Seth Rogen returns to 'The Studio' after Catherine O’Hara’s death, says 'didn’t know what to do'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Actor Seth Rogen has opened up about the emotional experience of returning to work on 'The Studio' after the death of co-star Catherine O’Hara, describing a difficult and uncertain start to production as the cast processed the loss.

The actor reflected on how the team navigated filming season 2 in the immediate aftermath, with emotions running high on set as they continued production while grieving. O’Hara, died on January 30 at the age of 71 after a private battle with cancer.

Seth Rogen recalls uncertainty around Catherine O’Hara’s illness between seasons of 'The Studio'

Rogen said the team became aware of O’Hara’s health challenges between seasons, with hopes she would be able to return despite concerns about her condition.

“We knew she was sick,” Rogen said adding, “She herself thought there was a chance she would be able to come back and do the show. We were all hoping and optimistic that she would be able to. But we also knew there was a chance she wouldn't be able to.”

As production preparations continued, the uncertainty made planning difficult for the creative team.

“It was a very difficult thing to navigate because we didn't want to plan for a world where she wasn't there, but we also knew there was a chance that she wouldn't be,” Rogen said. O’Hara died during the first week of filming for season 2.

Seth Rogen recalls first day back on 'The Studio' after Catherine O’Hara’s death

Rogen recalled receiving the news in the morning and returning to set just hours later.

“She died, and then we were at work literally hours later,” he said adding, “And honestly, it was great. We all got to be together and cry and laugh and tell stories. And if we all had just sat at home by ourselves, it would've been miserable.”

He added, “Everyone loved her. It was really, really sad. We were all together, the whole crew, and everyone loved her very much. We didn't know what to do, and we just kept shooting."

Catherine O’Hara’s impact on 'The Studio' and how season 2 addresses her absence

In 'The Studio,' O’Hara portrayed Patty Leigh, a producer and former studio executive who acted as a guide and mentor to Matt Remick played by Rogen. He explained that she was the performer the creators most wanted to cast when developing the series.

“She was the person we wanted the most, honestly,” he said adding, “As a Canadian comedy person, she was one of the biggest influences on me. Home Alone, Beetlejuice, all the Christopher Guest movies — Waiting for Guffman is one of my favorite movies ever made.”

He also reflected on the experience of working alongside her during the show's first season. “Just having her there every day made us all want to make the show as good as it could possibly be,” Rogen said.

Following her death, it was revealed through her death certificate that a pulmonary embolism was the immediate cause of death, with rectal cancer listed as the underlying cause. Patty Leigh became the final role of her career, though she had also filmed scenes for 'The Last of Us' season 2 in 2024.

Rogen confirmed that the second season of 'The Studio' will acknowledge O’Hara’s absence rather than ignore it. He continued, “She was such an anchor for Matt and for the show itself, to pretend she wasn't gone felt strange. We don't dwell on grief constantly, but it's a reality that everyone is experiencing, and the show reflects that.”