Catherine O’Hara Dead at 71 — Comedy Legend Remembered

Los Angeles, CA — Catherine O’Hara, the acclaimed Canadian actress, comedian and Emmy Award winner whose career spanned more than five decades, has died at the age of 71. Her passing was confirmed Friday by her management and widely reported by leading entertainment outlets.

O’Hara died at her home in Los Angeles on Jan. 30, 2026 after a brief, unspecified illness, according to her representative. Her sudden loss has sent waves of mourning through Hollywood and around the world, with co-stars, collaborators and fans honouring her legacy.

A Storied Career in Comedy and Film

Born on March 4, 1954, in Toronto, Catherine O’Hara first rose to prominence in the 1970s as a member of the famed Second City improv troupe — a fertile launching pad for Canada’s comedy elite. Her sharp wit and magnetic screen presence soon led to television fame on the sketch show SCTV, where she stood out among peers like Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin and John Candy.

O’Hara’s film breakthrough came in the 1980s and 1990s with memorable roles in beloved classics including Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice and the smash holiday hit Home Alone, in which she played Kevin McCallister’s resilient mother. She also lent her voice to enduring animated favourites such as The Nightmare Before Christmas.

But it was her portrayal of the eccentric Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek that earned O’Hara some of her highest accolades. That role — a complex blend of biting comedy and heartfelt humanity — won her a Primetime Emmy in 2020 and endeared her to a new generation of viewers.

Final Roles and Recent Recognition

In the latter stages of her career, O’Hara continued to earn critical praise. She appeared in the Apple TV satire The Studio and took on a dramatic turn in HBO’s The Last of Us, demonstrating a versatility that defied easy categorization. These projects garnered additional Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, underscoring her enduring appeal and craft.

O’Hara’s final public appearance came at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards in September 2025, where she celebrated nominations for both The Last of Us and The Studio. Attendees remember her as spirited and radiant, a testament to her lifelong dedication to performance.

Tributes from Co-Stars and Fans

News of O’Hara’s death prompted immediate, heartfelt reactions across the entertainment industry. Home Alone co-star Macaulay Culkin posted a poignant tribute on social media, addressing her as “Mama” and expressing deep personal loss.

Schitt’s Creek creator and star Dan Levy described her impact as “immeasurable,” while The Last of Us actor Pedro Pascal called her presence “a light in our world” and shared fond memories of working together.

Other industry figures including Seth Rogen, Kathryn Hahn and members of The Studio cast honoured her as a creative force whose warmth and wit elevated every project she touched.

Legacy and Impact

Catherine O’Hara leaves behind her husband, production designer Bo Welch, and their two sons. Her remarkable body of work — spanning television, film, voice acting and sketch comedy — ensures her influence will endure. For many, she was not only a comedic genius but also a beloved cultural figure whose characters brought joy to millions.

In an industry often defined by fleeting fame, O’Hara’s decades-long career stood out for its depth, range and heart. From improv stages in Toronto to red carpets around the world, her contribution to comedy and storytelling remains indelible.