Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg are opening up about how the upcoming second season of The Studio has been impacted following Catherine O’Hara’s death.
In a Friday interview with The Times, the administrators spoke about how the present will look completely different with out O’Hara’s Patty Leigh, whom the interviewer known as “the anchor” of the seires. Rogen famous that they’re “acknowledging” her demise, with Goldberg including that “it has been an unbelievable challenge” navigating her absence, additionally as a result of her character was written into season two.
“Obviously emotionally, dealing with the loss, but also when it comes to the show itself. We wrote it for her to be there. We had it all set and the shock waves permeate throughout the entire new season,” Goldberg stated. “It’s been difficult. You worded it better than we could — she was the anchor and now the anchor is gone.”
Rogen elaborated on the notion of O’Hara being The Studio‘s anchor, including, “If anything we’re acknowledging the idea that we are a little anchorless. But, honestly, that is a part of life and what we all experience. And so while we try to not dwell too much on heavy themes in this show, they will be there in this second season. We are not ignoring it.”
The Beetlejuice actress died Jan. 30 at her house in Los Angeles after a quick sickness. She was 71. Following O’Hara’s demise, The Studio forged, crew and producers paid tribute to their late star, with Apple TV and Lionsgate Television sharing in a joint assertion, “We are all heartbroken by the loss of Catherine O’Hara.”
O’Hara portrayed film government Patty Leigh in Rogen and Goldberg’s Apple TV comedy. She appeared in all 10 episodes of The Studio‘s hit first season, and notably earned herself a 2025 Emmy nomination and 2026 Golden Globe nod for finest supporting actress in a comedy sequence.
At the 2026 Actor Awards, O’Hara won the honor of finest actress in a comedy sequence tied to her work in The Studio. Rogen took the stage to just accept the award on her behalf.
“I was asked to assume the honor of accepting this award on O’Hara’s behalf. I know she would have been honored to receive this award from her fellow performers who I know she respected so much,” Rogen stated to the attendees. “She was such a big fan of all of yours.”
Rogen and Goldberg paid homage to O’Hara all through awards season. After they won the DGA Award for excellent directorial achievement for a comedy sequence, each of the administrators mirrored on their admiration for the late actress.
“Honestly, there’s no one we wish we could thank in person at this moment more than we would love to thank Catherine O’Hara,” Rogen stated, which led the viewers to erupt in applause, as Goldberg added, “We grew up in Canada, and she is and was quite literally our idol since we were children.”
(*2*) Rogen stated on the finish of their acceptance speech.
