizarre obstacles the protagonist, Griffin Dunne, faces during his nightmarish evening in SoHo.

O’Hara perfectly balances humour and menace, turning Gail into a character who is both funny and slightly unsettling. Her performance highlights her extraordinary talent for combining wit, timing, and a touch of unpredictability, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

Home fries

Now streaming on Netflix’s romantic vault, Home Fries is a dark romantic comedy starring Drew Barrymore and Luke Wilson. Catherine O’Hara plays the matriarch Beatrice Lever, far from a wholesome mother figure. Her character is manipulative and deeply entwined in the film’s twisted family dynamic.

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This cult favourite allows O’Hara to embrace a darker, villainous comedic persona, delivering sharp, unforgettable moments that blend humour with menace. Her performance is a masterclass in turning a seemingly traditional role into something daring, wickedly funny, and completely memorable.

‘The Studio’ Honors Catherine O’Hara’s Lasting Brilliance as Seth Rogen and Cast Share Tributes

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What do you think about these five iconic Catherine O’Hara movies added to Netflix’s vault? Let us know in the comments.

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Yusra Miraj Khan

1474 articles

Yusra Miraj Khan is an Entertainment Journalist at Netflix Junkie. Specializing in Taylor Swift and the British Royal Family, she transforms modern mythologies into high-ranking, reader-first narratives. Since joining in early 2025, Khan has penned over 500 articles, known for their sharp decoding of Easter eggs and PR silences.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

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