Catherine O’Hara, the beloved actress who brought unforgettable characters to life in “Schitt’s Creek,” “Home Alone,” and “Beetlejuice,” has died at 71.
The comedy icon died Friday, January 30, 2026, at her home in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles following a brief illness, according to a statement from her agency CAA. TMZ first reported the news of her death.
O’Hara’s six-decade career left an indelible mark on entertainment, from her early days on “SCTV Network 90” to her Emmy-winning turn as the theatrical Moira Rose in all 80 episodes of “Schitt’s Creek.” She won her first Emmy in 1982 for writing contributions to “SCTV Network 90” and captured her second in 2020 for her lead performance in “Schitt’s Creek.” She also took home a Golden Globe in 2021 for the Moira Rose role.
Born and raised in Toronto as the sixth of seven children, O’Hara launched her career at Second City in her native Canada before becoming one of Hollywood’s most versatile performers. She served as an understudy for Gilda Radner before rising to prominence on “SCTV,” where she dazzled audiences with her impersonations of Lucille Ball, Meryl Streep, and Katharine Hepburn. Her singular comedic timing and ability to infuse humor with genuine emotion made her a standout in every project she touched.
Perhaps no role cemented her place in pop culture more than her portrayal of Kevin McCallister’s frazzled mother in 1990’s “Home Alone.” Her desperate cry of “KEVIN!” became one of cinema’s most iconic lines. O’Hara played Macaulay Culkin’s mother in the first two “Home Alone” movies, bringing both comedy and heart to the Christmas classics that have captivated audiences for over three decades.
O’Hara attended Culkin’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in December 2023, where she delivered remarks that perfectly captured their enduring bond. “Thank you for including me, your fake mom, who left you home alone not once but twice, to share in this happy occasion,” she told him. “I’m so proud of you.”
Culkin posted a heartbreaking tribute after learning of her death: “Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you. But I had so much more to say. I love you. I’ll see you later.”
“Home Alone” director Chris Columbus expressed his grief over the loss in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “What most people don’t realize is that Catherine carries the weight of 50% of that film,” Columbus said. “The movie simply would not work without her extraordinary performance.”
O’Hara’s filmography showcased her remarkable range. She played Delia Deetz in Tim Burton’s 1988 “Beetlejuice,” meeting her future husband, production designer Bo Welch, on set. The couple married in 1992 and had two sons, Matthew and Luke. O’Hara reprised her “Beetlejuice” role in 2024’s “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.”
Her collaboration with director Christopher Guest produced some of comedy’s finest mockumentaries. O’Hara starred in “Waiting for Guffman” in 1996, “Best in Show” in 2000, “A Mighty Wind” in 2003, and “For Your Consideration” in 2006. “I am devastated,” Guest told CNN in a statement following her death. “We have lost one of the comic giants of our age.”
O’Hara’s career reached new heights with “Schitt’s Creek,” which premiered in 2015 and became a cultural phenomenon. Her portrayal of Moira Rose, the hilariously dramatic former soap star adjusting to small-town life, earned her widespread acclaim and introduced her to a new generation of fans. The role brought her two SAG Awards in addition to her Emmy and Golden Globe wins.
Most recently, O’Hara appeared opposite Seth Rogen in the Apple TV+ series “The Studio” and alongside Pedro Pascal in HBO’s “The Last of Us.” Both roles earned her Emmy nominations at the 2025 ceremony, demonstrating her enduring talent and relevance in the industry. She was nominated for a Golden Globe for “The Studio” but did not attend the ceremony earlier this month.
The last time photographers spotted O’Hara was at LAX in February 2024, when she was asked which role she would most want to be remembered for. Her body of work speaks for itself—from the stages of Toronto’s Second City to the biggest screens in Hollywood, O’Hara created characters that made audiences laugh, cry, and feel deeply.
Throughout her career, O’Hara collected an impressive array of honors: two Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and two SAG Awards. She was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2017 and named honorary mayor of Brentwood in 2021.
O’Hara is survived by her husband Bo Welch and their two sons, Matthew and Luke. A private celebration of life will be held by the family, according to her agency.
