Catherine O’Hara, the beloved actress known for her unforgettable work in ‘Schitt’s Creek,’ ‘Home Alone,’ and a string of cult-classic films, has died at 71. TMZ first reported the news Friday, citing two sources with direct knowledge. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
O’Hara’s career was one of those rare trajectories that spanned decades yet never felt stale. From her early days in sketch comedy to her late-career resurgence as the eccentric, wigs-wearing Moira Rose, she remained a master of timing, nuance, and the kind of idiosyncratic humor that made her instantly recognizable.
Born and raised in Toronto, O’Hara was the sixth of seven children. Her upbringing in a large family seemed to fuel both her comic instincts and her warmth, qualities that would define her on-screen presence.
It was on the set of Tim Burton’s 1988 classic ‘Beetlejuice’ that she met her husband, production designer Bo Welch. The couple married in 1992 and had two sons, Matthew and Luke, who survive her today.
Her Emmy-winning performance as Moira Rose on ‘Schitt’s Creek’ (2015–2020) is arguably what cemented her status as a cultural icon. The show’s clever writing paired with O’Hara’s fearless commitment to the character won her widespread acclaim, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2020.
© Justin Goff PhotosHer accolades extended beyond acting, she had previously won an Emmy in 1982 for her writing contributions to the sketch comedy series ‘SCTV Network 90.’
Beyond television, O’Hara’s filmography reads like a greatest-hits reel of comedy and cult classics. She was unforgettable as Kate McCallister, the harried mother in ‘Home Alone’ (1990) and ‘Home Alone 2: Lost in New York’ (1992), a role that cemented her place in family-film history.
She also turned heads in Burton’s ‘Beetlejuice,’ Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries, ‘Best in Show (2000)’ and ‘A Mighty Wind (2003),’ and other standout films including ‘Waiting for Guffman’ (1996) and ‘For Your Consideration’ (2006).
© Jemal CountessO’Hara’s distinct voice brought life to animated favorites as well. She was the voice of Sally in ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ (1993) and contributed to ‘Frankenweenie’ (2012), ‘Monster House’ (2006), and ‘Elemental’ (2023).
Her ability to switch from live-action comedy to voice acting demonstrated a versatility few performers could match.
© Ron GalellaHer work continued into the streaming era, including a recent Emmy nomination for the Apple TV+ series ‘The Studio,’ where she starred alongside Seth Rogen.
She also made guest appearances on ‘The Last of Us,’ ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ and ’30 Rock,’ proving she could seamlessly inhabit any comedic or dramatic landscape.
In February 2024, O’Hara was last photographed by TMZ at LAX. When asked which role she most wanted to be remembered for, her signature humor shone through, revealing she wanted to be remembered as “mother” and “wife.” It was a moment that captured the enduring charm and wit that fans adored for decades.
© Unique NicoleO’Hara’s legacy is reflected not only in her awards, two Primetime Emmys, a Golden Globe, and two SAG Awards, but in the profound influence she had on both Canadian and international comedy. She was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame, named an Officer of the Order of Canada, and received the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement in 2021.
She is survived by her husband, Bo Welch, and their sons, Matthew and Luke. Catherine O’Hara’s passing leaves a void in Hollywood and beyond, but her characters, her voice, and her humor will endure.
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