Hollywood continues to mourn the tragic loss of Catherine O’Hara. The Emmy-winning actress passed away on January 30, “following a brief illness,” according to TMZ. She was 71.
Catherine was the second youngest of seven siblings—Marc, Maureen, Patricia, Michael, Tom, and Mary Margaret. Among her three sisters, Mary Margaret was the one who got into the entertainment industry.
Here are five fast facts to know about Catherine’s beloved sister, Mary Margaret.
1. She’s Close to Catherine
Mary Margaret and Catherine grew up in a large Irish Catholic family in Toronto. The sisters shared a close relationship, even after pursuing different career paths.
During Catherine’s induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2007, Mary Margaret famously performed a touching serenade for the actress.
Catherine previously admitted she was ‘grateful’ her parents gave her six siblings, allowing them to navigate the loss of both parents together.
“[I was] especially grateful … that they had given us each other because we were all together,” she said in an interview with “Wiser Than Me” podcast. “They had seven kids … And that they that just seemed like the most beautiful gift that they’d given us each other to be with.”
2. She Only Has 1 Full-Length Album
Mary Margaret studied music at the Ontario College of Art and Design and was signed by Virgin Records. In 1988, she released her only full-length solo album, “Miss America.”
The album was widely considered a masterpiece, with The Guardian calling Mary Margaret a “cult hero.”
Aside from her album, she released a “Christmas” EP in 1992 and contributed songs to the film “Apartment Hunting” in 2001.
3. Iconic Musicians Love Her
GettyMary Margaret’s music inspired some of the biggest names in the industry. During a concert in 1999, R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe brought O’Hara on stage and dubbed her a “national treasure.” Other musicians who are fans of the singer include Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, Dave Matthews, Morrissey, and more.
4. She’s an Actress & Visual Artist
Mary Margaret studied painting and graphic design at the Ontario College of Art. Her love for art is reflected in her music as she designed the artwork for her own albums and even contributed lettering for other artists.
She also appeared in several films, including the indie drama “Museum Hours” in 2012 and the horror sci-fi “Splice” in 2009.
5. She Co-Started the Martian Awareness Ball
In 1978, Mary Margaret and her brother, Marcus O’Hara, started the Martian Awareness Ball as part of the St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Toronto. To this day, the event continues to be part of the annual festivities, often held at the Horsehoe Tavern.
