Catherine O’Hara, the award-winning actress and comedian best known for her roles in Home Alone, Schitt’s Creek, and Best in Show, has died at the age of 71. Her manager confirmed her death, saying she passed away after a short illness.
O’Hara was widely respected for her unique ability to combine sharp comedy with deep emotional performances. Her career spanned more than five decades across film, television, and voice acting, making her one of the most influential comedy performers of her generation.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Born in Canada, Catherine O’Hara began her career in the 1970s as part of the groundbreaking sketch comedy show SCTV. The series became a major launching pad for Canadian comedy talent and helped establish her reputation for clever, character-driven humor.
She moved into films in the 1980s, appearing in projects such as After Hours and Nothing Personal. Her career reached new heights when she starred in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice, a role she later returned to in the 2024 sequel.
Global Fame with Home Alone
Catherine O’Hara became a household name worldwide after playing the forgetful but loving mother of Kevin McCallister in the blockbuster holiday classic Home Alone (1990) and its sequel. The film remains one of the most popular family movies of all time.
In recent years, O’Hara often spoke fondly of the experience and maintained a close bond with co-star Macaulay Culkin. She attended his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony and publicly praised his growth as an actor and person.
Following news of her death, Culkin shared a heartfelt tribute, expressing his love and gratitude for her lasting presence in his life.
Acclaimed Work in Film and Television
Catherine O’Hara frequently collaborated with filmmaker Christopher Guest, appearing in critically praised mockumentaries such as Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, and For Your Consideration. These films showcased her improvisational brilliance and comic timing.
She later gained renewed global recognition for her role as Moira Rose in the hit comedy series Schitt’s Creek. The show ran for six seasons and earned O’Hara an Emmy Award, cementing her legacy with a new generation of viewers.
Her television career also included notable appearances in Six Feet Under, Curb Your Enthusiasm, 30 Rock, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and The Last of Us, which earned her another Emmy nomination.
Voice Acting and Recent Projects
In addition to live-action roles, O’Hara was a prolific voice actor. She lent her voice to animated films including Chicken Little, Over the Hedge, Monster House, Frankenweenie, and The Wild Robot.
Most recently, she appeared in the comedy series The Studio, where her performance received award nominations and critical praise.
Tributes from the Entertainment World
Following her death, tributes poured in from across the film and television industry. Co-stars and directors praised her warmth, intelligence, and unmatched talent. Actors including Pedro Pascal, Meryl Streep, Mike Myers, Lily Tomlin, and Ron Howard shared messages honoring her influence and kindness.
Many described her as a once-in-a-generation performer who elevated every project she touched.
A Lasting Legacy
Catherine O’Hara is remembered not only for her iconic characters but also for her generosity, creativity, and deep understanding of human nature. She once said she loved playing characters who were unaware of how they appeared to others — a quality that made her performances both funny and deeply relatable.
She is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, and their children.
Her work continues to entertain millions around the world, ensuring her legacy will live on for generations.
