Quote of the day by Schitt's Creek's actress Catherine O'Hara: 'In life, there is nothing better than laughing'

Canadian actress and comedy icon Catherine O’Hara passed away at the age of 71, her manager confirmed to Variety on January 31. While the cause of death has not been disclosed, tributes have poured in from across the world, celebrating her extraordinary body of work and her timeless wisdom. Beyond her unforgettable performances, she was also known for her thoughtful reflections on life. One quote in particular continues to resonate deeply with fans.

“In life, there is nothing better than laughing, especially a laugh when you most need it,” O’Hara once said. The line captures not just her comedic sensibility, but also her understanding of human emotion. Rather than seeing laughter as something reserved for happy moments, she viewed it as a tool for survival, something that can soften pain, lighten heavy days, and bring comfort during difficult times.



The meaning behind the quote is simple yet powerful. Catherine O’Hara believed that laughter has the ability to ease emotional burdens. When life feels overwhelming, a genuine laugh can offer relief and a brief escape from stress or sadness. It does not erase problems, but it helps people face them with a lighter heart. For someone who spent decades making audiences laugh, this philosophy reflected both her work and her worldview.

The quote feels especially relevant today. People are often juggling multiple responsibilities while navigating emotional burnout. In such times, laughter, whether through a comedy show, a shared joke, or time with loved ones, acts as a small but meaningful reset. The late actress' words remind people that joy does not need grand occasions; sometimes, it arrives in simple, unexpected moments.

More about Catherine O'Hara

Catherine O’Hara’s own life and career embodied this belief. She began her journey in comedy in the 1970s as part of the Canadian sketch show SCTV, where her sharp timing and fearless performances quickly stood out. The platform helped shape her as a performer and opened doors to film and television roles that would later define her legacy.


In the 1980s, she transitioned to films with projects like Nothing Personal and Martin Scorsese’s After Hours. Over the years, she became widely loved for roles in films such as Home Alone, Best in Show, and A Mighty Wind. However, it was her portrayal of Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek that introduced her to a new generation of viewers and earned her widespread acclaim.

Despite her success, she often spoke about keeping her priorities grounded. In a 2024 interview with TMZ, she shared that the role she was most proud of was not an on-screen character, but being the mother of her children. She was married to acclaimed production designer Bo Welch, and the couple shared two sons, both of whom went on to work in set design.

As fans revisit her work and her words, Catherine O’Hara’s quote on laughter feels like a gentle reminder from a performer who understood life deeply.