Catherine O’Hara, the Emmy-winning actress known for her work in “Schitt’s Creek,” “Home Alone,” and decades of comedy classics, has died at age 71. Her manager confirmed her passing to Variety. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Born and raised in Toronto, O’Hara built a career that spanned more than five decades. She moved easily between sketch comedy, film, and television, becoming known for her expressive characters, sharp timing, and emotional depth.
Here’s a look back at Catherine O’Hara’s most memorable TV shows and movies.
Catherine O’Hara Got Her Start on ‘SCTV’
O’Hara first found recognition on the Canadian sketch series “SCTV,” where she helped shape the show’s offbeat humor and earned an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series.
The series introduced audiences to her versatility and marked the start of her longtime creative partnership with Eugene Levy, who would later become one of her most frequent collaborators.
Catherine O’Hara Became a Fan Favorite on ‘Schitt’s Creek’
O’Hara reached a new generation of viewers playing Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek. As the former soap star adjusting to life in a small town, she delivered one of the show’s most talked-about performances.
Her work, again alongside Levy, earned her an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.
In the farewell special “Best Wishes, Warmest Regards: A Schitt’s Creek Farewell,” O’Hara admitted she nearly passed on the role.
“It’s so stupid,” she said. “Really, it’s lame to talk about not wanting to do it in the beginning. How stupid would I have been not to have done it?”
She Became a Holiday Staple in ‘Home Alone’
O’Hara played Kate McCallister in “Home Alone,” the frantic mom who accidentally leaves her son, Macaulay Culkin, behind during a family vacation. She returned for “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.”
The role turned Kate into one of the most recognizable movie moms of the 1990s.
‘Beetlejuice’ Highlighted Her Offbeat Comedy
In “Beetlejuice,” O’Hara starred as Deelia Deetz, a pretentious artist who moves into a haunted house.
The role showed her gift for playing exaggerated characters while keeping them grounded, helping establish her place in Hollywood comedies.
Catherine O’Hara Thrived in Christopher Guest’s Ensemble Films
O’Hara became a staple in director Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries, including “Best in Show” and “A Mighty Wind.”
In both projects, she starred opposite Levy, showing off her improvisational skills and musical talent. These performances further cemented her reputation as one of comedy’s most reliable and inventive actors.
