Tim Burton pays tribute to Catherine O'Hara after her death at 71

Tim Burton, 67, remembered "special" Catherine O'Hara with a tribute on Instagram on Friday, writing "Catherine, I love you," after the actress died on Jan. 30 at 71, according to a statement shared with Page Six from Creative Artists Agency. Burton shared a behind-the-scenes photo from his "Beetlejuice" sequel, "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice," and wrote, "This picture shows how much light you gave to all of us." He added, "You were a special part of my life and after life." The photo reportedly showed Burton posing with O'Hara, Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder and Jenna Ortega.

O'Hara starred in Burton's original 1988 cult classic "Beetlejuice" and its 2024 sequel, and she also lent her voice to his animated films "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and "Frankenweenie," the report noted. According to the agency, O'Hara died on Jan. 30 following a brief illness.

Page Six reported that paramedics responded to a call for medical aid at her Brentwood home at 4:48 a.m., she was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital in "serious condition," and 911 dispatch audio obtained by the outlet said she experienced "breathing difficulty." Burton joins other stars mourning the Emmy winner, including Macaulay Culkin, Michael Keaton and her "Schitt's Creek" co-stars Eugene and Dan Levy, the report said.

Her official cause of death remains unclear, and her family said they will hold a private celebration of life on Saturday.

catherine o'hara, tim burton, beetlejuice beetlejuice, the nightmare before christmas, frankenweenie, creative artists agency, died jan. 30, brief illness, brentwood home, paramedics responded, 911 dispatch audio, private celebration of life, michael keaton, macaulay culkin