Catherine O’Hara Dead at 71: Remembering the Iconic Star of Schitt’s Creek and Home Alone

Catherine O’Hara, the beloved Emmy winning actress and comedy legend, passed away on January 30, 2026. She was 71 years old. Reports from major news outlets confirmed the news Friday morning, marking the end of a career that spanned more than five decades and transformed the landscape of modern comedy.

Details of Her Passing

The Canadian born actress died at her home in Los Angeles. According to a statement from her agency, CAA, O’Hara passed away following a brief illness. While a specific cause of death has not been disclosed by her representatives, the news was first reported by TMZ and later confirmed by her manager to Variety and People.

O’Hara is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, whom she met on the set of the 1988 film Beetlejuice. The couple married in 1992 and had two sons, Matthew and Luke.

A Legacy in Comedy and Film

O’Hara first gained prominence in the 1970s as a member of the Second City improvisational troupe in Toronto. She became a founding cast member of the influential sketch series SCTV (Second City Television), where she worked alongside future legends like John Candy, Eugene Levy, and Martin Short.

Throughout her career, O’Hara became a fixture in some of cinema’s most recognizable projects:

• Home Alone: She famously portrayed Kate McCallister, the mother of Kevin McCallister, in the 1990 classic and its 1992 sequel.

• Schitt’s Creek: In her later career, she reached new heights as Moira Rose, the eccentric matriarch of the Rose family. The role earned her the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2020.

• Collaborations with Christopher Guest: She was a frequent star in Guest's acclaimed mockumentaries, including Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, and A Mighty Wind.

• Beetlejuice: She originated the role of Delia Deetz in the 1988 film and recently reprised it in the 2024 sequel.

Recent Projects and Recognition

Up until her passing, O’Hara remained active in the industry. She recently earned praise for her work in the Apple TV series

The Studio, which garnered her an Emmy nomination. Additionally, she appeared in the second season of the HBO series

The Last of Us.

In recognition of her contributions to the arts, O’Hara was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2017.

Catherine O’Hara’s death marks the loss of a foundational figure in North American comedy. From her early days on sketch television to her recent triumphs on global streaming platforms, she maintained a unique presence in Hollywood defined by versatility and sharp comedic timing. As the industry reflects on her passing, O’Hara leaves behind a significant body of work that continues to influence a new generation of performers.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones.