Bryan Cranston Reveals How Catherine O’Hara Made His Acting Better

Bryan Cranston is fondly recalling his late co-star, Catherine O’Hara. In a latest interview, he shared his experience working with her and how she contributed to his acting progress. Notably, the two actors worked together in numerous projects together, the last being one Apple TV’s multiple Emmy-winning satirical comedy series, The Studio, before O’Hara’s passing this January.

Bryan Cranston credits Catherine O’Hara with making his acting better

The Malcolm in the Middle star recently remembered his The Studio co-star and what he learned from her.

“God, I miss her dearly,” Bryan Cranston told Esquire. “What I picked up from Catherine — from decades ago — was her ability to go all out in a comedy, and then rest and not be on.” He continued, “She was not one of those who were always trying to be funny off camera. She would pace herself, and then when it was time to pick up, she’d pick up.”

The veteran actor also appreciated O’Hara’s team spirit on sets, throughout the several projects the duo had collaborated on. “Her willingness — she would come to me many times and say, ‘Hey, what about this? If we tried this?’” he said.

Cranston added, “And so she was always on, and it gave me the encouragement to be able to then do the same thing to others. ‘Hey, what about we try this? What about that?” The veteran actor continued showering praises, “And she was just a genius, really, but even a better human being.”

Apart from The Studio, Catherine Anne O’Hara and Bryan Cranston had worked together on the TV show, 30 Rock, and the 2024 movie, Argylle. After she passed away on January 30, 2026, he penned down an emotional note a day on Instagram.

The Breaking Bad actor wrote, “I am completely devastated today upon hearing of this great lady passing away. Catherine O’Hara was a genius comedic actor, and a beautiful human being. I adored her.” The father of one continued, “We worked together as husband and wife I think three or four times… I’ve lost count. And then again just last year as rivals on The Studio.”

Moreover, Cranston expressed how working with the Schitt’s Creek star “was like playing tennis with Venus Williams.” He stated, “I think back on all the years where I laughed so much at what she did on screen… I have to. I need to, because now all I can do is cry.”