O’Hara appeared in numerous high-profile films throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Photo credit: Fred Duval/Shutterstock
Catherine O’Hara, the Canadian-born actress and comedian known for her roles in the sitcom Schitt’s Creek the Beetlejuice and Home Alone films, has died at the age of 71. Representatives confirmed she passed away at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness. No additional details about the cause of death have been released.
O’Hara’s passing has been widely reported across media outlets, highlighting her significant contributions to television, film, and comedy over a career spanning more than five decades. Fans and colleagues have praised her versatility, precise comedic timing, and her ability to create enduring, memorable characters that influenced multiple generations of performers.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Born in Toronto, Ontario, on 4 March 1954, O’Hara began her career in the 1970s with the renowned Second City improvisational troupe, a stepping stone for many successful comedians. She later became a founding cast member of the sketch series SCTV, which aired in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Her work on the show earned her a Primetime Emmy Award for writing and established her reputation as a versatile performer capable of blending satire, absurdity, and character-driven comedy.
O’Hara’s early television work positioned her as one of the most distinctive voices in comedy, and she became known for her ability to switch seamlessly between eccentric and grounded characters, a skill that would define her career.
Film and Television Work
O’Hara appeared in numerous high-profile films throughout the 1980s and 1990s. She played Delia Deetz in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice and reprised the role in the 2024 Beetlejuice sequel. She also played Kate McCallister in Home Alone and its sequel, roles that remain widely recognised decades later. She also voiced characters in animated films such as The Nightmare Before Christmas and Frankenweenie.
Her collaborations with director Christopher Guest in ensemble comedies, including Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, and A Mighty Wind, earned critical acclaim for her comedic precision and ability to enhance ensemble performances.
In the 2010s, O’Hara experienced a career resurgence with her portrayal of Moira Rose in the Canadian sitcom Schitt’s Creek. The role, an eccentric former soap-opera star, earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and brought her global recognition. She continued acting into the 2020s, with roles in series such as The Studio and The Last of Us, demonstrating her adaptability across genres.
News of O’Hara’s death prompted immediate reactions from colleagues and fans. Home Alone co-star Macaulay Culkin posted a heartfelt tribute on social media, addressing her as “Mama” and expressing sorrow over her passing. Actors such as Pedro Pascal and Justin Theroux, as well as The Last of Us creator Craig Mazin, publicly shared condolences, praising her talent, generosity, and influence on both colleagues and audiences.
Tributes have poured in across the entertainment industry, reflecting the strong personal and professional bonds she formed over her career and the lasting impression she left on multiple generations of performers.
Personal Life and Legacy
O’Hara married production designer Bo Welch in 1992, and the couple had two sons. Her colleagues and fans have repeatedly noted her creative range, professionalism, and the influence she exerted on younger performers entering comedy.
Her death marks the loss of a performer whose work spanned stage, television, and film, leaving a lasting mark on North American comedy. Catherine O’Hara’s career continues to entertain audiences and inspire performers, securing her place as one of the most influential and enduring figures in contemporary comedy.
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