Actress Catherine O’Hara, one of the most distinctive and beloved performers in modern television and film, has died at the age of 71. The Emmy Award–winning actress was best known for her iconic roles in Schitt’s Creek, Beetlejuice, Home Alone, and a decades-long body of work that blended sharp comedy, emotional depth, and unforgettable character work. Her manager confirmed her death on Friday. No cause of death has been made public.
O’Hara’s passing marks the loss of a performer whose influence stretched across generations. From sketch comedy to blockbuster films to prestige television, she carved out a career unlike any other, earning a reputation as both a fearless comic presence and a deeply respected actress among peers and audiences alike.
Over a career spanning more than four decades, O’Hara appeared in more than 100 television and film projects. She was most recently celebrated for her portrayal of Moira Rose on the hit comedy series Schitt’s Creek, a role that cemented her legacy and introduced her to a new generation of fans. As the extravagantly theatrical, emotionally detached former soap star, O’Hara delivered one of the most memorable television performances of the 21st century.
Her work on Schitt’s Creek earned her a Primetime Emmy Award in 2020 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, followed by a Golden Globe Award in 2021. The role was widely praised for its originality, precision, and boldness, with critics frequently singling out O’Hara’s voice work, physical comedy, and complete commitment to the character.
Born in Toronto, Canada, Catherine Anne O’Hara began her career in comedy during the late 1970s as a member of the legendary sketch troupe Second City Toronto. She rose to prominence on the influential television series SCTV, where she showcased her ability to create wildly different characters, often alongside longtime collaborators Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, and Martin Short. Those early years laid the foundation for a career defined by versatility and fearless creativity.
O’Hara transitioned seamlessly from sketch comedy into film, becoming a fixture in both mainstream hits and cult classics. One of her most enduring roles came in 1988 when she appeared as Delia Deetz in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice. As the eccentric, self-absorbed stepmother to Winona Ryder’s Lydia Deetz, O’Hara delivered a performance that balanced absurdity with sharp satire. She later reprised the role decades later in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, reuniting with the character that had become a fan favorite.
In 1990, O’Hara reached an even wider audience with her role as Kate McAllister in Home Alone. As the frantic mother racing across continents after realizing she left her son behind, O’Hara brought warmth, humor, and emotional urgency to the holiday classic. She reprised the role in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, further cementing her place in pop culture history.
Following news of her death, tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry. Macaulay Culkin, who played her on-screen son in Home Alone, shared a deeply emotional message honoring the woman he called his movie mom. His words reflected the close bond formed during the films and the lasting impact O’Hara had on his life.
Pedro Pascal also paid tribute, sharing memories from working with O’Hara and praising her generosity, brilliance, and presence. Justin Theroux, who co-starred with her in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, posted a quiet but poignant message, underscoring the sense of loss felt by those who worked closely with her.
Actor Paul Walter Hauser described O’Hara as “my Meryl Streep,” praising her ability to elevate any project and calling her one of the most watchable performers of all time. His tribute echoed a sentiment widely shared in Hollywood: that O’Hara’s talent transcended genre, budget, or format.
Beyond her mainstream success, O’Hara was a cornerstone of Christopher Guest’s ensemble mockumentary films, including Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, and For Your Consideration. Her collaborations with Guest allowed her to fully explore improvisation and character-driven comedy, resulting in some of the most iconic comedic performances in modern cinema.
In Best in Show, O’Hara starred alongside Eugene Levy as Cookie Fleck, a delightfully eccentric character whose rambling monologues and bizarre personal history became instant classics. The role exemplified O’Hara’s unique gift: the ability to make even the most absurd characters feel fully realized and oddly human.
At the time of her death, O’Hara was appearing in the Emmy-winning comedy series The Studio, where she played Patty Leigh, a powerful Hollywood executive. The role earned her another wave of critical praise and an Actor Award nomination for outstanding performance in a comedy series, proving that her creative force remained undiminished well into the later years of her career.
In interviews, O’Hara often reflected on her fascination with characters who were slightly detached from reality. In one of her final public interviews, she spoke candidly about her love for playing delusional characters, noting that everyone, to some degree, is trying to control how they’re perceived. That insight guided many of her most memorable performances.
Off screen, O’Hara was known as private, thoughtful, and deeply respected. She was married for decades to production designer Bo Welch, whom she met while working on Beetlejuice. Together they raised two sons, and she frequently spoke about the importance of balancing family life with her career.
Catherine O’Hara leaves behind an extraordinary legacy — not just of awards and iconic roles, but of a performer who redefined comedy through intelligence, fearlessness, and heart. Her characters were unforgettable, her voice unmistakable, and her influence immeasurable.
She will be remembered not only for making audiences laugh, but for changing what comedy could look like on screen. Her absence leaves a void in entertainment that cannot be filled, but her work will continue to inspire, comfort, and delight for generations to come.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
