Additional Coverage:
- Photos show Catherine O’Hara’s legendary TV and film career, from ‘Home Alone’ to ‘Schitt’s Creek’ (businessinsider.com)
Hollywood Mourns the Loss of Beloved Icon Catherine O’Hara at 71
The entertainment world is in mourning following the passing of the inimitable Catherine O’Hara, a two-time Emmy Award winner and cherished screen legend, who died Friday at the age of 71 after a brief illness. The news was confirmed by her representative to Business Insider and her agency to The Associated Press.
O’Hara’s illustrious career spanned decades, captivating audiences with her unparalleled comedic timing and versatile dramatic performances. She first rose to prominence on the groundbreaking Canadian sketch comedy series “SCTV” in the early 1980s, sharing the stage with fellow comedic giants John Candy, Eugene Levy, Martin Short, Andrea Martin, and Rick Moranis. This show served as a launchpad, introducing her remarkable talent to American audiences and earning her first Emmy for writing in 1982.
Her collaborative spirit was evident throughout her career, particularly with Eugene Levy, with whom she shared a long and fruitful working relationship. As O’Hara once told BuzzFeed in 2014, “You’re lucky to work with friends, and I think it’s nice to see friends together. I like knowing when people know each other and have a history; that comes across on screen.”
O’Hara’s film debut came with a bang in Tim Burton’s 1988 cult classic “Beetlejuice,” where her memorable performance, especially in the iconic “Day-O” scene, cemented her status. This collaboration with Burton continued through “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Frankenweenie,” and the recently released “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.”
“Beetlejuice” also held personal significance, as it was on set that she met her husband, production designer Bo Welch, with whom she shared two sons. They were married from 1992 until her passing.
For many, O’Hara will forever be remembered as the frantic mother, Kate McAllister, in the holiday staples “Home Alone” (1990) and “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” (1992). Her iconic line, “Kevin!” has become synonymous with the festive season.
She also became a familiar face in Christopher Guest’s beloved mockumentaries of the ’90s and 2000s, including “Waiting for Guffman,” “Best in Show,” “A Mighty Wind,” and “For Your Consideration.”
In 2010, O’Hara showcased her dramatic range, earning Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations for her role as Aunt Ann in the HBO biopic “Temple Grandin,” starring Claire Danes.
However, it was her portrayal of the eccentric and quotable Moira Rose in the global phenomenon “Schitt’s Creek” (2015-2020) that introduced her to a new generation of fans. Her unique accent, elaborate wigs, and unforgettable lines made Moira a pop culture icon, earning O’Hara her second Emmy Award in 2020.
Just last year, O’Hara shared a heartwarming reunion with her “Home Alone” co-star Macaulay Culkin, presenting him with his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Culkin affectionately referred to her as “Mama,” a testament to their enduring bond.
Her final public appearance was at the 2025 Emmys party, where she was a double nominee for her performances in “The Last of Us” and “The Studio.”
Catherine O’Hara leaves behind a legacy of laughter, unforgettable characters, and a profound impact on the landscape of film and television. She will be deeply missed by colleagues, friends, and the countless fans whose lives she touched with her extraordinary talent.