Catherine O’Hara, Beloved Actress and Comedian, Dies at 71

Catherine O’Hara, the celebrated Canadian-American actress and comedian, has passed away at the age of 71. Her manager confirmed the news on January 30, 2026, sharing that she died peacefully at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness. O’Hara leaves behind a legacy of humor, heart, and unforgettable performances that have endeared her to generations of fans around the world.

Born in Toronto, Canada, in 1954, O’Hara began her remarkable career with the legendary comedy troupe The Second City, which later evolved into the groundbreaking sketch show “SCTV.” Her sharp wit and comedic timing shone on “SCTV,” earning her an Emmy Award for writing in 1982 and establishing her as a comedic force to be reckoned with.

O’Hara’s film career is a treasure trove of beloved classics. She brought her unique charm and energy to Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice” (1988) as the eccentric Delia Deetz, a role she reprised to great acclaim in the 2024 sequel, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” Her portrayal of Kate McCallister, the frantic yet loving mother in “Home Alone” (1990) and its sequel, “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” (1992), remains a holiday tradition for families worldwide, her memorable performances capturing both comedy and genuine emotion.

Her collaborations with director Christopher Guest in mockumentary favorites such as “Waiting for Guffman” (1996), “Best in Show” (2000), and “A Mighty Wind” (2003) showcased O’Hara’s comedic brilliance and versatility. Each role demonstrated her ability to infuse characters with depth and humanity, earning her the admiration of her peers and audiences alike.

However, it was her role as the eccentric and theatrical Moira Rose in the Emmy-winning sitcom “Schitt’s Creek” that brought O’Hara renewed acclaim and a devoted global fanbase. Her performance as Moira — a character both hilarious and heartfelt — earned her an Emmy Award in 2020 and solidified her place as a television icon.

Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Dan Levy, and Annie Murphy / IMDb

Beyond her on-screen work, O’Hara lent her voice to animated classics like “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993) and “Frankenweenie” (2012), bringing life to unforgettable characters. In recent years, she continued to impress audiences with roles in HBO’s “The Last of Us” and Apple TV’s “The Studio,” earning Emmy nominations for both performances and demonstrating her enduring relevance and talent.

Off-screen, O’Hara was a devoted wife and mother. She married production designer Bo Welch in 1992, and together they raised two sons, Matthew and Luke. The family made their home in Los Angeles, where O’Hara was named honorary mayor of Brentwood in 2021—a testament to her warmth and generosity in her community.

Catherine O’Hara’s passing is a profound loss to the entertainment world. Her ability to bring humor and humanity to every role made her a cherished figure both in Hollywood and beyond. Fans will forever treasure the joy she brought into their lives through her work, her spirit living on in the laughter and love she inspired.

From her early days in Canadian comedy to her status as a global icon, Catherine O’Hara’s legacy will endure. She will be deeply missed, but her remarkable body of work ensures that her influence and memory will continue to delight and inspire for generations to come. Rest in peace, Catherine O’Hara.

Frank Gaimari is an author and film reviewer in Seattle, where he lives with his husband and their two golden retrievers. You can learn more about his work at http://www.FrankGaimari.com.