Catherine O’Hara’s Powerful Eulogy for John Candy Gets New Meaning After Her Sudden Death

Throughout Hollywood history, there have only been a handful of stars that it seemed like virtually everyone liked and felt they had a special connection to from afar. Catherine O'Hara, who suddenly died at 71 years old, was one of those people. So was her longtime friend and regular creative collaborator, John Candy.

As the world is mourning the loss of the always delightful O'Hara, watching the eulogy she gave decades ago at Candy's funeral may provide some comfort as her words are more meaningful after her passing.

Catherine O’Hara Gave a Perfect Eulogy at John Candy’s Funeral

On March 4, 1994, the world got a little bit less bright when John Candy passed away at the age of 43. He was such a beloved figure that many people who never met the man can still remember how devastated they felt to learn that someone who seemed so full of life was suddenly gone. Two weeks later, Catherine O'Hara delivered a eulogy to Candy that should never be forgotten.

Being tasked with speaking about a man who meant so much to the masses had to have felt like a truly daunting responsibility. However, you would never know it while watching the video of O'Hara speaking. You can tell in the video that she was deeply affected by her loss, but she spoke with supreme clarity about how John Candy made people feel. Every word of O'Hara's eulogy should be listened to and taken to heart. Still, the most powerful moment came when she spoke about what she ultimately took away from her years of friendship with Candy.

“I've been trying to remember. I spent nearly every morning, every working hour, hundreds of evenings and weekends with John for nearly 10 years. So, where are the details of those days? I realize when I think of John, it's not in terms of details. I think of John in terms of the big picture. That is why we so mourn our loss, but we treasure it as well."

O'Hara continued, "John's life had meaning. John had principles. He lived by them. He worked by them. He set a good example in so many ways. He was a protector. He cared. If he felt you'd been wronged in any way, he'd risk everything to make it right, to make you know you were worth something, too. In a business that indulges the weaker souls, where the insecure lend others' words far too much meaning, John was a humble, sensitive man, full of faith, who seemed forever grateful for his gifts and his time on this earth. His work was filled with lightness."

At the very end of O'Hara's eulogy to Candy, she expressed a desire she had that hits hard as the world mourns her passing. "I will miss him, but I hope and pray to leave this world too someday, and to have a place near God, as near as any other soul, with the exception of John Candy."

Why Catherine O’Hara’s Words About John Candy Are Even More Meaningful After Her Passing

For many people, learning about the death of Catherine O'Hara will be the first time that a celebrity's passing will have hit as hard as John Candy's far too early demise did. Between her roles in SCTV, Schitt's Creek, Home Alone, Beetlejuice, Best in Show, and more, she spent decades bringing laughter and joy into the hearts of people around the world. Since she was able to bring a smile to the faces of so many for so long, it is hard to encapsulate how deeply she affected her fans, who adored her so much.

Reflecting on O'Hara's iconic words about Candy helps to explain that it wasn't any single performance she gave that will stick with the legions who adored her. Instead, much like her friend, she left society with a big picture of someone who made the world a better place while she was in it. That is why there will never be another like her.

Our thoughts are with Catherine O'Hara’s family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.