Jenna Ortega Breaks Silence After Catherine O’Hara’s Death

Jenna Ortega is the newest star to honor Catherine O’Hara following the legendary actress’ dying at 71. Ortega, who starred alongside O’Hara in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” shared a two-photo tribute on Instagram remembering their time working collectively. The publish included a close-up picture of O’Hara, in addition to a black-and-white picture exhibiting Ortega with O’Hara and different solid members on set. Alongside the pictures, Jenna Ortega shared a heartfelt message in regards to the influence Catherine O’Hara had on her.

“Catherine is without doubt one of the most stunning individuals I’ve ever had the consideration of attending to work with and know,” Ortega wrote. “I’ll endlessly cherish the time we shared collectively, and every little thing she taught me.”

She went on to name O’Hara “a large and an inspiration in some ways,” including, “One of many greats. Thanks a lot for all of it.”

Followers rapidly flooded the feedback with condolences. “She shall be missed, could she relaxation in peace,” one person wrote as one other stated, “Relaxation in peace to an absolute legend.” A 3rd chimed in with, “I am positive she realized so much from you, too. You are sturdy, Jenna.”

Ortega and O’Hara labored collectively on the long-awaited sequel to Tim Burton’s 1988 basic, the place O’Hara reprised her iconic function as Delia Deetz. The undertaking introduced collectively a brand new era of stars with considered one of comedy’s most enduring figures.

Simply final 12 months, O’Hara and Ortega mirrored on their time working collectively whereas selling “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” providing followers a glimpse into how their on-screen second got here collectively.

Talking to NME, O’Hara revealed that the scene’s actions had been largely developed by the 2 actresses themselves, with assist from a choreographer. Ortega credited her co-star with shaping the artistic route, telling O’Hara, “You had been the inspiration behind the efficiency artwork facet of it. I believe it learn on the web page as a correct dance, and also you sparked an thought.”

O’Hara expanded on that strategy, explaining that she wished the actions to really feel sudden somewhat than conventional. “I wished the extra… illogical to my thoughts… dance strikes that type of imply nothing,” she stated, clarifying that her aim was to lean into one thing eccentric somewhat than structured.

Ortega recalled the pair experimenting collectively off-set, saying they had been in a tent close by when concepts began flowing. “We had been like, ‘Oh, it’s humorous whenever you try this,’” she stated. O’Hara added that Ortega instantly “laid down on the ground and did” a dramatic pose, and from there, they merely dedicated to it.

In one other interview that followers at the moment are revisiting, O’Hara spoke candidly in regards to the function humor performed in her life and work. Opening as much as Trend Journal, the actress shared a perspective that many now see as deeply reflective of her legacy.

“Life is darkish,” O’Hara stated on the time. “It’s laborious to develop up, and it’s laborious to be a grown-up. It’s laborious to cope with life. However discovering a approach to chortle on the darkness is the most effective reward we may very well be given.”

Ortega then chimed in, “Bizarre is unique. Particularly in a time like this, the place everyone seems to be beginning to look the identical and sound the identical, [when] you’re solely allowed to say or do sure issues, it’s good to not conform.” To which O’Hara added, “God forbid you’ve got an unique thought,” letting out a theatrical sigh earlier than cracking a smile.

Through the closing moments of Saturday evening’s episode, the longtime NBC sketch sequence briefly displayed a tribute card on display, that includes a throwback picture of O’Hara alongside her title.

The present later shared the tribute on X, posting a picture of the cardboard adopted by a coronary heart emoji, sparking an outpouring of reactions from followers who applauded the gesture and shared their very own reminiscences of the comedy icon.