'Beetlejuice' Director Tim Burton Remembers 'Special' Friend Catherine O'Hara After Sudden Death Jane LaCroixJanuary 31, 2026 at 11:32 PM 0 Photo by Stewart Cook/Getty Images for Warner Bros. Tim Burton is remembering his friend Catherine O'Harawith an emotional tribute following her sudden death. "Catherine, I love you," Burton, 67, wrote via Instagram on Friday, January 30, after news broke of the actress's death. "This picture shows how much light you gave to all of us. You were a special part of my life and after life.
- - 'Beetlejuice' Director Tim Burton Remembers 'Special' Friend Catherine O'Hara After Sudden Death
Jane LaCroixJanuary 31, 2026 at 11:32 PM
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Photo by Stewart Cook/Getty Images for Warner Bros.
Tim Burton is remembering his friend Catherine O'Harawith an emotional tribute following her sudden death.
"Catherine, I love you," Burton, 67, wrote via Instagram on Friday, January 30, after news broke of the actress's death. "This picture shows how much light you gave to all of us. You were a special part of my life and after life." The post featured a behind-the-scenes photo from Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, showing Burton alongside O'Hara, Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Jenna Ortega.
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Burton's tribute clearly resonated with fans, as they took to the comments to also express their sadness over the loss.
"My all time fave movie, I'm glad she got to do number 2, rip legend," one fan commented.
"Rest in peace our eternal Sally ," another wrote, while a third said, "Truly one of a kind. I'm so heartbroken."
READ MORE: Catherine O'Hara Died After Being Rushed to Hospital in 'Serious' Condition Following 'Brief Illness'
O'Hara's connection to Burton spanned decades. She memorably played Delia Deetz in the original Beetlejuice and reprised the role in the 2024 sequel. Beyond live-action, she also lent her voice to Burton's animated projects The Nightmare Before Christmas and Frankenweenie, becoming a recurring presence in his creative universe.
Burton joins a growing list of stars paying tribute to O'Hara, including Macaulay Culkin, Keaton, and her Schitt's Creekcostars Eugene and Dan Levy. O'Hara died on January 30 at age 71 following what her agency described as a "brief illness."
In the hours before her death, O'Hara was reportedly rushed to a Los Angeles hospital in "serious condition." Paramedics responded to a medical aid call at her Brentwood home at 4:48 a.m., according to prior reporting. The actress also lived with situs inversus, a rare condition in which internal organs are mirrored, though it remains unclear whether it was related to her passing.
In a statement shared with Parade, Apple TV and Lionsgate honored O'Hara's legacy, calling her "an undeniable legend, icon, and incomparable talent." The companies added that her work "will forever bring humor, light, and love for generations to come," while extending their condolences to her husband, Bo Welch, and sons Matthew and Luke.
This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 31, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: "AOL Entertainment"
Source: Entertainment
Published: January 31, 2026 at 04:36PM on Source: OPERA MAG
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