Catherine O'Hara, Beloved Comedy Icon, Dies at 71
The entertainment world mourns the loss of Catherine O'Hara, the acclaimed actress whose remarkable five-decade career brought laughter and warmth to audiences worldwide. O'Hara passed away Friday at her Los Angeles home following a brief illness, according to her representatives. She was 71.
A Canadian Comedy Treasure
Born and raised in Toronto as the sixth of seven children, O'Hara first captured audiences' attention through "Second City Television" (SCTV), the groundbreaking Canadian sketch comedy series she helped create alongside longtime collaborator Eugene Levy. Her work on SCTV earned her her first Emmy Award in 1982 for writing, launching an extraordinary career spanning film, television, and voice acting.
O'Hara possessed a rare gift for creating memorable characters that resonated across generations. Her comedic timing was impeccable, her range boundless, and her commitment to every role unwavering — whether playing a frazzled suburban mother or an eccentric former soap opera star.
Iconic Roles That Defined Generations
For millions, O'Hara will forever be remembered as Kate McCallister, the determined mother racing to reunite with her son in the "Home Alone" films. Her performance opposite young Macaulay Culkin created one of cinema's most beloved family dynamics. The two maintained a close friendship throughout the years, with O'Hara honoring Culkin at his Walk of Fame ceremony in 2023.
Her collaboration with director Christopher Guest produced some of comedy's most quotable moments. In mockumentaries like "Best in Show," "Waiting for Guffman," and "A Mighty Wind," O'Hara demonstrated her improvisational brilliance and ability to find humanity in even the most eccentric characters.
Film audiences also treasured her work in Tim Burton's "Beetlejuice," where she originated the role of Delia Deetz. A character she reprised decades later in 2024's "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice." Her voice brought life to animated classics, including "The Nightmare Before Christmas," introducing her talent to yet another generation of fans.
A Late-Career Renaissance
While O'Hara had already established herself as a comedy legend, her 60s brought an unexpected career renaissance. As Moira Rose in the CBC sitcom "Schitt's Creek," she delivered what many consider her defining performance. The riches-to-rags character, with her elaborate wigs, affected accent, and theatrical mannerisms, became a cultural phenomenon.
Her portrayal earned O'Hara her second Emmy Award in 2020, cementing her status as one of television's most versatile performers. The role showcased not just her comedic genius but also her ability to reveal genuine emotion beneath layers of affectation.
This resurgence continued with prominent roles in HBO's "The Last of Us" and Apple TV+'s "The Studio," where she played a seasoned Hollywood executive navigating the changing entertainment landscape. The second season of the Seth Rogen series had recently begun filming.
Reflecting on Hollywood's evolution in a 2025 interview, O'Hara observed that despite industry changes, "most people are trying to do and want to do good work. And most people want to be entertained." This optimistic view characterized her entire approach to her craft.
Recognition and Legacy
Throughout her career, O'Hara earned numerous accolades, including two Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe nomination for "The Studio," and countless other honors. Beyond awards, she earned something far more valuable: the genuine affection of audiences and the deep respect of her peers.
The City of Los Angeles recognized her contributions by naming her honorary mayor of Brentwood in 2021, acknowledging how the Toronto native had become beloved in her adopted home.
A Life Beyond the Screen
O'Hara met her husband, production designer Bo Welch, on the set of "Beetlejuice" in 1988. They married in 1992 and built a life together that included raising two sons, Matthew and Luke. She is also survived by her siblings Michael O'Hara, Mary Margaret O'Hara, Maureen Jolley, Marcus O'Hara, Tom O'Hara, and Patricia Wallice.
Those who knew her describe not just a talented performer but a warm, generous person who approached her work with humility and her colleagues with kindness.
An Enduring Impact
Catherine O'Hara's passing leaves a void in the entertainment world, but her legacy endures through the countless performances that will continue bringing joy to audiences for generations to come. From the frantic chaos of "Home Alone" to the emotional depth of "Schitt's Creek," she showed us that great comedy comes from truth, vulnerability, and an unwavering commitment to the craft.
In an industry often focused on youth, O'Hara proved that talent, dedication, and authenticity transcend age. Her late-career success inspired countless performers and reminded audiences that the best is sometimes yet to come.
As fans around the world process this loss, they can take comfort in knowing that Catherine O'Hara has given the world. Her ability to make us laugh, think, and feel will live on through her remarkable body of work. She didn't just entertain us; she enriched our lives with her artistry, and for that, she will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.