Saying Goodbye to the Iconic Moira Rose
Catherine O'Hara showed a generation of gay men how fabulous mothers can be.
Posted February 5, 2026 | Reviewed by Gary Drevitch
Catherine O'Hara's death last week hit me hard, I have to admit. Even though Schitt's Creek has been over—sadly—for six years now, it's still a part of so many people's everyday life and references, and O'Hara's Moira Rose was its indisputable queen.
The show itself had a significant cult following, of course; its positive portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters—and in particular the central romance between pansexual David Rose and the gay character Patrick Brewer—meant a great deal to many of us, as it represented a portrayal without trauma or strife, focusing instead on the emotional depth of the relationship.
But Moira Rose? She was something else.
Moira was the mother most gay men would have wanted growing up. She was chic and elegant and extravagant, of course; but she also was supportive of David through everything. When she and Johnny (her husband) learned that Stevie and David had slept together in an early episode, Johnny says something along the lines of, "So you’re out of this phase now." But Moira is quick to respond, "It’s not a phase, John." Just quietly affirming and positive.
What gay kid wouldn't want that combination of over-the-top fabulousness and deep love, acceptance, and support from their mother? What gay man wouldn't want this woman who was stylish, over-the-top, with wild jewels and the best wig collection in town, to be the person he could turn to no matter what? Despite (or maybe because of) her self-absorbed, dramatic personality , she was everything her son needed her to be.
Schitt's Creek entertained; but in its schmaltzy sentimental way, it highlighted the acceptance and love of family. The show grew on us, season by season, and over the years my gay clients talked about Moira as an entertainer, idol, and ideal mom; one of my couples therapy clients even spent a fair amount of time imitating her in our sessions.
The Advocate shared a revealing quote from O'Hara: "To see my son be so loved by this beautiful person, even in that moment, I swear it wasn't about 'Oh my gay son is being loved by his gay boyfriend.' It was just ‘My son, my vulnerable sweet son, is being loved by just a wonderful guy, a wonderful person.’"
Moira went on to officiate at the couple's wedding.
O'Hara also said of Moira, "I loved how every typical mother-child dynamic was completely alien to her and to them, because they were alien, they were totally fresh for them. And that was so great to be able to play that."
In 2019, she told E! News , "It's really, really fun to play Moira…it's really fun because it's different from anything I've played, it's different from most people in the world, but I guess her insecurity is relatable. She's a freak and she's relatable at the same time. And I get to be ridiculous, and at my age, that's too rare a thing, I think."
None of that is to say Moira was gentle. Remarks like, "I'd kill for a good coma right now," "This is a most lamentable spectacle," and "While I can't pretend to fully understand them at least I can pretend to care," all show the edginess/sarcasm that is also a part of gay culture.
The series wasn't just gay-affirming in showing a healthy and real homosexual relationship; it also affirmed the role of mothers in raising gay sons who aren't burdened by shame and trauma. Producers are drawn to the drama of a difficult coming-out scene, complete with the initial painful rejection on the part of parents. Moira stomped all over that tendency, portraying a parent who supported her son in every way—and did so with flair.
I've interviewed countless gay men and their mothers, sometimes together, occasionally separately, and what I've learned is the importance of the mother-son bond in order for gay boys and men to develop a healthy and positive sense of self. I can't imagine how different some of those interviews might have been had Moira been the mother in question.
O'Hara's portrayal of Moira, including her sometimes odd accents and her not-for-a-small-town wardrobe but featuring her genuine warmth and ability to grow and learn, is a presence that many of us will remember and cherish. The truth is that very few of us will be remembered when we die; O'Hara was able to leave an imprint on so many people—in multiple generations—through her classic performances. But while she was fantastic in all her roles, it was as Moira that she touched the hearts of gay men.
Social media exploded when the news came out, and for good reason: We lost an icon. She was over-dramatic, self-absorbed, and sarcastic; she was also endearing, emotional, and sweet—and we loved her. Imagine what Moira did for you, for your experience. As I read people's posts, I wasn't surprised to learn of them weeping at stoplights, feeling "punched in the stomach," and in my favorite: "Moira Rose would be chilling up in heaven with a pina colada, scrolling through the obituaries."
She would. And a lot of us wish she wasn't among them.
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Rick Miller, LISW , is a clinical social worker in private practice in Massachusetts, and the author of Unwrapped: Integrative Therapy with Gay Men … the Gift of Presence (2015).
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This article is part of the Bringwise Psychology Journal — daily insights on human behavior, mental health, and personal growth.