Catherine O’Hara dies at 71: Beloved ‘Home Alone’ actress remembered for decades of Comedy

Legendary actress and comedian Catherine O’Hara, whose career spanned five decades and included unforgettable roles in Home Alone, Schitt’s Creek, and Beetlejuice has died at the age of 71, her manager confirmed.

O’Hara passed away on Friday after a brief illness, leaving behind a body of work that made her one of the most beloved figures in film and television.

She is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke.

Born in Toronto, Ontario, O’Hara got her start in improv and sketch comedy with the influential Canadian troupe Second City Television (SCTV), where her sharp comic instincts first gained attention.

She broke into films in the 1980s, appearing in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice (1988), and later brought warmth and humor to mainstream audiences as the frantic but loving mother, Kate McCallister, in the holiday classic Home Alone (1990) and its sequel.

Over the years, O’Hara also appeared in a wide range of roles, from Christopher Guest’s beloved mockumentaries to voice work in animated features, showcasing her extraordinary range.

In the mid-2010s, O’Hara experienced a career renaissance with her portrayal of Moira Rose in the critically acclaimed comedy Schitt’s Creek, a role that won her a Primetime Emmy Award and introduced her to new generations of fans.

The character, a flamboyant, wig-wearing former soap star with a uniquely expressive delivery, became a cultural touchstone and helped cement O’Hara’s reputation as one of comedy’s singular talents.