Catherine Anne O’Hara, the beloved Canadian-American actress, comedian, and writer renowned for her versatility and comic brilliance, has died at the age of 71. O’Hara passed away on January 30, 2026, after a brief illness in Los Angeles, ending a career that spanned more than five decades and touched millions of fans worldwide.
Born on March 4, 1954, in Toronto, Ontario, O’Hara rose from Canadian sketch comedy stages to international film and television stardom. She first garnered widespread attention as a member of the influential comedy troupe SCTV in the 1970s and 1980s, where her sharp wit and boundless creativity marked her as a standout performer among a generation of comedic talents.
Her breakthrough in film came with memorable roles in a range of genres. O’Hara’s depiction of the resourceful yet frazzled Kate McCallister, the devoted mother in Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), made her a household name and endeared her to audiences of all ages. She also delivered standout performances in Tim Burton’s cult classic Beetlejuice (1988) as the eccentric Delia Deetz and appeared in Christopher Guest’s ensemble comedies Best in Show (2000) and A Mighty Wind (2003).
Perhaps her most celebrated late-career role was as Moira Rose on the critically acclaimed sitcom Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020). As the flamboyant, scene-stealing matriarch of the Rose family, O’Hara earned widespread praise and numerous awards, including a Primetime Emmy and a Golden Globe. Her portrayal became one of the most iconic in modern television comedy, blending absurdity, depth and genuine heart.
In addition to her onscreen roles, O’Hara also lent her voice to beloved animated films, including The Nightmare Before Christmas and others, where her rich character work further expanded her influence across generations.
The details surrounding her final moments remain limited. On the morning of January 30, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a medical call at her Brentwood residence and transported O’Hara to a nearby hospital in serious condition. She was later pronounced dead, prompting an outpouring of grief across Hollywood and around the world.
Official statements have described her passing as following a “brief illness,” though the exact cause of death has not been publicly confirmed by her family or representatives. In interviews before her death, O’Hara had spoken candidly about living with a rare medical condition called dextrocardia with situs inversus, a congenital condition in which her heart and internal organs were mirrored from their typical positions, but there is no indication this directly contributed to her passing.
The global entertainment community responded with heartfelt tributes. Longtime friend and Beetlejuice co-star Michael Keaton shared touching memories of their decades-long friendship, calling her a “goddess” of comedy and expressing deep gratitude for her influence both on and off screen.
Other tributes highlighted her impact across varied audiences and genres. At the 2026 Westminster Dog Show, organizers paused the event to honor her iconic role as dog enthusiast Cookie Fleck in Best in Show, with video montages celebrating her career and the joy she brought to fans worldwide.
Fans, colleagues and cultural commentators celebrated O’Hara’s unique blend of humor, authenticity and artistic risk-taking. Cast members from Schitt’s Creek and collaborators from dozens of films remembered her as a generous, fearless performer who could shift from absurd comedy to deeply emotional nuance with effortless grace.
She is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, and their two sons, who were often described as her proudest achievements outside of her groundbreaking career. Catherine O’Hara’s legacy will endure not only through the characters she brought to life but through the laughter and inspiration she brought to audiences around the world, a testament to a singular talent whose work will continue to resonate for generations.
