Catherine O’Hara (March 4, 1954 – January 30, 2026) at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival for The Wild Robot. A legend on screen and in our hearts, she made every laugh unforgettable. Photo by John Sears.
By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | January 2026
Los Angeles – Catherine O’Hara, the Emmy‑winning Canadian‑American actress, comedian and beloved screen presence whose career spanned more than five decades, has died at age 71 following a brief illness at her home in Los Angeles, her agency confirmed Friday.
O’Hara’s warm wit, fearless character work and unforgettable performances made her one of the most admired figures in comedy and television, earning both critics’ acclaim and the enduring affection of fans around the world.
From Toronto’s Second City to International Fame
Born March 4, 1954 in Toronto, Ontario, O’Hara began her career in improvisational and sketch comedy at the legendary Second City theatre. She became a defining cast member of the influential television series SCTV in the 1970s and early 1980s, where her inventive characters and sharp comedic instincts helped shape a generation of televised satire.
Her work on the show also earned her early Emmy recognition, signaling the brilliance that would follow in a career filled with both sharp laughs and nuanced performances.
A Gallery of Iconic Roles
O’Hara’s filmography reads like a guide to modern comedy classics. She memorably played the beleaguered Kate McCallister in Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, creating one of the most belovedly exasperated matriarchs in holiday cinema.
She was equally at home in genre favorites like Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice, lending her distinctive presence to both the original and the 2024 sequel.
Her collaborations with director Christopher Guest — including Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show and A Mighty Wind — highlighted her gift for ensemble improvisation and subtle, absurd comic timing.
Moira Rose and a Television Renaissance
O’Hara reached a new pinnacle of fame with her portrayal of Schitt’s Creek’s eccentric matriarch Moira Rose. Her performance was a revelation — wildly quirky, heartbreakingly human and linguistically fearless — earning her a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award, and helping turn the CBC sitcom into a worldwide phenomenon.
In recent years, she continued to expand her range. She earned Emmy nominations for a dramatic turn in The Last of Usand for her role as a Hollywood producer in the Apple TV+ series The Studio.
Beyond the Screen
O’Hara’s career was not only defined by her roles but by the warmth and generosity she brought to her craft. She voiced characters in beloved animated films such as The Nightmare Before Christmas, Over the Hedge and Elemental, and appeared in numerous television guest spots that showcased her versatility and range.
Her influence extended beyond awards and accolades. She inspired fellow performers and fans alike with her fearless approach to comedy, her deep improvisational roots and her ability to find truth in the absurd.
Family and Legacy
O’Hara married production designer Bo Welch, whom she met on the set of Beetlejuice, in 1992. The couple had two sons, Matthew and Luke, and often spoke of family as one of her greatest joys.
Her passing leaves behind a body of work that will continue to delight and inspire audiences for generations. Whether through outrageous characters, heartfelt moments or sheer comic brilliance, Catherine O’Hara’s legacy is one built on laughter and love.
