Catherine O’Hara, the acclaimed Canadian actor and comedian best known for her roles in Home Alone, Schitt’s Creek and Beetlejuice, has died at the age of 71. Her representatives confirmed her death on January 30, saying she passed away after a brief illness at her home in Los Angeles. The cause of death has not been made public.
O’Hara enjoyed a career spanning more than five decades and was widely regarded as one of the most versatile and respected performers in comedy. She first rose to prominence in the late 1970s as part of Toronto’s Second City comedy troupe and the cult television series SCTV. Her sharp comic timing and ability to create unforgettable characters quickly set her apart.
In cinema, O’Hara became a familiar face through a string of popular films. She played the anxious but determined mother Kate McCallister in Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), roles that made her a household name worldwide. She also won praise for her performance as Delia Deetz in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice and returned to the character decades later in the film’s sequel.
A new generation of audiences embraced O’Hara for her portrayal of Moira Rose in the television comedy Schitt’s Creek. Her flamboyant performance earned her an Emmy Award in 2020 and helped the show achieve global popularity and critical acclaim.
Beyond these iconic roles, O’Hara’s work included appearances in series such as Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Last of Us, as well as voice roles in animated films like Monster House and Frankenweenie. Colleagues often described her as generous, fearless and deeply committed to her craft.
Tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry following news of her death. Co-stars and filmmakers praised her influence on comedy and her ability to balance humour with emotional depth. Fans also shared memories of performances that had become part of their lives.
Catherine O’Hara is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, and their two sons.
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