Schitt’s Creek’s Catherine O’Hara Talks About ‘Crush’ On THIS Co-Star
Let’s dive into Catherine O’Hara’s recent stroll down memory lane where she spilled the beans on her crush on the late John Candy, spilled insights into her Saturday Night Live departure, and gave us a glimpse into a friendship that goes beyond the glitz of the screen.
The Sweet Crush: Catherine O’Hara’s Fond Memories with John Candy
So, Catherine O’Hara, the star we all adore from Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, recently took us on a trip down memory lane, sharing some heartwarming tales about her friendship with the late John Candy. Their connection blossomed during their time in Toronto’s Second City comedy troupe and SCTV, the groundbreaking show that left its mark from ’76 to ’84.
In a chat with PEOPLE, O’Hara painted a vivid picture of Candy’s character, reminiscing, “He was just as lovely as you want him to be.” And yes, she spilled the beans about having a crush on him, crediting his kind and generous personality both on and off the stage.
Unrequited Feelings: A Love That Couldn’t Blossom
Despite O’Hara’s admiration, the love was one-sided. She gracefully clarified that Candy was happily committed to his wife, Rosemary, till his passing in ’94. O’Hara admitted, “I wouldn’t claim he was interested in me that way, but he was always really lovely to me in Second City Theater.”
She fondly remembered Candy’s enthusiasm for improv sessions after their shows, sharing, “You do a show, and then you do improvs after the show. That’s how you build the next show at Second City Theater. And he was always willing to try any idea.”
From SCTV to Home Alone: A Lasting Friendship
Their connection didn’t stop at the comedy troupe or SCTV. The duo graced the screen together in the ’90 Christmas classic, Home Alone. O’Hara praised the movie as “perfect” and emphasized the joy of working with Candy, highlighting the camaraderie that enriched their professional collaboration.
Their friendship wasn’t just on-screen; it bloomed behind the scenes. The camaraderie they built during the SCTV years continued, creating a bond that stood the test of time and left an indelible mark on both their careers.
Saturday Night Live Departure: O’Hara’s Comedy Family Prevails
In another reveal during the interview, O’Hara spilled the beans on her brief stint at the iconic Saturday Night Live (SNL). She joined in the sixth season during the early ’80s but called it quits after a week. Dismissing rumors of fear or intimidation, O’Hara clarified, “There’s been BS stories about I was supposedly scared by somebody.”
Before SNL, O’Hara was already part of the cast of the Canadian comedy sketch show SCTV. When SCTV got picked up again, she chose her comedy family over SNL. The 69-year-old actress shared, “Basically I said, ‘Oh, sorry, I gotta go be with my [comedy] family.'” In the end, her best friend from high school, Robin Duke, took her SNL slot.
Legacy of SCTV: A Comedy Family’s Journey
SCTV, from ’76 to ’84, was more than just a TV show. It was a breeding ground for comedic talent, giving rise to iconic figures. Originating from Toronto’s famed Second City comedy troupe, SCTV served as a launchpad for talented individuals like O’Hara, Candy, Martin Short, Rick Moranis, Joe Flaherty, Andrea Martin, and Eugene Levy.
O’Hara and Levy’s collaboration extended beyond SCTV, finding its way into Christopher Guest’s movies, including the acclaimed Best in Show. The legacy of SCTV echoes in the world of comedy, with its alumni leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment landscape.
Conclusion
Catherine O’Hara’s candid tales about her crush on John Candy give us a peek into the genuine camaraderie shared by these two comedy legends. As she continues to grace both classic and contemporary screens, O’Hara’s journey stands as a testament to the enduring power of friendship and the choices that shape a remarkable career. The legacy of SCTV and the warmth of the Home Alone set serve as lasting reminders of the magic that happens when comedic brilliance and genuine friendships collide.
