Seth Rogen acknowledged that “The Studio” is a “little anchorless” following Catherine O’Hara’s death earlier this year at 71.
The comedian opened up about O’Hara’s death and how “The Studio” will address her tragic passing during an interview with the Times published Friday.
“If anything, we’re acknowledging the idea that we are a little anchorless,” Rogen, 43, explained. “But, honestly, that is a part of life and what we all experience.”
He continued, “And so while we try not to dwell too much on heavy themes in this show, they will be there in this second season. We are not ignoring it.”
Evan Goldberg, who co-created “The Studio” with Rogen, added that O’Hara’s death sent “shock waves” throughout Season 2 of the award-winning Apple TV show.
“It has been an unbelievable challenge,” Goldberg, 43, said of moving forward without O’Hara. “Obviously, emotionally, dealing with the loss, but also when it comes to the show itself.”
Goldberg continued, “We wrote it for her to be there. We had it all set, and the shock waves permeate throughout the entire new season. It’s been difficult. You worded it better than we could — she was the anchor, and now the anchor is gone.”
O’Hara, who starred as ousted movie producer Patty Leigh in Season 1 of “The Studio,” died on Jan. 30 after missing the start of filming for Season 2.
The “Home Alone” star’s cause of death was later revealed to be a pulmonary embolism.
Rogen and his fellow “The Studio” co-stars backed out of an Apple TV event on Feb. 3 in the wake of O’Hara’s passing. Both Apple and Lionsgate paid tribute to the “Schitt’s Creek” star in a touching joint statement.
“We are all heartbroken by the loss of Catherine O’Hara,” it read. “An undeniable legend, icon, and incomparable talent, Catherine elevated every project she was a part of, including the singular genius she brought to her role on ‘The Studio,’ and every transcendent performance she gifted to us.”
O’Hara went on to win Best Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Patty Leigh in Season 1 of “The Studio” during the 2026 SAG Actor Awards on March 1.
She became the first woman in history to win a posthumous SAG Actor Award, and Rogen accepted the award on her behalf.
“I was asked to assume the honor of accepting this award on O’Hara’s behalf,” the “Pineapple Express” star began his emotional speech.
“I know she would have been honored to receive this award from her fellow performers who I know she respected so much,” he continued. “She was such a big fan of all of yours.”
After noting how O’Hara “showed that you can be a genius and be kind” and “one of those things does not have to come at the expense of the other,” Rogen remembered the late actress for her hilarious work in “Beetlejuice,” “Best in Show” and more.
“That’s Catherine O’Hara,” Rogen ended his speech, “and we were lucky that we got to live in a world where she so generously shared her talents with us.”
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