Catherine O’Hara, legendary actress, dies at 71

Catherine O’Hara, the acclaimed Canadian actress known for her work in Schitt’s Creek, Home Alone, and Best in Show, has died at the age of 71. 

TMZ confirmed her death on Friday, with sources close to the actress reporting that the cause of death is currently unclear.

O’Hara’s career spanned decades and included some of Hollywood’s most beloved comedy roles. She famously portrayed Macaulay Culkin’s mother in the first two Home Alone films and starred as the iconic Moira Rose in 80 episodes of the Emmy-winning television series Schitt’s Creek. Her film credits also include the cult classic Beetlejuice, as well as the mockumentaries Best in Show (2000) and A Mighty Wind (2003).

In addition to her acting accomplishments, O’Hara earned recognition for her writing contributions. She won her first Emmy Award in 1982 for writing on the sketch comedy series SCTV Network 90 and later won an Emmy in 2020 for her work on Schitt’s Creek. Her most recent performance was alongside Seth Rogen in the Apple TV+ series The Studio, which earned her another Emmy nomination.

Born in Toronto as the sixth of seven children, O’Hara met production designer Bo Welch on the set of 1988’s Beetlejuice. The couple married in 1992 and had two sons, Matthew and Luke.

O’Hara remained a beloved figure in both television and film, celebrated for her comedic timing and ability to bring nuanced characters to life. She was last photographed in February 2024 at LAX, reflecting on which of her roles she most wanted to be remembered for.

Catherine O’Hara was 71. Her death marks the loss of a legendary actress whose work continues to influence comedy and television.