Catherine O’Hara, the acclaimed Canadian actress celebrated for her unforgettable performances in films like Beetlejuice and Home Alone, as well as her Emmy-winning role in Schitt’s Creek, has died at age 71. Her passing marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned over five decades in comedy and entertainment.
Here’s the TL;DR…
-
Catherine O’Hara died on January 30, 2026, at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness, as confirmed by her manager.
-
Born in Toronto in 1954, she rose to fame through sketch comedy on SCTV before becoming a staple in Hollywood films and TV.
-
Iconic roles included Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice, Kate McCallister in Home Alone, and Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, earning her multiple awards.
-
She leaves behind her husband, production designer Bo Welch, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke.
-
Fans and colleagues flooded social media with tributes, highlighting her unique comedic timing and enduring impact on pop culture.
What Caused Catherine O’Hara’s Death?
Details on O’Hara’s cause of death remain limited.
Sources close to the situation reported that she passed away at her Los Angeles home after a short illness.
Other reports noted the cause is unclear, with no immediate additional information released by her family or representatives.
Her manager shared the news with outlets on the day of her death, emphasizing her legacy rather than specifics about her health.
O’Hara had been active in recent years, appearing in projects like the 2024 Beetlejuice sequel and HBO’s The Last of Us in 2025.
How Did Catherine O’Hara Begin Her Acting Career?
O’Hara grew up in Toronto as the second-youngest of seven children in a large Irish Catholic family.
Her father worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway, while her mother handled real estate.
She got her first taste of performing in a school Nativity play, portraying the Virgin Mary.
After high school, O’Hara waitressed at Toronto’s Second City Theater, eventually joining the improv troupe in 1974.
This led to her breakthrough on Second City Television (SCTV), the sketch show that ran from the late 1970s to 1984.
She earned five Emmy nominations and one win for her writing and performing.
Collaborating with Eugene Levy early on, the pair became a comedy powerhouse that would later shine in Schitt’s Creek.
What Made Catherine O’Hara’s Role in Home Alone So Memorable?
In 1990’s Home Alone, O’Hara played Kate McCallister, the harried mother who accidentally leaves her son Kevin behind during a family Christmas trip.
Her frantic airport realizations and desperate phone calls home became cultural touchstones.
The film grossed over $476 million worldwide and spawned a franchise.
O’Hara reprised the role in 1992’s Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, delivering more of her signature mix of exasperation and warmth.
Fans often quote her screams of “Kevin!” as a hallmark of holiday movie magic.
The role cemented O’Hara as a go-to for quirky maternal figures, blending humor with heart across generations.
Why Was Catherine O’Hara’s Performance in Beetlejuice Iconic?
Tim Burton’s 1988 cult classic Beetlejuice featured O’Hara as Delia Deetz, the eccentric artist and stepmother whose gothic style clashed with the film’s ghostly inhabitants.
Her scenes redecorating the haunted house showcased her flair for physical comedy and sharp delivery.
O’Hara returned as Delia in the 2024 sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
Her work with Burton extended to voice roles, like Sally in 1993’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
How Did Schitt’s Creek Elevate Catherine O’Hara’s Career?
At age 61, O’Hara joined Schitt’s Creek as Moira Rose, the dramatic former soap star forced into small-town life after losing her fortune.
The role earned her an Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Award in 2020.
Moira’s elaborate wigs, eccentric vocabulary, and theatrical flair became viral sensations.
Fans adored iconic lines like “Fold in the cheese.”
The series ended in 2020 after six seasons, sweeping the Emmys in its final year.
What Other Notable Roles Defined Catherine O’Hara’s Filmography?
O’Hara frequently collaborated with director Christopher Guest in mockumentaries like:
-
Waiting for Guffman (1996)
-
Best in Show (2000)
-
A Mighty Wind (2003)
-
For Your Consideration (2006)
She also appeared in:
-
After Hours (1985)
-
Heartburn (1986)
-
Wyatt Earp (1994)
Voice work included roles in Over the Hedge (2006), Frankenweenie (2012), Elemental (2023), and more.
Recent credits featured Argylle (2024) and an appearance in The Last of Us season 2 (2025).
Who Was in Catherine O’Hara’s Family?
O’Hara met her husband, production designer Bo Welch, on the set of Beetlejuice in 1988.
They married in 1992 and had two sons:
-
Matthew (born 1994)
-
Luke (born 1997)
Welch designed sets for films like Edward Scissorhands and Men in Black.
O’Hara is survived by Welch, her sons, and her siblings.
How Did Fans and Celebrities React to Catherine O’Hara’s Death on X?
Social media erupted with tributes shortly after the news broke.
Fans shared clips, GIFs, and appreciation threads, calling her a “national treasure.”
Many expressed shock and heartbreak, reflecting her wide appeal—from millennials raised on Home Alone to newer audiences from Schitt’s Creek.
What Awards Did Catherine O’Hara Win Throughout Her Career?
O’Hara’s accolades include:
-
Two Emmys (SCTV in 1982, Schitt’s Creek in 2020)
-
A Golden Globe
-
A SAG Award
She also earned nominations for projects like Temple Grandin and guest roles on shows such as Six Feet Under and 30 Rock.
In 2021, she received a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame.
How Will Catherine O’Hara Be Remembered in Hollywood?
O’Hara’s legacy lies in her versatility, from sketch comedy to voice acting and dramatic turns.
She brought authenticity to eccentric characters, making them relatable and unforgettable.
Her influence extends to fashion, memes, and pop culture, with Moira Rose inspiring drag performers and Halloween costumes.
Catherine O’Hara leaves behind a body of work that continues to delight audiences, ensuring her place as a comedy icon.
As fans mourn, her films and shows offer comfort through laughter—a fitting tribute to her enduring spirit.
Hat Tips
-
TMZ — Catherine O’Hara Dead at 71 — January 30, 2026
-
People — Catherine O’Hara, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ Star and Comedy Legend, Dies at 71 — January 30, 2026
-
Variety — Catherine O’Hara, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and ‘Home Alone’ Star, Dies at 71 — January 30, 2026
-
ABC News — Actress Catherine O’Hara dies at 71 — January 30, 2026
-
X Post by DiscussingFilm — January 30, 2026
Article Compiled and Edited by Derek Gibbs on January 30, 2026 for Clownfish TV D/REZZED
ClownfishTV.com strives to be an apolitical, balanced and based pop culture news outlet. However, our contributors are entitled to their individual opinions. Author opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of our video hosts, other site contributors, site editors, affiliates, sponsors or advertisers. This website contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. We disclaim products or services we have received for review purposes, as well as sponsored posts.
