Catherine O’Hara, the acclaimed Canadian actress celebrated for her roles in Home Alone, Beetlejuice, and the Emmy-winning comedy series Schitt’s Creek, has died at the age of 71.
Her agent confirmed to the BBC that O’Hara died on Friday at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness.
O’Hara rose to prominence through Toronto’s Second City improvisation troupe and the influential sketch series Second City Television (SCTV), where she performed alongside comedy legends including Eugene Levy and the late John Candy. She later broke into Hollywood with her role as Delia Deetz in Tim Burton’s 1988 film Beetlejuice, before becoming a household name as Kate McCallister, the frantic mother in the holiday classic Home Alone.
Known for her sharp comedic instincts and scene-stealing performances, O’Hara was widely regarded as one of the most versatile comic actors of her generation. Her colleagues remembered her as “a wonderful person, artist and collaborator.”
She enjoyed a career resurgence with Schitt’s Creek, which became a global hit during the Covid-19 lockdowns. Her portrayal of Moira Rose defined by eccentric fashion, a distinctive accent, and razor-sharp wit earned her an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe, cementing her status as a late-career standout.
In a tribute, her Home Alone co-star Macaulay Culkin shared a heartfelt message, describing O’Hara as a cherished presence in his life and career. Dan Levy, who played her son in Schitt’s Creek, said it was “a gift to have gotten to dance in the warm glow of Catherine O’Hara’s brilliance.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also paid tribute, calling her “a legend” and praising her five-decade contribution to Canadian comedy and global entertainment.
Beyond television, O’Hara collaborated extensively with filmmaker Christopher Guest and Eugene Levy on acclaimed mockumentaries including Best in Show, Waiting for Guffman, A Mighty Wind, and For Your Consideration, for which she won the National Board of Review Award for Supporting Actress.
She continued acting until shortly before her death, appearing in HBO’s The Last of Us and Seth Rogen’s comedy series The Studio, earning nominations at this year’s major awards ceremonies.
Catherine O’Hara is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch; their sons, Matthew and Luke; and her siblings.
Source: BBC News